Tory incumbent apologizes for distracted driving

By: Colin Slark Posted: 4:00 AM CDT Thursday, Sep. 9, 2021

BRANDON — Brandon-Souris Conservative candidate Larry Maguire has issued an apology after being caught distracted driving on video last week.

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BRANDON — Brandon-Souris Conservative candidate Larry Maguire has issued an apology after being caught distracted driving on video last week.

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This article was published 09/09/2021 (1653 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

BRANDON — Brandon-Souris Conservative candidate Larry Maguire has issued an apology after being caught distracted driving on video last week.

Last weekend, the Sun was sent a short video of Maguire in a campaign-branded SUV, looking down at his lap and back up at the road as he was stopped at a red light in Winnipeg. When traffic started to move again, Maguire continued to shift his attention between his lap and the road.

Stephen Leszkovics said he shot the video Sept. 3 at the intersection of Bishop Grandin Boulevard and St. Anne’s Road in the provincial capital.

“I’m a poor person, I don’t have much money,” Leszkovics said Wednesday. “To see these political elites running around, breaking the law because he can pay for it, it offends me.

“If I get a ticket for texting and driving, it hurts me in the pocketbook. If he gets one, who cares? He just pays it because he has the funds to do it.”

He also reported the infraction to Maguire’s campaign office.

“Distracted driving is a serious issue and the rules are in place to ensure everyone’s safety on the road,” Maguire wrote in an email response to a request for comment.

“I apologize for being distracted while driving and it is not something I will do again.”

Maguire has represented Brandon-Souris since 2013, when he won a seat vacated by former Conservative MP and current Killarney-Turtle Mountain Mayor Merv Tweed. Maguire was MLA for Arthur-Virden from 1999, until he resigned to pursue federal politics.

Submitted
Brandon-Souris Tory candidate Larry Maguire is seen looking at his lap while driving Friday. — Submitted Brandon-Souris Tory candidate Larry Maguire is seen looking at his lap while driving Friday.

In Manitoba, it is illegal to use a hand-held electronic device while driving, MPI says on its website.

Drivers caught in violation receive a three-day licence suspension for a first offence and seven days for subsequent offences. Upon conviction, they also receive a $672 fine.

— Brandon Sun