Vance Badawey isn’t going. Bob Saracino is inviting himself.

When Debbie Sevenpifer and Dr. Bill Shragge of the Niagara Health System speak to the Port Colborne Rotary Club Centennial Wednesday, the city's mayor will silently protest.

During Monday’s council meeting, Badawey announced he will not attend the luncheon, despite an invitation from the Rotary Club. He said he has sent two invitations to the top NHS executives inviting them to speak to council in an open public forum, but has not heard any response.

“I would only expect to receive any NHS hospital improvement plan presentation in an open forum with all to hear, see and therefore understand, in terms of why the NHS is currently recommending what they have within their plan,” he said.

“Anything less, in my opinion, is an attempt to manipulate the media and the public.”

Port Colborne’s regional councillor has another opinion on the matter.

Although he wasn’t formally invited, Bob Saracino said he will be attending Wednesday’s meeting and is looking forward to it.

“I’ll be going,” he said.

The Rotary club is expecting a larger than normal crowd and has scheduled its weekly meeting at Roselawn, rather than its regular meeting place, San Marcos.