John Rodriguez roast or campaign kickoff?

Former Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez was roasted Wednesday night at a charity fundraiser —  but at times it felt more like an election campaign kickoff.

The veteran politician has said he wants a re-match against Mayor Marianne Matichuk in the next municipal election in 2014.

Friends and family of John Rodriguez told stories and took shots at the former Nickel Belt MP and Sudbury Mayor during the event, including one of his five sons, Declan Rodriguez, who recapped the ups and downs of his father's 40 years in politics.

'At least he had a vision.' —Coun. Ron Dupuis on John Rodriguez

"[He] ran for office and won, then lost, went back to teaching, ran again and won, then lost, went back to teaching again, then retired, then ran as mayor, won, then lost and is now thinking about running again," he recounted.

"Maybe, instead of a roast, this should be an intervention."

Other roasters at last night's event included former Sudbury police chief Ian Davidson and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli.

There were jokes about the Elton John ticket scandal, the Ombudsman controversy and there was a lot of talk about politics.

City councillor Ron Dupuis was one of many roasters who praised Rodriguez for his nearly two decades as Nickel Belt MP, but more specifically for his time as Greater Sudbury's mayor.

"He had a vision," he said. "Unfortunately that vision went down the toilet when we brought it to the public. But you know, at least he had a vision."

Rodriguez, who just turned 76, appears to be preparing for a re-match in city politics, which was confounding to some, like Elliot Lake Mayor Rick Hamilton.

"We have no bloody idea why you want to do this again, but good luck to you," he said.

The proceeds from the roast were to go to the Human League breakfast program.