Mayoral candidate meets with Toronto Community News editorial board

Don’t write George Smitherman off “as a downtown guy” because he sees Maple Leaf Gardens from his apartment window.

To beat that perception and become a mayor for all parts of Toronto this fall, the former Toronto Centre MPP says he’s striving to “be out there and be seen” in the city’s suburbs, including Etobicoke, where he was raised. Read More

Former Progressive Conservative leader John Tory is keeping mum about any plans he might have for a career in Toronto municipal politics – but that’s not stopping a growing number of supporters and political wags from salivating at the prospect that the talk radio host might wade back into the mayor’s race.

“John has not made up his mind,” said a Progressive Conservative who asked to remain anonymous. “But there are a number of people who want this to happen and are trying to convince him, and put together a team. So when he’s ready to go, he’s got people.” Read More

York Centre Councillor Mike Feldman is throwing in the towel.

Feldman, who has represented the Ward 10 community for the past 18 years, made the announcement that he would not be seeking re-election in a letter to his constituents over the weekend, and told members of the media on Tuesday morning. Read More

‘Last-decade’ technology cited by TTC Chair Giambrone

Toronto’s leading mayoral candidates were split on the issue of a new technology for the TTC this week, while the commission tried to establish its move toward open-payment fare collection that has been months in the making.

Responding to a pledge by Rocco Rossi to make the reloadable Presto smart card the system’s money-taker during his term as mayor, TTC Chair Adam Giambrone said he expected to sign a contract this fall to install devices that allow passengers to pay with credit or debit cards. Read More

Ford challenged to one-on-one debate

The race to become mayor of Toronto appears to be down to two men, candidate George Smitherman said Thursday, July 22.

Hours after challenging competitor Rob Ford to a one-on-one radio debate, Smitherman said polls and residents have led him to believe he and Ford are the main contenders to lead the nation’s largest city. Read More

Lawrence Heights Inter-Organizational Network will host a mayoral debate Friday, July 23.

The debate will be held at Lawrence Heights Community Centre, 5 Replin Rd. in the Lawrence Avenue and Allen Road area, from 6 to 9 p.m. Read More