St. Paul’s School Trustee Josh Matlow is making a play for veteran Ward 22 Councillor Michael Walker’s job this election. The only question remaining is whether Matlow will be running against Walker, or in a ward left vacant by Walker’s retirement?

In an interview, Walker said he hasn’t yet made up his mind.

“I’m thinking about it,” said Walker, who has served as a councillor in Toronto for 28 years. “I haven’t made up my mind yet. I’ve got lots of time to make up my mind. It’s a serious one for me and I need to think about it.”

Matlow, on the other hand, made up his mind early – registering his nomination papers at Toronto City Hall on Monday, Jan. 4.

“Obviously I’ve made a decision and I’ve made a decision because I care deeply about my city,” said the Toronto District School Board trustee. “I’m not very happy with the way the city has been run for several years. I don’t like the petty bickering that I’ve seen. I don’t think there’s a sense of confidence that decisions are being made in a very thoughtful way.”

Matlow said he hoped he and other new councillors could bring a fresh voice of consensus to Toronto City Council to counteract the divisive political culture that has settled in.

“I hope it’s not just me; I hope that 10 or 12 new councillors will come to city hall who want to work together,” he said. “Even if we disagree on nine out of 10 things, let’s work together on the 10th.”

Walker said he would decide whether or not to run for his seat again by the spring. He said he’s thinking and talking.

“I’m thinking about it a little more, getting contrary opinions from family members,” he said. “My wife is the key one and she’s saying if I want to do it it’s fine with her. And if I run, I’ll be running on my record and I think that will serve me well. I think people see me as principled, and I think that’s been proven over the past 28 years.”

– David Nickle