Home / Commentary / Toronto’s Amazing Mayoralty Race

Toronto’s Amazing Mayoralty Race

By Rupert Johnson

Who says that local politics is dull! Just when I thought that the Toronto mayoralty campaigning circus was drawing to an uneventful end, I was flabbergasted when I heard the news that owing to ill health, Rob Ford decided to drop out of the race for the top job at City Hall.

Then to be further overwhelmed with astonishment it was announced that his brother, Doug Ford would step up to the plate and replace him in the fight for the mayor’s chair. But to round off this amazing development of sudden events, Rob Ford decided that he would settle for the lesser job as a mere councillor in Ward 2, Doug’ old Ward. This switching of political roles demonstrates the genuine loyalty between these siblings.

These momentous events have certainly ignited what looked like a spark-less campaign. As it now stands this municipal election may very well be the most exciting and eventual mayoralty race in the history of hog town (Toronto).

Prior to the most stupendous changes in the local political arena, John Tory was way ahead with 40% of decided voters while Rob Ford and Olivia Chow trailed with approximately 28% and 21% respectively. With Tory’s impressive lead many thought that the race was over. But is it? Less than a day after Doug Ford announced his candidacy for mayor the electoral wheel of fortune started to make dramatic changes. Now Tory is still in front with 41%, but Doug Ford’s rating has soared to 34% and Olivia Chow has dropped to 19%.

Thus, notice has been served. Look out John Tory! Doug Ford is in hot pursuit and gaining ground. It should be noted that although Doug lacks his brother’s charismatic appeal, he is much less polarizing and does not carry a lot of Rob’s baggage of ill repute.

There is no doubt that Doug will inherit the very loyal base of the Ford Nation and may probably attract those former supporters who became disenchanted with the perennial shenanigans of his recalcitrant younger brother.

Believe it or not the majority of Torontonians appear to like the Ford political and economic platform of lower taxes and modern transit. They would probably like to see a continuation of Rob’s fiscal conservatism. Rob stated: “I’ve asked Doug to finish what we started together, so that all we’ve accomplished isn’t washed away.” He further said: “Doug, we have always been an unstoppable team.” This may very well be the case if the polls continue to rise in Doug’s favour.

A lot can take place in about forty four days leading up to Election Day on October 27. The public opinion polls will go up and down, but one thing is certain this will be the most exciting and eventful mayoral race in the history of Toronto.

Rupert Johnson can be reached at: r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Scroll To Top