mayor

Wednesday June 28, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 28, 2023

Ford Steps Away from Toronto’s Game Console

June 17, 2023

The recent election of Olivia Chow as Toronto’s mayor-elect marks a significant shift in the dynamics between Queen’s Park and city hall. As Premier Doug Ford steps away from the control console, his influence over Toronto’s affairs is likely to diminish. This change presents both challenges and opportunities for the city as it embarks on a new chapter under Chow’s leadership.

During the election campaign, Ford openly expressed his opposition to Chow’s candidacy, endorsing a rival candidate and warning of dire consequences if she were to be elected. However, now that the election is over, Ford has pledged to work with Chow and find common ground on key issues. 

This willingness to collaborate, regardless of political affiliations, is a positive step towards fostering cooperation between the provincial and municipal governments.

One area where Ford and Chow can potentially find agreement is in addressing the need for affordable housing in Toronto. Chow’s proposal to build 25,000 rent-controlled homes aligns with Ford’s support for affordable and purpose-built rentals. By working together, they can leverage their shared goals to make progress in tackling the pressing housing crisis in the city.

News: Doug Ford calls Olivia Chow a ‘nice person’ and vows to find ‘common ground’  

April 18, 2023

However, challenges loom on the horizon. Toronto faces a significant fiscal shortfall, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Ford urges Chow to get the city’s finances in order, it is essential for the provincial government to recognize the unique challenges faced by municipalities and provide necessary support. Finding a balance between fiscal responsibility and ensuring adequate resources for essential services will be crucial for both Ford and Chow.

April 29, 2014

One contentious issue that may strain the relationship between Queen’s Park and city hall is the redevelopment of Ontario Place. Chow opposes Ford’s plans, which include a luxury spa, a waterpark, and relocating the Ontario Science Centre. Ford, on the other hand, sees the redevelopment as an opportunity to transform Ontario Place into a world-class destination. Balancing the preservation of public spaces with the need for economic development will require constructive dialogue and compromise.

September 12, 2014

The success of Chow’s mayoral tenure will depend not only on her ability to navigate these challenges but also on her approach to governance. It is crucial for her to build bridges and maintain open lines of communication with the provincial government. While disagreements are inevitable, it is essential to find common ground and work towards shared goals, such as improving public transit, enhancing infrastructure, and creating opportunities for economic growth.

As Premier Doug Ford relinquishes control over Toronto’s affairs, the dynamics between Queen’s Park and city hall are poised for a change. With Olivia Chow assuming the mayoral role, there is an opportunity for a fresh approach and renewed collaboration. While challenges lie ahead, including fiscal constraints and divergent views on key issues, finding common ground and prioritizing the best interests of Toronto’s residents should be the guiding principle for both Chow and Ford. By working together, they can set a positive precedent for intergovernmental cooperation and pave the way for a prosperous future for the city. (AI)

 

Wednesday February 15, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday February 15, 2023

John Tory, amid scandal, will lead Toronto’s budget debate

2007

Toronto is about to have one tense budget meeting Wednesday.

John Tory, who announced last Friday night he’s stepping down as mayor following an extramarital affair with a staffer who used to work in his office, will preside over the meeting.

Tory’s presence in the chamber will be controversial. If he does, in fact, tender his resignation after passing the city’s $16-billion operating budget, he creates a situation where he will set the city on a specific course but won’t be there to deal with any potential fallout.

August 17, 2022

One can also argue Tory should be present for the debate because, thanks to the “strong mayor” powers he asked Ontario’s government to grant him, he is responsible for designing this budget. He is its champion.

Nobody really knows how this debate will go. This will be the first budget passed with the new strong mayor powers in place, which changes the dynamic because Tory can now veto any amendments, something that would then trigger a whole new chain of events.

There’s growing speculation about a political push for Tory to stay or run again in the very byelection his resignation could trigger. On Monday night, many Torontonians reported getting a robocall that included the question: “Would you support John Tory running in a mayoral byelection in 2023?”

Tory’s office said it is not connected with that polling.

Tory is proposing a property tax hike higher than Torontonians have been used to under his term (a 5.5 per cent increase) and will use that money, in part, to spend $48 million more on police. “The budget makes key investments in housing, transit, and community safety,” his office said.

October 26, 2022

Critics have focused on what’s not in it, including funding for 24/7 warming shelters, enough cash to keep transit fares from rising while the TTC struggles to get riders back on the system.

There may even be questions about police spending, after CBC Toronto published this story about the service’s $337,000 podcast.

With his “strong mayor” powers he only needs the support of one-third of council. At this point, he almost certainly still enjoys the support of eight councillors. 

Practically, Toronto’s budget is all about livability.

The decisions council makes affect everything from the state of the roads (pretty rough at the moment) to public library hours to whether or not there’s a bathroom open at the park during winter months — and yes, the latter did spark a major debate at city hall.

Hair: Toronto Mayor John Tory

There’s also the huge question of whether or not the city will do enough and spend enough to start tackling the housing affordability crisis.

This budget also features what Tory’s been calling a “COVID hangover” that’s created a financial crunch that the city needs the provincial and federal governments to help deal with. Tory and city council have recently launched yet another review of potential “revenue tools” — aka taxes, aka levies — that might bring in most cash in future years. (CBC) 

 

Wednesday October 19, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 19, 2022

Hamilton’s mayoral candidates

2014 Mayoral Race

There are a lot of differences among the nine people running for mayor of Hamilton. But many of them have things in common — an interest in changing housing, infrastructure, and the culture at city hall. And while some of these ideas may sound familiar to voters, others aren’t even within the mayor’s power to enact, falling under provincial or federal jurisdiction. (CBC)

 

Wednesday July 27, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday July 27, 2022

‘I love this city’: Former Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath enters Hamilton mayoral race

March 30, 2022

After weeks of speculation, Andrea Horwath is making it official.

Ontario’s former NDP leader is running for mayor of Hamilton.

“I’ve decided to jump in the race because I love this city. I always have,” she said.

“It’s the place where I get my passion from, and I’ve spent my whole life fighting for and working for Hamiltonians.”

Horwath, 59, makes it a three-way contest between main mayoral contenders Bob Bratina and Keanin Loomis.

Friday July 22, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday July 22, 2022

Ontario planning to bring in ‘strong mayor’ system for Toronto and Ottawa

Toronto Mayor John Tory welcomed the prospect of gaining more authority as the province considers introducing a strong-mayor system, while critics warned that the city has recent evidence of the risk of empowering its top politician.

July 28, 2018

Premier Doug Ford said Wednesday the policy shift was being planned for Toronto and Ottawa and it could eventually be expanded to other large cities.

Although specifics about the new powers were still being sorted out, Mr. Ford said the mayors would have veto authority on certain issues that come before council. This could then be overruled by a two-thirds majority of council members.

Under the current system, Toronto’s mayor has only one vote on council but has considerable power to manage issues and lean on councillors for support. Mr. Tory has been able to enact his agenda through two terms without losing any substantive council votes.