Toronto Mike

Toronto's Mayor Has Little Power Beyond Consensus Building

Toronto's Mayor Has Little Power Beyond Consensus Building

The last four years have been a political nightmare for this city, but it has shed light on how little power Toronto's mayor actually holds. The mayor of Toronto is more of a figurehead with merely a single vote at council. As we learned first hand, you're better off with no mayor than a bad mayor, but a bad mayor can cause little actual damage beyond embarrassment and shame.

There are three candidates who will share the bulk of votes cast in this municipal election, and only one would make a lousy mayor. Doug Ford has demonstrated time and time again that he would be unable to work with council and other levels of government to reach consensus and move this city forward. And when you can't do that, you've given up your primary power as mayor. We'd be far better off with no mayor than Doug Ford as mayor.

That leaves Olivia Chow and John Tory, and I believe both would make fine mayors of this city. Yes, my values and ideals better align with Chow's, but John Tory would represent this city with dignity, would work well with council and other levels of government and would help us rebuild after four years in the wilderness.

Only five days to go...

Author image
About Toronto Mike
Toronto
I own TMDS and host Toronto MIke'd. Become a Patron.