Mayor jokes about running again as nominations close
Sept 10 last day for candidates to sign up in this election
Kris Scheuer
(Written for Town Crier Sept. 10)
Outgoing Mayor David Miller joked about making a last minute filing to run again moments before nominations closed Sept. 10. Town Crier file photo.
Mayor David Miller strolled into the city council chambers about 10 minutes before 2 p.m. nomination deadline waiving $200 in his hand.
Was Miller going to change his mind and register at the last possible moment for the job he’s held for two terms?
No, he was just having a bit of fun with the media who were gathered to see the final tally of who is running for the top job, council seats and various school boards.
However, Miller did use the opportunity to urge Torontonians to get out and vote on Oct. 25.
“Vote for … A city that welcomes everyone from around the world and builds for the future,” he said. “That is the kind of Toronto I want my children to grow up in and that’s the kind of Toronto that the vast majority of Torontonians want to see.”
Media joked that with seven minutes left until nominations closed, did he want to change his mind and run again?
“I made my decision (not to run) awhile ago and I meant it sincerely,” he said.
He also didn’t miss the chance to steer voters away from a mayoral candidate who will tear down Toronto.
“The election should be about building a better city not about tearing it down,” said Miller.
He declined to endorse anyone for mayor or name candidates he felt were tearing it down with their policy announcements.
“I think you’ve got people saying things like they will freeze taxes and be the budget chief. You have people saying they want to spend $6 billion on one subway line and cancel the Eglinton crosstown LRT. There is blame to be spread around.
“People are saying what they want to hear is how this city will be built for the future of everyone. How is it going to help people?” said Miller. “How will actually build transit rather than just talk about it for another generation.”
The city chose to have the final day of nominations take place in the city council chambers where candidates got to sit in the chairs they would occupy if elected.
“Using the council chamber was an opportunity to open up the process to the public and have the public see and feel what happens on nomination day,” said spokesperson Rob Andrusevich. “It also gives some of the candidates a chance to sit in the chair they might sit in one day and get a feel for the environment.”
Nominations opened Jan. 4 and closed at 2 p.m. Sept. 10. The city’s still calculating the final numbers. There may be some alterations and a final list will be posted Mon. Sept 13 on the city’s website at www.toronto.ca/elections.
Kris Scheuer 