The Race to the Top

 

BY Gus Constantinou (EMPHASIS WORLD)

The race for Mayor of Toronto is heating up as the candidates head into the last week before voters head to the polls and make their decision on October 25, 2010. The fight for the Mayor's seat was open for the first time since 2003 when incumbent David Miller announced on September 25, 2009 that he will not seek a third term in office. The nomination period for the 2010 municipal election, opened on January 4, 2010 and closed on September 10, began with 7 candidates, of which 3 are left standing.

Rocco Rossi, Sarah Thomson, Adam Giambrone and Giorgio Mammoliti, were considered major candidates when they launched their campaigns but have since dropped out of the race. That leaves just three candidates left as the battle for who will lead Canada’s largest, and arguably most important city, is now in a home-stretch. Emphasis Magazine has had exclusive access to candidates. They are Ward 2 councillor Rob Ford, Deputy Mayor and Ward 19 councillor Joe Pantalone and former Liberal cabinet minister George Smitherman.

As with most elections, there are several key issues that have remained constant in the campaign. Transportation has been the most important with debates over cycling and public transit, with an increasing debate over public transit focusing on Mayor Miller's Transit City initiative.

Yet another, and arguably more important issue, is how to pay for municipal services, especially when the City is in the red. The questions over where to cut and spend, what image Toronto wants to show the world, how services can be more efficient, and how a city can grow without reaching too far into taxpayers pockets have dominated headlines and analysis.

As of the most recent polls, Mr. Smitherman and Mr. Ford are emerging as leaders with support in the low 40% region for each candidate. The polls vary, and have a margin of error hovering at the 5% range, but most agree that a slight edge is given to Mr Ford. For his part, Mr. Pantalone is trailing by a large margin but fighting the good fight and refusing to back down, despite polls that put him in the low 10% support range. However, what will really make or break each candidate is the overwhelming number of undecided votes. Estimated at 25% of potential voters, the undecided’s can easily decide the victor.

Combined with whatever potential supporters Mr. Pantalone may grant the more dominant candidate if his numbers continue to slip, this election is proving it will go down to the wire. 

 

George Smitherman’s Response

 

Rob Ford’s Response

 

Joe Pantalone’s Response