The race to become Toronto’s next mayor is fascinating. The major media dislike Rob Ford – can’t believe that he is the front runner. Rob Ford is the front runner because he has actual support from real voters.
I came across an interesting article about this in the June 14, 2010 Globe written by Marcus Gee. The following comment on this article offered an interesting prediction:
“October 25 is a long way away. Rob Ford’s success is rooted in the fact that, whether or not you like the message, Rob Ford does stand for something. Furthermore, he has real “flesh and blood” supporters. The other candidates stand for nothing except wanting to be Mayor.
Here is my prediction (barring a strong candidate entering the race):
1. Ford’s support will continue to grow. The reason is that he actually has support from real voters. The other candidates have support from only the media.
2. The “left” will rally around Pantalone.
3. Smitherman will be relevant only is so far as we will see where his supporters go when it becomes clear that he can’t win.
4. The left will ignite an “Anybody but Ford chorus”.
5. This will solidify Ford’s support.
6. On October 25, in the largest percentage turnout in Toronto voting history, Rob Ford will win.
What the intelligentsia fails to understand is that people do not like and do not respect City Council. They want a change and Rob Ford is it!
There is time to reverse Ford’s momentum. The first step is to realize that Rob Ford does embody a lot of what people want from City Hall.
The current City Council does not.
I will reread this prediction on October 25 and see if I was right.”
It looks as though Royson James may be having similar thoughts. The other mayoral candidates need to understand that Rob Ford is for real.
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July 12, 2010
Royson James
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/torontomayoralrace/article/835001–james-can-pantalone-turn-ford-s-momentum-into-victory
City Hall is near shut down for the summer. Mayor David Miller is on vacation and unavailable for comment. And Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone is the man in charge.
The last thing Joe needs is a quiet two weeks of summer doldrums. He could use something dramatic to catapult him to the top of public consciousness. The career politician needs a crisis or two to test his civic chops, something to show the public that Little Joe can handle the big job. Continue reading →