No need for the over-the-top language. Again, wait and see how things play out before the attack on Mayor Tory begins!
It's interesting to see how the Star framed John Tory's cabinet vis-a-vis the Globe and Mail; the Globe lead is as follows: John Tory is setting up a centre-right administration as he takes over the mayoralty of Canada’s largest city Monday – but he’s building some important bridges to city council’s left.
Edward Keenan seems to think the sky is falling.
I've already noted that there is a pretty sizable (if not vocal) majority on UT that doesn't like John Tory. Fine. This is a forum and we get to discuss things. I'm also disappointment by the choice of DMW, the others are probably the best of a pretty mediocre lot. I know KWT gets a lot of love from this Board, but I'm not sure she's universally loved as "progressive" [sic] urban voters want her to be.
I would argue that the vast majority of Torontonians a) don't have any clue about what the Executive does, who's on it, and won't remember who the deputy mayor is a week from now; we have proven over the last 4 years that when it comes to municipal government the vast majority of Torontonians want: cheap taxes and transit. Is this base politics and perhaps offensive to people who have time and energy to dream up beautiful rail paths, perseverate over tree types on Bloor Street (I'm making fun of myself here), and lament window wall versus curtain wall, yeah it probably is. Torontonians (both downtowners and suburbanites alike) just want to get to work quickly, and earn money so they can pay their taxes. There doesn't seem to be much appreciation for the finer points of municipal government (and quite frankly - having watched city council over the lats four years... I don't blame people - and that statement could probably hold true with or without Ford).
Secondly - has anyone on this forum ever worked in politics? It's a pretty nasty and brutal place (not exactly House of Cards worthy) but it can be. In the municipal realm there are no parties, so the only way to "whip" council is through appointments. Tory may have thought its easier to control the right leaning councillors, whom he has more affinity towards anyway, by appointing them to his executive. Does this make for solid government? No. Is this any different than what Olivia Chow would have done - probably not.
Thirdly. What is progressive in the context that gets bandied about these days? (i.e. I do agree that progressive downtown voters who held their nose for Tory should be kicking themselves.) You may think your ideology or political beliefs are "progressive" but they may be progressive to you, and not to others... Is it NOT contracting out garbage west of Yonge (probably the only successful plank of Rob Ford's mayoralty)? Is the assumption therefore that Unions are progressive? Because to be honest - I find our municipal unions regressive - what does that make me? A member of Fordnation? In my opinion one of the largest set backs of Rob Ford was his social non progressiveness... his homophobia, misogony etc... has John Tory ever exhibited any of these characteristics (oh right... the women and golf course comment - let's all go to town on that).
Lastly - there continues to be a shred amongst discourse that "the downtown does not have representation" or "amalgamation caused this". What if there are people downtown who voted for Tory because you know... they liked Smart Track and when it comes to municipal politics they just want low property taxes because they've stretched their salaries to buy a semi detached in Riverdale? This attitude that continues to permeate the discourse when it comes to YYZ politics (suburbs versus city) is just as equally permeated by the downtown elitests and that attitude is helping no one.
Is John Tory - your cup of tea? Probably not. Is he "Rob Ford in better cloths and a bit more professional." Its a bit of a stretch people. But hey... its a forum so we're all entitled to our opinions.
