John Tory Confirms He Won’t Run For Mayor

John Tory confirmed he won’t be running for mayor and will instead head up the Toronto City Summit Alliance following the passing of the group’s former chair, David Pecaut.

The former leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party made his intentions clear in a statement released Thursday.

“I am extremely gratified by the degree of support offered to me on the streets, in public opinion polls and in the committed support of a significant number of City Councillors, however I have decided that I will pursue a different course with my life and my career,” he said.

Tory revealed that Pecaut contacted him just before his death, urging him to take over the volunteer post.

“The Board of the TCSA has subsequently confirmed their desire to have me occupy this volunteer post and I intend to accept that appointment,” he said. “It will give me a great opportunity not only to carry on the vital work of the TCSA and build on David Pecaut’s considerable legacy, but also to remain a very active contributor to the city I love and call home.”

Tory said he’ll continue hosting his talk radio program and his work with various agencies, including the United Way, Easter Seals and St. Mike’s Hospital. The decision against running for mayor will leave him more time to spend with his family, he noted.

“I look forward to the opportunity to be a commentator and analyst in the campaign to come. That will be a new experience!”

Tory has run five campaigns in the past six years, including the 2003 mayoral race. His campaign manager was former Liberal Party national director Rocco Rossi, who is now himself vying for the city’s top political job. Rossi made his candidacy official Monday and Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti followed suit the next day.

Former Ontario cabinet minister George Smitherman is expected to file the necessary paperwork at City Hall next week.


Tory’s full statement:

I am extremely gratified by the degree of support offered to me on the streets, in public opinion polls and in the committed support of a significant number of City Councillors, however I have decided that I will pursue a different course with my life and my career.

Just prior to the sad passing of David Pecaut, he wrote to me and urged me to seriously consider taking the helm of the Toronto City Summit Alliance, which he did so much to build into a huge force for city building. The Board of the TCSA has subsequently confirmed their desire to have me occupy this volunteer post and I intend to accept that appointment. It will give me a great opportunity not only to carry on the vital work of the TCSA and build on David Pecaut’s considerable legacy, but also to remain a very active contributor to the city I love and call home.

I will also be continuing with other activities I am very much enjoying including the hosting of my daily talk show on Newstalk 1010, increased responsibilities with Rogers following the passing of my friend and mentor Ted Rogers, other corporate Boards and business assignments and a myriad of charitable responsibilities with organizations ranging from the United Way and St. Michael’s Hospital to Unity for Autism and Easter Seals. This decision will also leave more time for family, including Barbara, our four children and two grandchildren.

I want to thank all of the people who encouraged me to contest the Mayoralty, especially those who helped me establish the foundation for a strong organization, and all of the citizens who communicated with me in person or otherwise to express their confidence in me.

I look forward to the opportunity to be a commentator and analyst in the campaign to come. That will be a new experience!

I also look forward to continuing to be an activist citizen and using my energy and experience to help build a better Toronto.

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