Race to replace late councillor Pam McConnell heats up as front-runners emerge

City hall is known for political maneuvering, but the level of politicking has reached a new high this week as the race heats up to appoint a successor to late councillor Pam Mcconnell who passed away suddenly in July.

Rather than hold a costly by-election, council chose to appoint someone in McConnell’s place, with a vote to be held Thursday morning. There are 35 candidates vying for the position in Ward 28-Toronto-Centre Rosedale, and it appears two front-runners have emerged.

Michael Creek has spent a decade working and volunteering in the non-profit sector. He currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Working for Change, an organization that provides education and work opportunities for people impacted by mental illness and addiction.

“I think it’s really important that someone who has the same values and principals as Pam Connell had takes the position,” said Creek.

Creek would bring an interesting perspective to city hall, having once been homeless.

“I want a more equitable, more equal city for people, that we don’t leave anybody behind.”

Also in the mix is Lucy Troisi, the current Executive Director of the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Troisi has a lengthy resume at city hall, which includes serving as Manager of Parks and Recreation from 1996 to 2005, followed by a six-year stint at Manager of Community Management.

“Ward 28 has been my life. I was born and raised in Regent Park. I’ve either lived, worked or volunteered in the ward my entire life,” Troisi told CityNews.

“I’m a child that grew up in a poverty, so I know what the true meaning is to benefit from all the programs and services that city hall provides as well as all sorts of great agencies in the neighbourhood.”

Both candidates have impressive resumes and council seems to be split — perhaps between the political left and right — as to who should get the job.

Budget Chief Gary Crawford has thrown his support behind Troisi, whom he has known for a couple of years. He says her years of experience at city hall mean she can easily step into the job.

“She has worked and lived and breathed the ward her entire life,” said Crawford.

“She knows the ward incredibly well and she’s worked a lot with the late Pam McConnell on many, many initiatives that are close to Pam’s heart and she’s committed to continuing that legacy.”

Crawford also pointed out gender equality as an important factor.

“The last two councillors we brought on board, one through by-election and one through an appointment, have been white males.”

But there is also a strong movement of support for Creek. Members of McConnell’s family have been seen at city hall in recent days talking to councillors about Creek’s bid.

Trinity-Spadina Councillor Joe Cressy believes Creek is a natural fit.

“Michael is somebody who comes from the Pam McConnell tradition. He worked with Pam very closely on a number of files in Regent Park, on the anti-poverty agenda, and on development matters,” said Cressy.

“He’s somebody who the family of Pam McConnell and most of the community leaders in Ward 28 are supporting, and he’s somebody who said he’s not running again. He’s in here to carry on Pam’s work with her staff for the rest of the year.”

Former Mayor Barbara Hall has also written a letter of support for Creek.

Whoever succeeds McConnell will step into a key role in the downtown ward. Millions of waterfront redevelopment dollars are currently in play, along with the ongoing revitalization of Regent Park – Canada’s largest public housing complex.

Click here to see the full list of candidates for appointment.