Outgoing Vaughan mayor Bevilacqua endorses Steven Del Duca for role

Vaughan mayoral candidate Steven Del Duca has received a big endorsement from the city’s outgoing mayor.

Maurizio Bevilacqua, who served as mayor of the city for 12 years, says he’ll be voting for Del Duca, claiming the former Ontario Liberal Leader “has the experience, energy, and vision to continue delivering strong, stable, and accountable leadership at city hall.”

“The past 12 years for our community have been truly exceptional,” Bevilacqua says. “We must remain on the same path and continue to fulfill the potential of our city.”

The two are expected to hold a joint news conference on Thursday to go over what they’re calling a 10-point action plan that will focus on their shared vision of city building.

“I want to sincerely thank Maurizio Bevilacqua for his endorsement, and for his incredible leadership over the last 12 years,” said Del Duca in a statement. “I have been lucky to call him a friend for many years, and I had the pleasure of working closely with him to deliver our hospital, our subway, and so much more.”

Del Duca announced he would be running for mayor in August after stepping down as leader of the provincial Liberal Party following his election loss to Doug Ford in June.

The Vaughan municipal election is being held on Oct. 24 and advanced voting in that city is open from Oct. 6 to Oct. 20.