John Tory on the defensive in first of two mayoral debates

Thursday marked the first of two mayoral debates John Tory agreed to, facing off against four of his competitors in a round table discussion. As expected, the incumbent found himself on the defensive.

Tory, along with Gil Penalosa, Chloe Brown, Sarah Climenhaga and Jack Yan, took part in the debate which was organized by the seniors’ group CARP.

“I’m putting my experience to work to make sure that Toronto comes back stronger than ever,” said Tory, trying to defend his record while speaking about efforts to get affordable housing and transit built.

Penalosa, his main competitor in the race for mayor, made a point of bringing up crumbling infrastructure while taking direct aim at the two-term mayor.

“In the last 8 years the city has been less affordable, less equitable, less sustainable and we need to change,” said Penalosa.

“When we see the parks, that they don’t even open the water fountains – half of them were not even open in June. By the way the mayor didn’t know that until after eight years as mayor. Maybe it’s time that we have a mayor that actually walks or takes public transit or uses public parks as a normal part of their leisurely life.”

Tory conceded he wasn’t satisfied with the city’s performance, saying “we can do better and we will do better.”

It was an admission that gave other candidates an opportunity to go after Tory on issues both big and small, such as filling potholes.

“I think actually think we have a pretty good record of getting out there, 180,000 so far this year. So far this year…”

“And that’s the problem,” Brown interjected. “You’re relying on residents to tell you to do your job. Meanwhile you’re the leader and you should be setting visions and a plan for us to co-opt on to.”

“You guys are more concerned about debating changing a street name and how much you spend on waterfront umbrellas rather than looking at these local issues,” said Yan.

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The newly established “strong mayor” powers and the relationship with the province proved to be another point of contention.

“Everything has to be in agreement with Doug Ford or you will not get that,” said Penalosa. “I will work with city council, I will work with the citizens, and I don’t think this is about to mayoral powers. It’s about vision and action.”

“Any big city is going to be full of complex problems that’s why we need to have a mayor and why we need to have a council and a public service,” replied Tory.

“And that’s why we need to bring people into what we’re doing, not just the mayor,” shot back Climenhaga.

Speaking with the media afterwards, Penalosa suggested that some of the city’s top bureaucrats need to be replaced as a result of the issues that were brought up in the debate. And they should also better represent the city’s diversity.

Tory defended the city’s efforts to hire more people from different communities.

The next debate is being hosted the Toronto Region Board of Trade on October 17 at 2 p.m.

Election day is October 24.