In the wake of John Tory’s decision not to run for Toronto mayor, Beaches East York councillor Brad Bradford said he’s “all in on Toronto” when it comes to his direction and vision for the city as the next mayor.
In making his pitch to voters on Wednesday, Bradford said Torontonians are looking for a local government that’s focused on delivering the basics, adding City Hall has been “drifting” for the past decade.
“I think for a long time, City Hall has spread itself a mile wide and an inch deep and has continued to fall down on those basic services that make a difference in our day-to-day lives,” said Bradford, confirming he will be on the ballot when registration opens on May 1.
“The bar has been on the ground, and we’ve just been trying to step over it,” he added, decidedly taking aim at Toronto’s last two mayors, despite Tory officially bowing out of the race Tuesday.
“Are we going to be a city that is bold and ambitious? Are we going to be a city that is a great place to raise a family and build a business? Or are we going to continue to be captivated by mediocrity?”
In 2023, Tory endorsed Ana Bailao, who finished second to Mayor Olivia Chow. Tory has said he has no plans to endorse anyone this time but wouldn’t hesitate to do so during the course of the campaign. Whether that means another centre-right candidate can take advantage remains to be seen.
“I’m not expecting any endorsements. I have to earn the endorsements, but the endorsement I want is from the people of Toronto,” said Bradford.
Bradford finished eighth in a very crowded field in 2023, garnering 9,254 votes compared to the more than 269,000 Chow received.
“He’s got to convince people that he’s the guy who can fix the city and make the city more livable for people. He’s got to, frankly, increase his name recognition and let people get to know him a little better,” said Laryssa Waler, CEO of Henley Strategies.
Chow has remained tight-lipped on the possibility of running for a second term, saying only that she remains committed to “working hard to make life affordable for Torontonians.”
Mark McAllister contributed to this report
In the wake of John Tory’s decision not to run for Toronto mayor, Beaches East York councillor Brad Bradford said he’s “all in on Toronto” when it comes to his direction and vision for the city as the next mayor. In making his pitch to voters on Wednesday, Bradford said Torontonians are looking for a Local
In the wake of John Tory’s decision not to run for Toronto mayor, Beaches East York councillor Brad Bradford said he’s “all in on Toronto” when it comes to his direction and vision for the city as the next mayor.
In making his pitch to voters on Wednesday, Bradford said Torontonians are looking for a local government that’s focused on delivering the basics, adding City Hall has been “drifting” for the past decade.
“I think for a long time, City Hall has spread itself a mile wide and an inch deep and has continued to fall down on those basic services that make a difference in our day-to-day lives,” said Bradford, confirming he will be on the ballot when registration opens on May 1.
“The bar has been on the ground, and we’ve just been trying to step over it,” he added, decidedly taking aim at Toronto’s last two mayors, despite Tory officially bowing out of the race Tuesday.
“Are we going to be a city that is bold and ambitious? Are we going to be a city that is a great place to raise a family and build a business? Or are we going to continue to be captivated by mediocrity?”
In 2023, Tory endorsed Ana Bailao, who finished second to Mayor Olivia Chow. Tory has said he has no plans to endorse anyone this time but wouldn’t hesitate to do so during the course of the campaign. Whether that means another centre-right candidate can take advantage remains to be seen.
“I’m not expecting any endorsements. I have to earn the endorsements, but the endorsement I want is from the people of Toronto,” said Bradford.
Bradford finished eighth in a very crowded field in 2023, garnering 9,254 votes compared to the more than 269,000 Chow received.
“He’s got to convince people that he’s the guy who can fix the city and make the city more livable for people. He’s got to, frankly, increase his name recognition and let people get to know him a little better,” said Laryssa Waler, CEO of Henley Strategies.
Chow has remained tight-lipped on the possibility of running for a second term, saying only that she remains committed to “working hard to make life affordable for Torontonians.”
Mark McAllister contributed to this report