John Tory will not run for mayor
admin | Thursday, January 7th, 2010 | No Comments »
Former Progressive Conservative leader chooses city-building alliance instead
A death-bed plea from the late David Pecaut to take up the torch of the Toronto City Summit Alliance was what convinced former Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory to change his mind about seeking the Toronto mayoralty this year.
According to a statement released this morning, Tory has decided to take Pecaut up on that suggestion and take over the city-building alliance – leaving the mayor’s race wide open.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Tory said he’ll also be continuing with his talk radio show at CFRB and with work at Rogers.
“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,” he said.
Tory will be holding a news conference today at 1:30 p.m.
– David Nickle
