Former executive assistant Chris Sellors announces candidacy

Michael Walker will end a 28-year career representing the north Toronto communities in St. Paul’s this year – and his now-former executive assistant Chris Sellors will be running to replace him.

Walker and Sellors made the joint announcement Thursday, March 11, at the Toronto City Hall Press Gallery offices.

Walker, 69, told reporters he had been considering whether to seek re-election for some time, but was finally persuaded by his children.

“I’m announcing today my intention not to stand for re-election in Ward 22,” he said.

“I do this with mixed emotions. I’ve been most fortunate and honored to have represented residents in Toronto for 28 years. Over those years I’ve been privileged to serve the interests of an astute, discerning electorate. But the time has come now for me to step aside from that role which I will dearly miss.”

Walker said he has no intentions to return to politics – and will focus on spending time with his family at the ancestral cottage.

Chris Sellors, 35, had resigned from Walker’s office Wednesday to concentrate on the election campaign and announced his intentions Thursday.

The former sales manager and songwriter said he would bring to bear his eight years of experience working in Walker’s office, the past five as executive assistant.

“I am asking residents of Ward 22 for the privilege of representing them,” said Sellors. “I know the ward. I know its people. Their concerns are my concerns and because of my experience of eight years I’m the only candidate that can hit the ground running.”

Sellors is running against local TDSB school trustee Josh Matlow, who declared his candidacy in January.

– David Nickle

Incumbent Walker to decide in the spring whether to run again

St. Paul’s School Trustee Josh Matlow is making a play for veteran Ward 22 Councillor Michael Walker’s job this election. The only question remaining is whether Matlow will be running against Walker, or in a ward left vacant by Walker’s retirement?

In an interview, Walker said he hasn’t yet made up his mind.

“I’m thinking about it,” said Walker, who has served as a councillor in Toronto for 28 years. “I haven’t made up my mind yet. I’ve got lots of time to make up my mind. It’s a serious one for me and I need to think about it.”

Matlow, on the other hand, made up his mind early – registering his nomination papers at Toronto City Hall on Monday, Jan. 4.

“Obviously I’ve made a decision and I’ve made a decision because I care deeply about my city,” said the Toronto District School Board trustee. “I’m not very happy with the way the city has been run for several years. I don’t like the petty bickering that I’ve seen. I don’t think there’s a sense of confidence that decisions are being made in a very thoughtful way.”

Matlow said he hoped he and other new councillors could bring a fresh voice of consensus to Toronto City Council to counteract the divisive political culture that has settled in.

“I hope it’s not just me; I hope that 10 or 12 new councillors will come to city hall who want to work together,” he said. “Even if we disagree on nine out of 10 things, let’s work together on the 10th.”

Walker said he would decide whether or not to run for his seat again by the spring. He said he’s thinking and talking.

“I’m thinking about it a little more, getting contrary opinions from family members,” he said. “My wife is the key one and she’s saying if I want to do it it’s fine with her. And if I run, I’ll be running on my record and I think that will serve me well. I think people see me as principled, and I think that’s been proven over the past 28 years.”

– David Nickle