TORONTO – Toronto’s deputy (and acting) mayor has endorsed Liberal leader Kathleen Wynne in the upcoming election.
“The city needs a city-friendly leader. This province needs a city-friendly premier. Kathleen, that leader is you,” Kelly said.
His endorsement of Wynne, he said, was in part influenced by her willingness to partner with Toronto in the past – most notably during the ice storm.
“Effective leadership has certain characteristics not only in those forums about leadership but during the ice storm,” he told reporters.
“When that devastating ice storm hit this city, I picked up the phone and called the Premier immediately and her response was immediate”
In Depth: Ontario Election 2014
December’s devastating storm covered the city with a thick layer of ice, knocked out power to up to 300,000 hydro customers and is expected to cost the city more than $106 million.
The Liberals’ platform would let cities decide whether to pursue a ranked ballot voting system, as Toronto has requested.
He also said Wynne has agreed to examine the possibility of uploading at least some of the costs related to social housing – a burden of roughly $300 million each year, he said.
But that “city-friendly” tagline may not be the label Wynne was looking for: The Toronto MPP made a point of naming herself agriculture minister when she became Premier to downplay accusations of ignoring rural issues.
This makes two Toronto-area mayors who’ve endorsed the incumbent Liberals: Outgoing Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion endorsed Wynne in May.
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