TORONTO – Peter Leon has been appointed the newest member of Toronto’s city council despite the recommendations of Mayor Rob Ford and the Etobicoke community council.
Leon, who is replacing former Councillor Doug Holyday and had gained his endorsement, won on the third ballot with 26 votes.
“I’m indeed grateful, as I just said to council, for the trust they’ve shown in me in giving me this position today to represent the people of ward 3,” Leon said. “I’m truly looking forward to working with the people of Ward 3 and giving them what we see here today, democracy in action.”
Leon beat out Chris Stockwell, a former councillor and MPP, despite being recommended by the Etobicoke York Community Council and the support of the mayor.
According to the Toronto Star, Holyday had written a letter to his former colleagues on council urging them to ignore the recommendations of the community council.
“I would like to point out that ever since this process began, my calls from my former constituents strongly support the appointment of Peter Leon as opposed to that of any former office holder. Obviously, I agree with them,” the letter quoted by The Star reads.
Despite not voting for Leon, neither the mayor or his brother are upset with his appointment.
“I want to congratulate everyone for running for the position, but most important I want to congratulate Peter Leon the new councillor for Ward 3,” the mayor said. “He’s a great man and we’re going to work together.”
Councillor Doug Ford however expressed his disappointment Leon was chosen by appointment and not a byelection.
“What I’m disappointed in is the people of Ward 3 never had the opportunity to make their vote,” he said.
Comments