George Smitherman has confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets at Queen’s Park.
The 45-year-old deputy premier announced Monday he’s leaving provincial politics to make a run for the mayor’s seat in Toronto.
"It is now time for me to
turn my attention elsewhere. I've made no secret of the fact that I have been
considering entering the race for mayor of Toronto," he said.
While he did not announce the details of his platform, Smitherman did say raising city taxes would not be his first move when dealing with a budget shortfall.
“The times call for innovative solutions,” he told reporters on Monday morning.
“This city budget has additional resources in it that have come from previous tax measures and from additional transfers from the province,” he continued.
“I need to learn more about that budget and starting from today, I have a tremendous opportunity to get right into the detail and to learn better what those opportunities look like.
“I’m not enamoured of the idea [that the] starting point in a discussion about the city’s finances [would be] proposed additional tax initiatives.”
Smitherman will step down from his position as Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, but said he’ll stay on as MPP for Toronto Centre for now. MPP Gerry Phillips (Scarborough-Agincourt) will take over his cabinet post until the end of the legislative season.
So far, only one other candidate has thrown his hat into the ring: city
councillor Giorgio Mammoliti has said he will be running for mayor.
Rumours continue to swirl that TTC chair Adam Giambrone and budget chief
Shelley Carroll will also be
vying for Toronto’s top job.
There’s widespread speculation former Progressive Conservative leader John Tory will once again try to win the mayoral race, but, so far, he says he’s still only considering the move.
Tory offered no comment on Smitherman’s announcement Monday.
A recent poll suggests Tory is the first choice amongst decided voters, with Smitherman running second with approximately 21 per cent support.
Despite the fact he hasn't declared his candidacy, Tory has 46 per cent of the decided vote, according to the Angus Reid poll.