While the weather may be cooling down, it seems Toronto’s mayoral race is just beginning to heat up.
On Tuesday, candidate George Smitherman promised that if he’s elected he’ll freeze property taxes and city hiring for a full year.
“Today I'm pledging to freeze property taxes and hiring for year and freeze new spending while I lead a line by line 100 day review of the city's operating and capital budgets,” Smitherman said.
This proposal drew fire from opposing candidates Rob Ford and Rocco Rossi, who criticized Smitherman on his track record.
“Mr. Smitherman couldn't be budget chief because quite frankly his financial record is not stellar,” said Rossi.
Political insiders claim the race only begins to heat up after Labour Day. A Forum Research poll out last week shows Rob Ford in the lead with 34 per cent of the support, George Smitherman in second with 22 per cent, Sarah Thomson in third with 14 per cent and Joe Pantalone coming in last with 11 per cent.
But the poll also shows 33 per cent of voters still remain undecided.
Citytv, along with the Toronto Star and 680 News will be hosting a series of mayoral debates.
The first one is Wednesday, 6:30pm at the Mars Centre.
Next, Sunday October 3 at 9pm at Yonge Dundas Square.
Finally, October 7 at 7pm at the St. Lawrence Centre.