Opponents fear mayor's 'detrimental' new powers
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 5, 2006 | 9:39 AM ET
CBC News
Toronto Mayor David Miller will wield significantly more power when he begins his second term Tuesday, a fact that is worrying his opponents.
Among the mayor's new powers under the City of Toronto Act is his ability to appoint a 13-member executive committee that will function much like a cabinet.
Miller is expected to begin using his new abilities to pursue his ambitious agenda on Tuesday as the 44 councillors and mayor gather for the first time since the municipal election just over three weeks ago.
His goals include making the city an environmental leader and obtaining new tax money from the federal and provincial governments.
'Without even a fight'
Some councillors think that the new rules will result in the mayor putting like-minded people in key positions, resulting in the balance of council leaning far left.
"Now, I guess without even a fight, the mayor's going to be able to put all his party's supporters into position," said Coun. Doug Holyday. "And I think that's going to be to the detriment of the city in the long run."
The conservative councillor, who represents Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre, expects to be one of the excluded.
Holyday says it's time for those with conservative leanings to better organize themselves and become a more formal opposition as a way of counteracting what he sees as a left-wing agenda.
'Looking forward to new agenda'
But there are more than a few councillors who are looking forward to the new system.
"I'm looking forward to the new agenda," said longtime city councillor Kyle Rae, who represents Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale.
Rae has been touted as the city's next head of economic development, but won't confirm it.
Miller, who will name those on the new executive committee, has said they will come from varied backgrounds, but will be people he can work with.
Women in high-profile posts
The newly created job of Speaker of the Council, a person in charge of keeping councillors in line during meetings, is expected to go to Sandra Bussin, re-elected councillor for Ward 32 Beaches-East York.
Bussin is one of 10 women elected to council in the November civic election, a drop from the 14 in office after the 2003 election.
But she points out that two of the 10 are expected to take over prominent positions, including herself.
"I think this is good for the city of Toronto in that I'll be the first Speaker and a woman as well," said Bussin. "I think it's important for women to see that there is a strong role for women in government."
Another high-profile post, budget chief, is widely anticipated to go to Shelley Carroll, who has previous budget committee experience.
