The vote count ended way before 9 p.m. and the people have spoken --- Rob Ford is Toronto's mayor-elect, the 64th to helm the city.
The Ford right-wing juggernaut couldn't be stopped and his message of cutting expenses and stopping the gravy train resonated with voters. Surrounded by family and friends at his west end home, Ford stood up when Toronto news station CP24 made the call and declared him the winner of a bruising race for City Hall.
George Smitherman, Ford's nearest rival, was gracious in defeat as he congratulated the new mayor. Joe Pantalone simply couldn't muster the support to propel him to the front lines and continuously trailed Ford and Smitherman. Calling democracy 'beautiful' the veteran councillor of 30 years who represented Trinity-Spadina (Ward 19) is now shut out of politics. Pantalone will stay in his council seat until November. 30.
Ford's win is a warning shot across the bow at Queen's Park and Premier Dalton McGuinty's government. McGuinty has been criticized as 'Premier Dad' for his social managing of the lives of Ontarians.
In any event, the 10-month race for Toronto mayor is over. For those who are into stats, here are the voting numbers: Ford captured 47.1% of the vote, Smitherman had 35.7% and Pantalone votes came in at 11.7%.
Declaring Toronto 'open for business' Ford will wear the mayoral mantle for the next four years.
May I say that I was pleasantly surprised at the voter turnout. I voted during the lunch hour and there was a queue of a dozen people at my polling station which increased as I left after casting my ballot. The indifferent voter was nowhere in sight. Torontonians care about their city.
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