I like Rob but the reality is the mayor needs to gain consensus and Rossi is more likely to be able to do this. I need to hear his stance on two major issues:
* city unions
* Bureaucracy.
Why Rocco Rossi rocks: Levy
He's running under the radar, but there's a lot to like about this bald guy Last Updated: August 1, 2010 10:17am
One, the so-called frontrunner, has been busy walking across Eglinton and down Yonge St. searching for voters and trying to prove his Toronto does not end at Bloor St.
The Walker — George Smitherman — has also challenged the other perceived front-runner, Rob Ford, to a radio debate.
The Walker hasn’t said much of substance to date but I’m guessing he wants to show he’s far more adept at thinking on his feet.
The other Bald Guy — Rocco Rossi — has been talking up a storm, delivering his well-thought-out policy platforms and working night and day to get his name out.
But that seems to be lost on media more interested in snappy sound bites, digging up dirt on Ford and the latest gossip on whether John Tory will jump into the race.
Don’t get me wrong. I have lots of time for Tory, who generously canvassed for me when I ran for MPP last August. The dynamics of the race will indeed change should he decides to take the leap.
Still, to win the hearts and minds of voters, Tory will have to be a tougher version of the gentleman most Torontonians know him to be — a mayor who is prepared to take on the unions and the out-of-touch bureaucracy at City Hall.
Which brings me back to Rossi.
If I were The Talker, I’d be pretty frustrated by those who’ve written off his candidacy as a longshot because he’s never actually held political office.
Why not an outsider?
The problem with City Hall is there are far too many recycled, well past-their-due-date political hacks running the joint. A pair of fresh eyes from the outside may be just what taxpayers ordered.
Heck it worked for New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and for Winnipeg mayor Sam Katz, both of whom were not seasoned politicians when they ran for office.
His campaign co-chairman John Capobianco says Rossi has led the charge on policy issues — a point with which I agree.
Wrestling control of the city’s finances involves much more than eliminating plant waterers and cutting council expense accounts.
The Talker’s presented a viable plan to sell off Toronto Hydro, pay down the city’s debt and use the money for transit infrastructure. He’s told business leaders he would tackle the crippling impact of street construction and would commit to improving the delivery of city services by 10% each year. He’s promised to end spendthrift project management like the so incompetently handled Peter St. shelter project. He recently presented his version of a smart card that could be used not just for transit but to pay for a variety of city services.
“He’s got some amazing policies but they’re not being picked up,” says Capobianco.
“A lot of oxygen is being sucked away (at the moment) by Ford and Smitherman.”
I know another thing. I’ve been very impressed with The Talker’s dedication, his common touch and his responsiveness. Unlike The Walker — who seems to think he’s far more important than he is — The Talker always returns his phone calls promptly and directly.
“Rocco works harder than his volunteers and never complains about it,” says Capobianco.
He’s always so darn chipper, as well.
Even last week when the media were talking Tory, Rossi said he’d had an “excellent day” and has every intention of being on the ballot on Oct. 25.
When I suggested he should feel discouraged that his ideas haven’t gained traction, he said he always knew from the get-go that he’d be up against a system that favours incumbents.
“I’ve been able to build an excellent team and a platform of ideas to move Toronto forward,” he said. “My campaign is perfectly positioned for the Labour Day to October sprint.”
So what do you say folks?
I think we should give the Other Bald Guy a chance.
From what I can see, he might even walk the talk.
sue-ann.levy@sunmedia.ca Twitter: SueAnnLevy
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