Thursday, October 22, 2009 3:40 PM
David Miller wants fresh blood on council...
Brodie Fenlon
Mayor David Miller says he wants fresh blood on council — new faces to replace some of the careerists who do little to contribute to the city's future.
"I think people who are aren't there to move this city ahead should gracefully do something else and let some new blood come forth," he said.
"I mean, look at the contributions that Adam Vaughan, Gord Perks and Adrian Heaps have made," Mr. Miller said of three of his allies, each elected to council in 2006. "I think we need more people like that."
But wait a sec. What about Norm Kelly, the chair of the planning and growth management committee and a member of Mr. Miller's executive committee? He was first elected as alderman in 1974, and later elected to Metro Toronto council in 1994.
"Norm Kelly, for example, has been a real leader on the planning committee," Mr. Miller.
Okay, what about Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, who has 25 years under his belt at city hall and is eyeing a run for mayor?
"Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone is somebody who is an incredible leader, a proven leader, understands how the city runs and has made significant advances on a range of fronts: the environment, trees, our green building standard," Mr. Miller said.
Didn't you just say you want new blood?
"What I meant by new blood was what I just said: People who are actively trying make a positive contribution rather than just seeing their purpose as councillor [is to] say no to everything," Mr. Miller said. "That's not the way municipal government is supposed to work ... There are some people, no matter if you propose what they believe in, they'll still vote against it if I or others propose it. "
So in other words:
- New blood is good.
- Old blood that works with you is good.
But old blood that opposes you?
Buh-bye.
