As the final post-debate days wind down to voting day on October 25, we see a flurry of endorsements and testimonials and recommendations to vote for this or that candidate from some well-connected politicians and lobby groups.
In my opinion, what is most telling is where a candidate's support comes from, and that the character of the person giving the support is inevitably tied in with the character of the person they praise. As well, the people who endorse you almost always come with a price: future loyalty should you win the seat.
Cases in point: The two media-chosen front-runners
Ana Bailao: Endorsed by = Cesar Palacio, ward 17 - who is a Liberal; Vic Dhillon, Brampton - who is a Liberal; Charles Sousa, Mississauga - who is a Liberal; Peter Fonseca, Mississauga - who is a Liberal; Mario Silva, her former boss when he was city councillor - whio is a Liberal; Frances Nunziata, ward 13 - who is the sister to former Liberal John Nunziata; Dyan Marie - who isn't sure which party she belongs to since she also endorsed Kevin Beaulieu (keeping her future art grant options open, I guess). Do you sense a trend here? Yet Ana refuses to say who she endorses for Mayor: Liberal George Smitherman, Conservative Rob Ford or NDP Joe Pantalone. Hard to believe, isn't it? *Update: Both George Smitherman and Ana are endorsed by The Toronto Star on October 18th. Oh yes, The Star is a Liberal paper
Kevin Beaulieu: Endorsed by - Adam Giambrone, David Miller, Gord Perks, Adam Vaughan, - all NDP or part of the left wing Miller voting block in the last council. At least Kevin is consistent - he states his support for NDP Mayor Joe Pantalone. Also strongly endorsed by NDP left-leaning NOW magazine.
From my perspective, there is no need to weigh the endorsements of either candidate. If either wins, they will come into office day one with baggage, and can be expected to toe the line voting with either of the party's preferences. Voters can choose from a Liberal ignoring the ward or an NDP ignoring the ward. Some choice.
OR - they can choose from anyone else who will not have the baggage coming into office, and maybe, just maybe - they won't ignore the ward.
I hope voters don't get sucked in by big party promises yet again, because....
DAVENPORT DESERVES BETTER
