Just like in their old jobs, departing Toronto councillors don’t know what to do with themselves
The Star has done a decent roundup of what Toronto’s departing councillors are going to do with their lives now that they’ve either stepped down or lost in the election. While the image of Howard Moscoe at a kegger is one we won’t get out of our heads anytime soon (he’s applying to law school), the most striking thing about the article is how bereft these people seem now that the election is over. Here’s a quick sample of the eerie, and occasionally defensive, things they told the Star.
Joe Pantalone: “I have no regrets, I’m at peace with myself…. Nice guys do finish third sometime.”
Mike Feldman: “I’m not retiring. I’m just looking for another career.”
Adrian Heaps: “My goal originally was to run for two terms, and obviously that’s not going to be fulfilled.”
Cliff Jenkins: “I have some thoughts of things I’d like to try… They’re just ideas at this point.”
Bill Sandercook: “I was first elected in 1985, so I did 15 years uninterrupted, I lost to David Miller in 2000 and then (was) re-elected 2003-2010. So, 22 years in total. I’ve always had a reputation of speaking to people and that will continue, but it will be back to good old Bill.”
Brian Ashton: “I’m going to sleep in.”
We spoke with Joe Pantalone earlier this week, and one thing he has categorically ruled out is working for the new mayor. “If he would like some advice, I’m happy to help, but his beliefs are very different from mine.” We might have to start calling this the John Tory distinction: willing to help Rob Ford find his footing and not make too many enemies, but not taking a paid gig in the mayor’s office. Maybe planning the next step in life is best approached as a process of elimination.
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