Some candidates for city council are trying to latch on to Rob Ford's campaign now that the polls put him as a clear front-runner in the mayoral race.
Ford is eating it all up, agreeing to pose for a picture (but not officially endorse) with whichever candidate signs off on his five-point plan:
1. Abolishing the vehicle registration tax;
2. Abolishing the land transfer tax;
3. Reducing the expense budget for both the offices of councillors and the mayor from $53,000 to $30,000;
4. Ending sole-source bidding; and
5. Reducing the size of council from 44 to 22
This could get confusing for voters, especially in wards where several candidates proclaim their allegiance to Ford.
But there are three easy things voters can do to make sure the candidates not only talk the talk of fiscal conservatism, but have walked the path when they had a chance.
1. Look at a candidate's spending habits
Giorgio Mammoliti, Mike Del Grande and Frances Nunziata, current councillors who are seeking re-election, have all publicly come out in support of Ford.
But have they acted like Ford during the last four years?
According to city records, this is what the candidates spent from their office budget.
| 2010 (Q2) | 2009 | 2008 | |
| Mammoliti | $14,158.26 | $46,059.63 | $49,593.80 |
| Nunziata | $ 2,486.75 | $ 5,949.31 | $ 6,671.82 |
| Del Grande | $10,087.09 | $23,777.95 | $24,810.55 |
| Ford | $0 | $0 | $0 |
You can check out all councillors records here.
Make sure to click on "details" to see a complete breakdown of what they spent taxpayer money on.
2. Check a candidate's past position on an issue
Whenever city council records a vote (and they most always do for the controversial ones) the vote is listed under the minutes for that meeting.
To find out who supported adding a vehicle registration tax and land transfer tax in the first place, check out this link.
A DVD recording of meetings are also available upon request if you wish to see some of the arguments a councillor made in favour or in opposition of the issue.
For candidates who have never served on council, it will be harder to check their stance on issues. However, most people who decide to run are active members of their community.
Was your candidate a trustee or a member of a local BIA or homeowners association? What role did they have? Did your candidate speak out against or for an issue at a public hearing? All public deputations are a matter of public record. Even a membership with a particular political party will give you some idea about their stance.
3. Ask your candidate pointed questions
Is your councillor willing to let go of his job as councillor to ensure their vision is met?
After all, if they are agreeing to reduce council seats from 44 to 22, someone has got to go.
Don't forget, councillors in many ways have a more important job than the mayor. If a councillor supports a major housing development in your area that is going to negatively affect your life, chances are the rest of council will support his or her position.
Don't be afraid to question your candidate on what they've done to stand up for issues that matter to you.
Most councillor candidates will have a website with contact information. They should be getting back to you within 48 hours. If they don't, then chances are they won't be rushing to get back to you once they're elected either.
Election campaigns are running full steam ahead to the Oct. 25 vote. Several candidates will be knocking on your door with carefully-worded literature.
Don't be fooled by false endorsements. Do your homework and make your vote count.
Sandie Benitah is a Toronto journalist who has covered municipal politics for the CTV Toronto website and other publications. She is covering the issues of this election for CTV Toronto and CP24's websites.
