Michael Ford made his bid for Ward 2 official Thursday morning by registering for the byelection race.
Ford, the nephew of Rob Ford, is hoping Etobicoke North will continue to support the family as a Ford has represented the ward since 2000.
Rob Ford held the area as councillor between 2000 and 2010 before being elected as mayor. Doug Ford was elected councillor between 2010 and 2014. Rob Ford was reelected as councillor in 2014 after he was diagnosed with cancer and had to step down from the mayoralty race. He passed away in March.
“It’s a great day and I look forward to continuing on my uncles’ legacy,” Michael Ford told CTV Toronto after he signed his registration papers. “I look forward to meeting the residents of Ware 2 Etobicoke North at their doors and I look forward to a good campaign.”
The young Ford, the 21-year-old son of Rob and Doug’s sister Kathy, is widely considered to be more progressive in his politics than his right-leaning uncles. He resigned his post as school trustee for the district to run for council.
Council could have appointed someone to the seat after Ford passed but during their monthly council meeting Wednesday night, decided to hold a byelection instead.
At this point, he is the only person to declare his intention to run in the by-election.
The byelection is set to be held on July 25 and those who are interested in running will have until June 10 to register as candidates.
“I am very grateful to call Etobicoke my home. I was born in Ward 2, I grew up here and I hope to serve the hard working residents of North Etobicoke for many years to come,” Ford said in a statement released to media after council made the decision. “Three generations of the Ford family have served our community. I want to build on this legacy of public service, and that means showing up at your door when you need assistance.”
Ford said he wants to create jobs and “support investments in public transit.”
“My message to ward 2 is simple: together, we can accomplish great things for our community,” Ford said. “I will work around the clock to bring jobs and economic development to our area. I will be a strong voice for taxpayers and fight to make our city more affordable. I will support investments in public transit and push for sustainable programs that help our communities thrive.”
Doug Ford spoke in support of his nephew Wednesday.
"Michael believes in saving taxpayers money, he believes in subways, he believes in customer service," he said. "Michael's a little softer than Rob and I, but he still stands for platform."
With files from Rachael D'Amore
