Toronto councillor Rob Ford made the long-expected announcement Thursday morning that he is running for mayor.
"I'm ready," said Ford on Thursday, as he rushed through City Hall followed by reporters.
"I've got a team and we're going to change the way this city is being run. I guarantee you. There is going to be more accountability. There is going to be more money in the taxpayers' pockets. Right now, they're suffering."
After making the announcement, Ford went to City Hall to file his papers, said his new website, http://robfordformayor.ca.
He will not be making any more of his regular appearances on his radio program during the campaign, he also announced.
Ford (Ward 2, Etobicoke North) is considered the most conservative and divisive member on city council.
During a radio appearance Thursday, he said he wants to reduce the number of city councillors from 44 to 22, which should do little to add to his popularity among his peers.
Other candidates for mayor include deputy premier George Smitherman, former Liberal backroom strategist Rocco Rossi, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti (Ward 7 York West) and Women's Post publisher Sarah Thomson.
The municipal election takes place on Oct. 25, 2010.
