The search for a new general manager for the Toronto Transit Commission has begun, a day after long-time manager Gary Webster was fired amid a political battle over the city's transit future.
Mayor Rob Ford orchestrated the firing of Webster because the long-time manager didn't back a plan to build subways. Instead, he advocated for a light-rail transit plan.
And on Wednesday, some political opponents of the Ford administration were mulling their options.
Coun. Maria Augimeri, who gave an emotional speech Tuesday advocating for Webster to stay on, said that one possible approach could involve seizing control of the TTC board itself.
"We can call a special council meeting, for example, and undo the wrong that was done, and put Gary Webster back in office," she said.
The TTC board, which is controlled by Ford allies, voted 5-4 to relieve Webster of his duties.
But Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti, a Ford ally, said that those backing the subway strategy won't back down any time soon.
"For the most part, you're going to see most of us hold firm and do what we can to bring a subway agenda to the city of Toronto," he said.
Andy Byford, who was Webster's chief operating officer, has taken control of the commission on an interim basis.
Meanwhile, other councillors say they have been inundated with calls from transit users since Webster's firing.
Coun. Joe Mihevc said that the controversy will continue to rage at city hall for the foreseeable future.
"The mayor is strategizing, other folks are strategizing, no one wants to strategize in public as to the next move in this complex chess game."
This month, councillors voted in favour of LRTs and against Ford's plan to focus on moving more transit underground.
At that meeting, council voted 25 to 18 in favour of TTC chair Karen Stintz's light rail-based plan shunned by Ford when he was elected mayor in 2010.
Earlier on Wednesday, a Toronto film director called on residents to rally at City Hall to force the firing of Ford.
"We are just outraged at what went on yesterday and we decided that we can't sit back anymore. We have got to do something rather than just sit back and be innocent bystanders and stand up for what we believe in," said Larry Peloso.
"Maybe Rob Ford is the one that needs to be fired."
"We are not professional rally people, we are just concerned citizens that are just really tired seeing the city of Toronto take 100 steps back," he said.
Webster's firing has sparked backlash across the city and prompted politicians past and present to weigh into the fray.
Former mayor David Miller, whose Transit City plan advocated light rail transit, supported Webster in a Twitter message Tuesday night.
"Gary Webster is the epitome of excellence, professionalism and integrity, exactly what the public needs in its civil servants."
And in a letter to TTC staff Webster Wednesday urged TTC employees to "keep up the good work."
"There are times when situations arise that are outside of our control. But the one thing we have control over is how we respond to those situations. I ask that you respond to all of this by doing what you all do so well – by continuing your professionalism and delivering the safe, courteous service that our customers expect and deserve."
