With the news of John Tory's decision not to run for mayor of Toronto, comes the loss of a strong contender for voters hitting the polls this October. It's a loss that changes the nature of the race for city office; but the good news for Toronto is, we won't lose Tory's leadership completely.
Tory announced Thursday in a statement that he would not seek the mayor's seat in this year's municipal election, instead taking up the torch as the volunteer chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance (TCSA). He takes over for city champion and visionary David Pecaut, who died in December.
Tory said before his death, Pecaut had asked him to consider taking over the leadership role at the non-partisan organization. "It will give me a great opportunity not only to carry on the vital work of the TCSA and build on (Pecaut's) considerable legacy, but also to remain a very active contributor to the city I love and call home," he said.
Those disappointed that Tory won't be bringing his high level of integrity and prudent financial approach to Toronto City Hall can take consolation in the fact that he will still play a part in affecting positive change in Toronto. By taking the helm at TCSA he'll pick up where Pecaut left off, charting the course toward a stronger Toronto with some of the city's most creative and powerful minds.
For Tory, the gig isn't bad - he'll still have his opportunity to influence the city's direction, stay involved and do good, if not on a stage mired by bureaucratic tape and personal politicking.
He'll also protect his bruised ego from another run through the electoral wringer.
Tory would have been facing some tough challenges in the race for mayor, having suffered a bad run of electoral misfortune throughout his most recent attempts for office. His 2007 provincial election loss to Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty was followed by another failed attempt to secure a seat in a byelection, which forced his eventual resignation as leader of the Ontario Provincial Conservatives in 2009.
Tory will also continue hosting his radio show on Newstalk 1010 and will stay active in the corporate scene, with Rogers and other business boards. Ongoing charity work is in the plans, as is time spent with his family.
His step back from the mayor's race changes the game for other hopefuls who may have been discouraged from competing against big names like Tory and George Smitherman. Though his decision leaves a marked gap in the growing list of names up for the position, Tory has opened the door to the mayor's office and it'll be fascinating to watch who tries to come through in the months ahead.