Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday tells voters not to elect more activists, unionists or cyclists

A frustrated Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday begged Torontonians not to elect any more activists, unionists or cyclists to city council as his once-dominant faction lost yet another vote.

Holyday made the comment Wednesday shortly before council voted 29-12 to defy Mayor Rob Ford and seize oversight of any future contracting-out of city cleaning jobs.

Ford, who campaigned on cutting the city workforce, wanted control to remain with an internal committee. Outsourcing cleaning of a communications centre and daycares could save $10 million over five years.

But council decided it needs to ensure the work isn’t contracted out to unscrupulous private contractors, infuriating Ford’s right-wing allies.

“The right never had control of city hall,” the normally genial Holyday snapped in response to a reporter’s question, alleging the mayor is being thwarted by opponents vetted and approved by “the NDP.”

“The people here were duly elected,” Holyday (Ward 3, Etobicoke Centre) said. “My advice to the taxpayer would be: ‘Don’t send us any more activists, don’t send us any more unionists, don’t send us any more cyclists. Send us some people down here with good common sense who just want to manage the city’s affairs.

“That’s what’s needed.”

Original Article
Source: Star
Author: David Rider