The registration deadline to run for the Toronto municipal election has passed, and one of those who made a last-minute candidacy is a prominent television personality.
Ann Rohmer Announcer He filed his papers before the 2 p.m. deadline Friday to join the alderman race in Ward 11 (University-Rosedale).
Speaking to reporters at city hall as she checked in, Rohmer said she was both excited and nervous, calling it a “big step.”
The former CP24 host said she considered entering politics for many months and finally decided to go ahead after seeing the news about the lack of candidates for this year’s election.
“I thought that was a sign. This is our democratic right to vote. It is our democratic right to run and I want to exercise it,” Rohmer said.
“I’ve spent my life watching my family in public service. My father was a North York City Councilman for years. Also, for over 30 years, I’ve covered elections at every level: municipal, provincial, federal. And I felt like it was time to move to the other side of this equation and that would be running for public office.
Rohmer graced the television sets of many in the Greater Toronto Area for more than 36 years, spending almost half of that time at CP24. He currently hosts a weekend radio show.
She said she doesn’t have a platform yet, but hopes to put it together after reaching out to residents of the downtown neighborhood and discovering their most pressing issues.
Rohmer noted that affordable housing, transit and recovery from the pandemic are some of the key issues ahead of the October election.
Announcer Ann Rohmer introduces her candidacy to become Councilwoman for District 11.“My hope is to be a passionate voice for the people of University-Rosedale. That we can help, together, come out of this pandemic and keep Toronto the great city that it is nationally, internationally. And give hope to the people of all tendencies, that there are better things, that there are opportunities”, he said.
“I think now is the time, rather than drop the ball and let it fall apart, we need to continue to stay strong and stay together and have purpose to make the city strong as it comes out of the pandemic,” Rohmer added. . .
University-Rosedale is one of the city districts where the incumbent has decided not to seek re-election. District 11 Councilman Mike Layton, who has served on the city council for nearly 12 years, announced last month that he will not run in the upcoming city election, citing his desire to focus more of his energy on fighting change. climate and at the same time “rebalance your life” so you can spend more time with your family.
In addition to Rohmer, those vying to become District 11 councilors include former Ontario Environment Commissioner Diane Saxe, Toronto Catholic District School Board trustee Norm Di Pasquale and Robin Buxton Potts, who was appointed to fill the position in District 13 (Downtown Toronto) vacated by Kristyn. Wong-Tam. (click here to see the full list of candidates)
Election day in Toronto is October 14.
– with files by Katherine DeClerq