The voters may think it is time for a change.
Consider Ashe
Kevin Ashe is the incumbent but his term has been far from smooth and uncontroversial. He has battled with Council Lisa Robinson and that clash continues to simmer.
Steep salary
There are voters who see his salary $300+ salary as unjustiable. Toronto’s Olivia Chow earns just over $200K. So how can Ashe earn significantly more?
Developer funded
Finally, there are voters who believe Ashe is in the pockets of developers. As Shaun Rickard, mayoralty candidate, strongly points out, voters need to do their homework when it comes to the offiee of mayor and the Ashe campaign both of which should get deeper analysis and more consideration [See RICKARD ] Ashe’s acceptance of developers’ contributions is a pill that tastes too much like lobby favouritism.
Compaign competitors
Frampton
Janice Frampton has had her finger tips on the brass ring, finishing within 80 votes of Ashe in the 2022 election. In the 2026 Mayor candidates panel discussion, she confirmed she is a real contender once again. Her policies are possible, plausible and credible. She presents herself as an intelligent thinking mayoralty candidate open to collaboration, cooperation and council cohesion. She is a very attractive candidate and powerful consideration. Though a second place finish is tenuous this time, she will most certainly stay in the top three.
Robinson
The campaign competitors for Mayor are all very strong but Robinson seems to stand out most. She has been on council, offers some very engaging platform possibilities, and has demonstrated determination and tenacity that is consistent and steadfast. She is a formidable opponent and has many attributes that make her appealing, attractive and a very strong contender. Third place at worst but should not be ruled out as possibly second place.
Cornell – Rickard
A coin toss: both of these candidates have the presence that will attract many votes, both sound good, have engaging platforms present themselves well, and have the physical presence that likely will appeal to many voters. Though Robinson and Frampton may seem more attractive, discarding the possibility of Cornell or Rickard finishing second would be a glaring mistake but which of the two will finish higher? Flip that coin.
