Mayor John Tory is backing an occasional council ally over a political foe in the Toronto-St. Paul’s race.In a surprise move Friday, Tory, who, during this campaign, has railed against “left-wing” council members he called “radicals,” threw his support behind left-wing candidate Joe Mihevc over Josh Matlow.The endorsement comes after Matlow has persistently challenged the mayor on his support of a controversial, one-stop Scarborough subway that will cost more than $3.35 billion dollars when evidence supports a seven-stop light rail line that would serve far more people for far fewer dollars.In a statement, Tory’s campaign said he could “work with anyone,” but added that he was supporting Mihevc “because he’s someone that the mayor knows he can work with at city hall.”His campaign spokesperson said a robo call from Tory was also going out in the ward Friday afternoon and confirmed it was paid for by Mihevc’s campaign. Matlow’s campaign claimed the news was drawing volunteers to their cause.“While they don’t agree all the time, they have always found ways to work together,” Tory’s statement said of Mihevc. It noted that the mayor recently named the councillor as the city’s poverty-reduction advocate.Read more:New boundaries leave like-minded city councillors at odds in Toronto—St. Paul’sMayor John Tory taps Beaches-East York candidate to be ‘relief line champion’Scarborough candidates convinced Doug Ford will build a longer subwayMihevc characterized Tory’s support as one of several endorsements he’s received, including one from a member of Tory’s executive Ana Bailao and another from his TTC chair, Josh Colle.“I’m delighted for it and look forward to whatever the election brings,” said Mihevc. The longtime councillor said he will not be endorsing a mayoral candidate and that no promises were made i ...
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