There were surprises and a few choked up words as city council bid farewell to a number of departing councillors.
Several members of council have said they won’t seek re-election and they were recognized on the council floor Thursday.
Council offered a standing ovation to Coun. Karen Stintz, who last week dropped out of the mayoral race and announced she will leave politics.
“Anyone who tells me that city council is dysfunctional - -I will tell them that they are wrong,” Stintz told her colleagues. “Because we do not have the benefit of a cabinet, we do not have the benefit of working out our difficulties behind closed doors. We have the privilege of having the public hear us debate important issues so they understand how decisions are done.”
She also took to Twitter to express her gratitude for her time on council.
“Today marks the end of an era, thank you to my Council colleagues, friends, family and most importantly the residents of #ward16,” Stintz wrote on her Twitter page.
In a surprise announcement, Coun. Gloria Lindsay Luby said she won’t run for re-election in her Ward 4 seat in Etobicoke.
Lindsay Luby began serving as a councillor in Etobicoke in 1985 and has held a seat on the Toronto City Council since the city was amalgamated in 1998.
Departing councillor, Peter Leon will also be leaving council after being appointed to fill the seat vacated by Doug Holyday in October. In a press release, Leon said he has enjoyed being a councillor, but will keep his promise not to run.
“Last October, I promised, as I stood before Council, that I would not run in the upcoming election and today, I am confirming that I remain committed to my word,” Leon said in the statement.
Addressing council, former budget chair, Coun. Mike Del Grande, who is also departing, said he hopes he’s served the public well and that he’ll miss council.
“Thank you, good bye and you’ll be missed,” he told his fellow councillors.
The goodbyes come during the fourth day of a marathon city-council meeting that marks the last time council will gather for this term.
Ford gets emotional
Some of the most emotional moments in the chamber came from Mayor Rob Ford as he thanked the departing councillors and made special mention of his brother, Doug.
“I appreciate you having my back 24-7,” Ford said as his voice shook. “It’s been a challenge. I want to thank you for being my best friend. All I want to say is… Queen’s park – you have no idea what’s coming up next.”
Ford also acknowledged that he has embarrassed council with his behaviour and thanked Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly for stepping in after council transferred many of the mayor’s powers to Kelly.
“I know I put this council through some challenges, I know I embarrassed council and I want to thank sincerely the deputy mayor for taking on the reigns,” Ford said. “I can’t thank you enough for taking the job on. The past is the past and we have to move forward. Thank you. I sincerely, sincerely appreciate what you’ve done.”
In the spirit of goodwill, Ford also danced and sang to a Bob Marley’s “One Love” in the council chambers later along with other council members.
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