Former mayoral candidate George Smitherman is diving back into municipal issues. But not as a candidate.

Smitherman, who ran and lost against Rob Ford in Toronto’s 2010 mayoral election, is hosting a series of panel discussions that began Tuesday night. Tonight’s discussion focuses on one issue: Has Toronto’s political leadership failed the city?

“I’m gonna be a host with a history,” Smitherman quipped in an interview with CP24’s Katie Simpson earlier Tuesday. “It’s just another opportunity in our city and province to bring interesting and important matters to the fore.”

Dubbed the “Direct Engagement Show,” the series will feature panel discussions and audience questions the third Tuesday of every month. They will be taped live and then posted on the Internet.

The panel, hosted by Smitherman, will also include MP Olivia Chow, who is rumoured to be considering a run for the mayor’s office, as well as Ryerson Professor Mitchell Kosney, small business owner Doc von Lichtenberg, Coun. Gord Perks, Globe and Mail journalist Sean Stanleigh and TTC chair Karen Stintz.

Despite the provocative question, Smitherman insists he’s not looking to get back into politics.

“I’ve tried to be pretty clear to say I’m definitely not going to be a candidate in the next series of mayoral elections,” Smitherman said. “I’ve been even clearer to say I will not spend any more time in my life with Rob Ford. Having done 100 all-candidates meetings, that’s enough penalty for a lifetime. “

Smitherman said he considered a return to politics after Dalton McGuinty resigned several months ago, but rejected the idea.

“I had to think about whether in the current circumstances of my ‘three F plan’ -- fun, family and finances -- whether it made sense to return to active politics and I’ve decided no,” Smitherman said.

Still, he said that same period made him realize that he nonetheless wants to be involved in civic affairs.

“I really realized there was kind of a desire on my part to be involved in the debate and to participate in the intellectual discussion about issues,” Smitherman said. “And that’s what this direct engagement show is going to give me a chance to do.”

The first installment of the show was free to attend. It began at 6 p.m. tonight at Revival, located at 783 College St.

The next installment, "Why Does Toronto Need a Casino, What Will the Impact Be?" is scheduled for Feb. 19.

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