A well-known face from the Toronto police service is looking to trade in his badge for a council seat.
Best known as a former spokesperson for Toronto police, Tony Vella registered Thursday to run in the upcoming municipal election.
The long-time cop will be taking on incumbent Mark Grimes in Ward 6, where he lives. Grimes has held the seat since 2003.
“I believe that I can do an excellent job, that I could even do a better job,” Vella told CP24 Friday in an interview with Stephen LeDrew.
Vella said he sees room to improve transit, infrastructure and development, but stressed that being available would be his top priority.
“The one thing is being accessible – returning (residents’) phone calls and being there at all times,” Vella said.
“I sincerely care, I sincerely want to help and that’s why I want to run,” he added.
This is the second time Vella has publicly eyed a seat on council. In September, he threw his name into the hat to be considered for a council appointment to fill a seat left vacant by Doug Holyday in Ward 3. However council ultimately appointed Peter Leon to fill the seat. Leon has since said he will honoiur a promise not to run for the seat.
Vella said he’s running in Ward 6 instead of Ward 3 now because he lives in the area and has volunteered there.
He said he is on unpaid leave as he campaigns for the seat.
Aside from Grimes, Vella will also face off against eight other candidates registered to vie for the Etobicoke-Lakeshore seat.
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