25 Oct

Toronto Gets New Mayor And Manager

Posted in News on 25.10.10 by John Meloche

With the polls closing around 8 p.m. in Toronto this evening, the city did not have to wait long to discover who its new mayor would be. Just a half an hour later, it was announced that Rob Ford had beaten out George Smitherman as the new mayor of Canada’s largest city.

Taking over for David Miller, Ford ran a strong campaign for the past ten months but it was not one without controversy. Nevertheless, it would appear as if the promises made by Ford throughout his campaign have captured the confidence of the majority of Toronto voters.

As listed on The Toronto Star‘s website, Ford’s campaign promises include targeted tax cuts, the construction of a new subway line and stops, the hiring of more police officers, harder scrutiny of city unions, a review of the city’s operating budget and spending cuts, reducing the ranks of city workers and ending the expansion of bike lanes.

Toronto sports fans are, perhaps, a little bit more excited about another city leader being introduced today. Taking over for the retired Cito Gaston, former Boston Red Sox pitching coach, John Farrell is the new manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. Introduced by Blue Jays general manager, Alex Anthopoulos, Farrell says he has his sights on bringing back a World Series championship to Toronto.

Said Farrell at today’s press conference: “I come here with the same goals as Alex (Anthopoulos) and Paul (Beeston) and that is to win a World Series. (The) goals we have (are) to be top five in runs scored and top five in ERA in the league. History shows those teams compete for the World Series.”

Having helped the Boston Red Sox win a World Series in 2007, Farrell does come to Toronto with some good credentials. In fact, like Cito Gaston before him, Farrell’s new job with the Toronto Blue Jays will be his first as a manager in the major leagues. He also comes with a glowing review from Red Sox manager, Terry Francona.

In an interview with the Boston Herald earlier this year, Francona had this to say about his now American League East-rival: “You spend any time around him, he can be good at whatever he wants. Manager, GM, pitching coach, running a minor league system, you name it. He’s just a special talent.”

So today marks quite the day for the city of Toronto. In one day, it received both a new mayor and a new manager of its storied Blue Jays franchise. Only time will tell, however, if either of these two new leaders will be able to guide Toronto to championship status once again.

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