Smitherman to run for mayor of Toronto

In what is perhaps the worst-kept secret of 2009 George Smitherman — Ontario’s deputy premier, energy minister and friend of Dorothy — says he has told Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty that he’s leaving Queen’s Park for the heady wine of civic politics. He’s running for mayor of Toronto.

“It’s a city park so we’ll have to defer to [city councillor] Kyle Rae,” he says. “But I’m not sure bragging about it is productive.”But Smitherman does remember an earlier favourite place for gay men.

“I thought it was very, very fitting that the Alexander Wood statue is located near to the [former] CBC parking garage.”

There will be much more to come as the civic election heats up next year but at the very least we’re likely to have a sister on the ballot to spar with Enza. And that, on the face of it, is a good thing. Here are some Smitherman highlights in Xtra over the past couple of years:24 years on banks won’t take gay bloodFinal electorial reform report deliveredTrans activists demand politcal reformPride Toronto gets cash infusion A quick prick and you’re doneDoctors say gay organ donor ban could lead to deaths Gays should keep donating organs: Ontario group Ontario woos queer MDs

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