Rob out, Doug in - can a broker win the mayoralty?

Minutes ago Doug Ford announced that he is filing his papers to run for mayor of Toronto, quickly followed by announcement that his brother Rob is pulling out of the race.

But will it mean an election victory for one Toronto-area insurance broker, who threw his hat into the ring last spring?

Rocco Di Paolo, president and CEO of Rock Anthony Insurance in Toronto, Ont., has described himself as ‘Rocky’ – a contender that is a long shot.

Rob Ford was diagnosed with an abdominal tumour only a day ago, and it is that which has prompted his decision to remove himself from the race, he told reporters.

Rob Ford issued this statement from his hospital bed: (continued.)
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"Now I could be facing a battle of my lifetime, and I want the people of Toronto to know that I intend to face this challenge head on, and win.

"With the advice of my family and doctors I know I need to focus on getting better. There is much work to be done and I can’t give it my all at this point in time.

"My heart is heavy when I tell you that I'm unable to continue my campaign for re-election as your Mayor.

"While I'm unable to commit to the heavy schedule required for a Mayoral candidate I will not turn my back on Ward 2. I will be running as Councillor of Ward 2, to represent the fine folks that have become my neighbours and friends over these past 14 years."

Others who have dropped out of the race for Toronto’s top job have been city councillor Karen Stintz and former councillor David Soknacki.

Currently leading by a considerable margin in the polls is radio talk-show host John Tory, who was followed by Rob Ford and Olivia Chow.

Di Paolo had joked in an interview with Insurance Business that the reason he is running for mayor is because he has a grandchild who has already passed the insurance exam, “so I’m going to leave it to the young people; I’m going to move on. I want another career.” (continued.)
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Some of Di Paolo’s major platform points include:
- reduce residential and commercial property taxes by 1 per cent per annum “for as long as I am mayor. This is very achievable, and it will drive growth in Toronto.”
- improve traffic flow with the introduction of more light rail transit, synchronizing traffic lights and improving the subway system. “I was in Paris, and you have no idea how great the subway system is there.”
- privatize the Gardiner Expressway. “In the past 10 years we’ve spent $311 million fixing it. You cannot scrap it because it is the core of the city. I want to sell it, make it a toll – but not like the way they did it with Highway 407.”
- make Toronto a world-class city by attracting foreign investment. “The only way you can do that is through low property taxes, less red tape, and offering incentives with tax holidays. New York State has no tax rate for 10 years for foreign investment.”