“Any available space around where (Chris) Sellors got his office, we got quotes of over $4,000 a month. All relative to the size he’s getting,” said Matlow.  “We are looking for something that’s $2,000 or less.”

It’s a matter of balancing financial priorities.  Printing campaign literature is more important than a pricey office, Matlow said.  However, the candidate hasn’t ruled out a campaign office just yet.

“Given that I live on Duplex Avenue near Yonge and Eglinton, we might be able to have it at my house for eight weeks,” he said.

Candidate William Molls said he’s also trying to keep costs down. “My campaign is run out of my apartment,” he said. “It’s very expensive to run in an election.”

Read the rest of the article here.

“I dare say an endorsement by Giambrone — the controversial TTC chairman and former mayoralty candidate who was forced to drop out of the race amidst lurid tales of trysts with a variety of women — might be the “kiss of death.”

Kevin Beaulieu, 39 — the EA captured on camera reading the rest of Giambrone’s speech when he resigned from the mayor’s race — says not so.”

Read the rest of the column here.

“I am blessed with this opportunity and I am grasping it with both hands,” he said.

“No one knows Ward 22 the way I do,” said Sellors who’s campaign slogan is Experience You Can Trust.

The only other registered candidate so far is St. Paul’s school trustee Josh Matlow, who Sellors knows well.

“Usually you don’t know your opponent this well,” said Sellors. “I respect (Matlow). I’m not going to get negative. We will have a respectful campaign focused on the issues.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Photo courtesy: Spacing Magazine

Long-time Ward 22 Councillor Michael Walker has decided against standing for re-election against Trustee Josh Matlow:

“The time has come now for me to step aside from that role now, which I will dearly miss as most of you know,” he said. “I thank the people I have represented for the remarkable level of trust they have placed in me over the years.”

Although he sees himself as “her majesty’s royal opposition” to the mayors he’s worked with, Walker spoke fondly of Art Eggleton, June Rowlands, Barbara Hall, Mel Lastman and current mayor, David Miller.”

Read the rest of the article here.

Walker’s executive assistant, Chris Sellors, has announced he will resign his position and run as a candidate in the ward.

Related: St. Paul’s councillor Michael Walker set to retire (National Post)

Ward 22 Councillor Michael Walker, who has not filed to run for re-election in October, does not give any firm indications of his intent when asked directly by the Town Crier:

“I may need to make my decision by the end of March,” said Walker. “I am leaning towards running, but everything is so fluid (at city hall).”

Walker was referring to how quickly things can change in politics citing the example of Davenport councillor Adam Giambrone.   Giambrone registered as a mayoral candidate on Feb. 1 and by Feb. 10 announced he was stepping down from that race due to a sex scandal.

No such scandal plaques Walker, who was first elected in 1982, he’s just considering if it’s time to bow out.”

Read the rest of the article here.

“Case Ootes has represented Toronto-Danforth Ward 29 since 1988, but he’s not seeking re-election. Former councillor and previous mayoral candidate Jane Pitfield is running as are Chris Caldwell, Mike Restivo, and John Richardson. Several people have told me the New Democrats and left is looking for a strong candidate to run here. If they do, this could turn out to be a dogfight.”

Read the rest of her post here.

With the candidates for the mayoral contest all but locked in, the Globe and Mail looks at some of the hot races shaping up at the local level in the early stages of the election cycle:

“Ward 15 (Eglinton-Lawrence)

The contest here is shaping up to be a scrappy two-way race, assuming council’s wiliest veteran sticks it out until election day. Howard Moscoe, above left, has already registered, and says he has no plans to retire. But Rob Davis, above right, wants to force his retirement. The Catholic School Board trustee was the first black councillor elected in the former city of York; his old ward overlaps part of the modern Ward 15. So far, others are steering clear.”

Read about the other races here.