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Feb 9 - Feb 16,2003 |
Mel Lastman on past choices
Toronto's outgoing Mayor reflects on political life and on legacy he leaves the city
By Angelo Persichilli
Originally Published: 2003-01-26
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Mayor Mel Lastman in his office at Toronto City Hall
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Toronto Mayor Mel Lastman spoke with us of his political career, his memories, his few regrets and many satisfactions. During the interview Lastman expounded on his mayoralty, but also on his complex personality. He mentioned the councillors he would have gladly avoided and the people he would gladly forget ever meeting.
After so many years in the political arena, do you think that Mel Lastman's real personality has been understood?
"No, I don't. I don't think that the media understands and actually I don't think they even bothered to try and understand."
Why don't you explain yourself now?
"I think that the best person for that would be my wife. I don't believe that anybody knows me just as well."
How would you like to be remembered?
"As Toronto's first mayor and as a person who really kept the city's interest at heart. The person who created an organization to make Toronto an even greater city."
Your decision is irrevocable. However, is there anything that could change your mind and make you run again?
"No, there isn't. There will be no second thoughts. I feel fine, I have no doubts about this."
When did you make up your mind?
"Last summer. I thought that, apart from some final details I had yet to arrange, the future of Toronto is safe."
What were those details?
"I needed to make sure that some Federal funds would arrive."
Did you succeed?
"Yes, I did. I received two letters from the Prime Minister."
Are you happy with the support you received?
"It was hard. However, with all the battles I fought in the past five years I managed to obtain some $3.5 billion for Toronto, split between Queen's Park and Ottawa. I think that raising one's voice can pay, don't you agree?"
Did you get enough?
"I don't think so. Last year the two levels of government took from Toronto $10 billion more than they returned. They could have left us another billion dollars and solved our problems. We'd have avoided so much fighting and dealt with so many problems, starting with the homeless."
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