The Next Mayoralty Campaign

Its early days yet but according to Ken Gray in the Citizen on Dec 26 (Handicapping the next mayor) things are warming up. Gray attempts to handicap those he sees as lead contenders in the next mayoralty race. I was particularly interested reading his comments on one of the favourites.

“Peter Hume: The early favourite. A red Tory, the Alta Vista councillor would be able to mobilize much of the Conservative machine in Ottawa. And he counts Munter, so he has wide appeal. A great conciliator and deal-maker on council, he will need to be a superb fundraiser because he is not a wealthy man. Mr. Hume is so eager to run you expect see him covered in green paint around city hall after making election signs in the basement all night.”

In a recent post I commented on sources local councilors receive funding from to support their campaigns and the potential for serious conflict of interest. Peter Hume is one of several candidates identified in the 2003 and 2006 campaigns whose funding sources include a high percentage of contributions from firms and individuals that have business interests that might benefit from future council decisions.

Hume did particularly well in this area. In the 2003 campaign at least 71% of $26,999 in contributions came from corporations or individuals with direct interests in future developments within his ward and within the city as a whole. In the 2006 campaign there were no direct corporate campaign contributions but at least 62% of $27,062 came from individuals whose firms/employers might benefit similarly.

So, if Peter Hume decides to run for mayor, as most believe he will, he should have little difficulty raising funds. Many of the sources he has used in previous campaigns will be more than pleased to help out and maximize their contributions.

The sad fact is that this is all perfectly legal according to current provincial/municipal laws. It is disturbing that provincial laws allow contributions of this nature when strict measures to prevent implications of inappropriate election contributions are in place at the federal level. The time has come for the Province of Ontario to act on this issue too.