After months of uncertainty, John Tory is preparing to jump into the race to become Toronto’s next mayor.

The official launch of Tory’s campaign is planned for late February at a huge kickoff event at a Toronto venue inspected last Saturday by senior Tory election advisers.

At the rally, Tory will unveil a campaign platform that features four key points: a call for more transit and an improved TTC; a youth employment strategy to combat growing joblessness among residents under 25; a renewed focus on city-wide economic development; and a restoration of decorum and co-operation at city hall after the turmoil seen under Mayor Rob Ford.

Also, Tory organizers are lining up a bipartisan crowd of business, political and community leaders who will publicly declare their support for the popular radio talk-show host and former provincial Conservative leader who finished a close second to David Miller in the 2003 mayoral race.

“He will definitely run,” declared a long-time Tory confidante and friend who has a major role in the campaign.

He made the statement on Monday, the day before a new video surfaced that caught Ford impaired, rambling and swearing at Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair. Ford admitted he had been drinking when the video was shot on Monday night, less than three weeks after registering to seek re-election and after he had vowed not to drink again.

“Well, that (video) certainly sealed it” for Tory, the campaign strategist said late Tuesday, referring to the Ford video.

Tory’s official entry into the race will end months of speculation and will alter the entire dynamics of the election. With Ford embroiled in yet another controversy, the Oct. 27 contest could easily end up being a two-way battle between NDP MP Olivia Chow and Tory.

Chow is expected to announce her candidacy in late February as well, after completing her current book tour promoting her new autobiography, which is considered the unofficial launch of her mayoral bid.

Tory’s entry in the race will spell trouble for Councillor Karen Stintz, a moderate conservative like Tory. Stintz has attracted a surprising level of support from Conservatives and Liberals, albeit many of whom are “parking” their support with the TTC chair awaiting a decision by Tory.

Over the past months, Tory has conducted his own thorough analysis of the Toronto political scene.

“He wanted to ensure he would have bipartisan backing — from across the board and across the city,” the campaign organizer said. “He’s been smart to wait and check things out. In short, he’s done his homework. He feels comfortable in his own skin and has got it into his head that it’s not the end for him if he loses.”

Many observers believed Tory might not enter the race for fear of being embarrassed if he lost a second mayoral contest.

Asked about Tory’s wife, Barbara Hackett, who apparently was reluctant to see her husband re-enter elective politics, the strategist replied with a smile: “She’s all good.”

Once launched, campaign managers for Tory will portray him as an experienced leader with a substantial resume, including having had a career as a lawyer, a former top executive for Rogers Communications and a major volunteer for numerous charitable organizations. He currently serves as chair of CivicAction, one of the most important groups in the city.

As well, they note that in 2003 Tory won 38.5 per cent of the votes, a proven base of support. He scored particularly well in the north Yonge area and major parts of North York and Etobicoke.

While his team is set to go, a well-placed source familiar with Tory’s thinking insists Tory hasn’t completely made up his mind yet, even after the revelation Tuesday of more damaging Ford videos.

“Yes, it’s true,” says the source, who knows Tory as well as anyone, that Tory has asked the campaign team to prepare for a full election, including developing policy papers and checking out locations for the kickoff event.

“There are plenty of people who are doing work” on Tory’s behalf, he said. “They’ve put a lot of effort into this and will be very disappointed” if Tory ultimately decides to remain on the sidelines, he admits.

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Until they hear differently, though, the team is ready. The kickoff rally is planned; the fundraising is being lined up; the signs are being designed.

All is set for John Tory to hit the ground running.

Bob Hepburn's column appears Thursday. bhepburn@thestar.ca

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