Toronto’s voters will be confronted with an important, very real decision this Monday. After months of debate, Torontonians will choose a new mayor, and I hear many progressives express their discomfort with the choices they are presented. They need not feel that way.

Olivia Chow claims to be the only candidate with an eye to social justice, the safety net and racial and gender equality — among other issues of conscience.

Many progressives place her two principal opponents, Doug Ford (open Doug Ford's policard) and John Tory — both of whom are significantly ahead of her in the polls this month — in the same silo. They claim that a vote for John Tory is simply a vote for more of the same, a Ford redux.‎

I have known John Tory for 15 years, and my support for his candidacy stems not only from my respect for his intellect and work ethic, but because I know of his quiet but significant contributions to social change.

Political debate often degrades in heated contests, and this year’s race is no exception. While fractious exchanges make for dynamic viewing, they can also put the lie to the facts, at every voter’s expense.

There is no doubt that John Tory’s economics are different than Chow’s. He is hesitant to additionally tax struggling families and convinced — rightly — that while Rob Ford (open Rob Ford's policard) may have found fat at City Hall, much of the marbling remains, and that systemic reform will produce some of the savings that allow our city room to move. But John’s dedication to the maintenance and improvement of social services is unquestionable.

I will not belabour readers with a review of Tory’s multi-decade engagement with charities and right causes — his record is available to all online. It is impressive. He has not only put his money (and time) where his mouth is; he has been modest and discreet in his good works, rarely glorifying his moral commitment to assist those in need.

But the dialectic that has emerged of late, wherein “progressives” question Tory’s commitment to gender equality and issues, multiculturalism, universal opportunity and human rights must be corrected.

The notion that John Tory is sexist is absurd. Tory’s family – including his wife of 34 years, Barbara Hackett,a businesswoman, activist, and philanthropist; and his sister Jennifer, an internationally recognized banking executive – personify the qualities I would wish to instill in our community’s daughters.

Perhaps the most depressing accusation made of Tory is his alleged attachment to a “segregationist,” “classist” and “elitist” world view. For as priority neighbourhood activist Spider Jones said: “If John Tory is a racist, I’m the head of the KKK.”

John’s ambition is to bring Toronto back together. He seeks to unite downtown and suburban dwellers, new and old Canadians, the ambitious and the accomplished, the struggling and the successful, no matter their colour, creed, or point of origin — let alone their neighbourhood — to our collective benefit. A cursory search of John’s website reveals the endorsement, friendship and respect of poverty, race and social activists from every corner of the city — who have known John for decades. Are they all to be disbelieved?

It has been said by some that there is only one goose that lays the golden eggs — and we shouldn’t cook it for an immediate feast. This of course refers to the private sector, and is absolutely right.

For Toronto to realize progressive results, the private sector must work with not only city hall, but all levels of government. John Tory is uniquely positioned to facilitate that dialogue.

His resume, his record, his family, his friends, his supporters and his very desire to serve our city with no benefit to himself prove his progressive ethos. No matter what his opponents may claim, he is a moral, honest, decent man, prepared to listen and build consensus.

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In the last few weeks, many have written about strategic voting and some have suggested that a vote for John Tory is a necessary vote to eliminate the threat of another Ford administration. I reject that premise. I choose to support Tory when some have not because I believe that through unity and dialogue, both among ourselves and with every level of government, we can make Toronto even better.

Zanana Akande is past president of the Urban Alliance on Race Relations and a former NDP MPP and cabinet minister.

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