The main contenders Pam McConnell
NOW’s pick Pam McConnell
She may not be supporting the natural choice of progressives for mayor (she’s backing George Smitherman), but there’s no denying McConnell’s lefty cred and hard work. She’s served the area for going on three decades, beginning in 82 as a school trustee for 12 years before making the leap to council. She’s vice-chair of the Police Services Board and sits on all the priority-setting committees at City Hall. Scores big votes for hand in Regent Park revamp and has the Labour Council’s endorsement. Consultant Howard Bortenstein, who ran in 2006 after his daughter came across used drug syringes in a park, finished a very distant second in 2006. A sign McConnell’s not taking him seriously: she has no election website.
