Those were the words from York Centre Councillor Maria Augimeri, caught by a still-live microphone, just seconds after Toronto Council voted to appoint York South Weston Councillor Frances Nunziata Toronto Council’s speaker for the coming term.
The Wednesday, Dec. 3, vote for Nunziata came after council had considered Mayor John Tory’s slate of appointees to committees, agencies, boards and commissions.
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With few exceptions, councillors supported Tory’s picks for the jobs, and they did so with Nunziata as well – despite some disagreement over the long-serving city councillor’s fitness for the job.
Nunziata had been speaker – tasked with running council’s marathon monthly meetings — through the Ford administration. During that time, she was criticized for making calls that exhibited bias, and for "editorializing" when she ought to have been impartial.
But Nunziata had made it clear to Tory that she wished to continue in the job and wanted no other appointments.
Tory obliged, recommending her to council.
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On Tuesday, Augimeri floated the idea of running against Nunziata when the vote came to council, saying she had support of many councillors who hoped for a more collegial person in the chair.
But by Wednesday morning, it was clear Augimeri didn’t have the support – only 19 members of council had signed a petition asking that she be speaker – so withdrew.
With Nunziata the only name on the ballot, Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong offered a tepid endorsement.
"She’s had some bright spots, she’s had some rough patches, but she has a level of experience that could be of benefit to the city," said Minnan-Wong.
Newcomer Joe Cressy (Trinity-Spadina) was one of the few who rose to speak against Nunziata.
"I’m... here because it’s time to restore some respect and civility to this chamber and make politics good again," said Cressy, adding that he had hoped to assist Tory in moving the city forward.
"I don’t think the selection of this speaker is forward," he said.
After the 38-6 vote, Nunziata rose to thank her colleagues.
"I want to thank you and I’m proud to accept this role," she said. "Thank you for the confidence you’ve had in me. There’s a new mayor, a new direction and a new tone. I’m looking forward to working with all of you."
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