Mayor should be picked by elected city council

Is a ‘strong mayor’ the fix for Toronto?, Aug. 6

It is time for Ontario to face the fact that Toronto has a larger population than most provinces, but uses a small-town direct election system to choose a mayor.

If we want a system where the mayor will have the support of council to provide leadership, and is accountable to it, then it is time to scrap direct election of the mayor.

Cities that have populations the size of a province should select a mayor from council just like our prime minister and premiers require the support of a Parliament.

As a bonus for democracy, someone other than the rich, famous, or well connected could actually become mayor of Toronto, as winning a ward requires fewer resources than a campaign in a district of millions does.

Adam DeVita, Richmond Hill