Toronto City Councillor Adam Vaughan speaks to the media in Toronto Nov. 30, 2012 at City Hall.Deborah Baic/The Globe and Mail
There's an opening on Mayor Rob Ford's powerful executive committee – and one of the mayor's most vocal critics wants to fill it.
Councillors Adam Vaughan, Maria Augimeri, and Vincent Crisanti have expressed interest in joining the committee, according to documents posted on the city website Tuesday.
Mr. Vaughan, who frequently clashes with the mayor, said constructive criticism is a healthy part of the democratic process.
"I think that the city works best when we listen to all corners of the city [when] dealing with significant issues," he said in an interview. "I think it's important that we reflect the geographical make-up of the city because of the issues that are different in each one of these corners."
When asked how he would characterize his chances at appointment, Mr. Vaughan, a casino opponent, said with a chuckle, "You know what I think about gambling. I don't give odds."
Ms. Augimeri could not be immediately reached for comment. Mr. Crisanti's office said he was unavailable Tuesday.
The striking committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the executive appointment. A seat opened up on executive last month when Councillor Mike Del Grande resigned.
The striking committee will also discuss a vacancy on the budget committee, from which Mr. Del Grande also stepped down. Four councillors have expressed interest in joining the budget committee, including Ms. Augimeri, Joe Mihevc, Ron Moeser, and Frances Nunziata.
Ms. Augimeri said she believes the executive committee - which is currently made up of 11 men and one woman - would benefit from greater diversity.
"You really straitjacket yourself if you're a mayor and you don't listen to a diversity of opinions," she said in an interview.