Where are they now?

incumbent councillors who lost their wards when Ford slashed city council, and what they’re up to

Mary Fragedakis is now executive director of the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA

“I loved what I did. I miss the relationships I built with community groups. People were unhappy with the way the election unfolded, specifically that one councillor would have to serve such a large constituency. That’s to be expected. I’m trying not to look backwards too much, because I don’t think it’s healthy.”

Giorgio Mammoliti is now COO at Pharma

“A smaller council was needed. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about making sure council runs efficiently. Personally, being out of politics has been refreshing. I’m much more relaxed. But I do feel as if I’ve abandoned my initiative of developing York West. When I get calls from former constituents, I feel a bit guilty that I’m not there.”

Joe Mihevc is now a visiting professor of geography and urban studies at York University

“It has taken me a year to transition from the loss. I call myself a recovering politician. Doug Ford’s agenda was to cause chaos with his former colleagues at city council—and he did a good job of it. People in my former constituency were in shock. They thought they were well served and wanted to continue with me.”

Jon Burnside is now consulting for event management firm Hillfield Park Productions

“I went from 100 kilometres per hour to zero pretty quickly. I tried to put things in perspective, because people lose their jobs every day. The biggest disappointment was that I was no longer doing something I love. People in this city have real challenges and I’m disappointed I can’t help them anymore.”

Lucy Troisi is now executive director at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre

“I miss the day-to-day interaction with the residents in my ward. Just the other day, a gentleman approached me in a store. He had lived at 650 Parliament Street, the building that had that terrible fire. We supported him through that ordeal. He gave me a big hug and said I was the best person he had ever met.”

John Campbell is on the board of Toronto Community Housing and advises Sutherland Corporation

“I’ve been trying to establish myself in meaningful, issuesbased work. I’ve had no calls or notes of complaint from my former residents about the service provided by my successor, but I think every councillor re-elected in 2018 will concede that their interaction with the local citizenry has been diminished.”

Frank Di Giorgio is now semi-retired and consults for the Toronto Local Appeal Body

“I thought the timing was right to consider downsizing council. The number of people involved in decision-making should be reduced. The new council is looking after double the population, but it’s easier to prioritize the important issues and plan for the future. My son got elected, so I keep abreast of politics through him.”

Michelle Holland is director, Ontario Public Sector, at PwC

“There could have been more consultation before they made changes to the election. But most residents, myself included, believe that council functions better with fewer councillors. After the election, I took six months off to focus on my health and wellness. My new job has a better work-life balance.”