John Tory is running for mayor of Toronto. Like, for real. He even announced it in a video and everything. While I suppose there's still time to back out, I'd like to congratulate the former leader of the provincial Conservatives and current NewsTalk radio host on finally making a decision one way or another. Now if Olivia Chow would only through her hat in the ring we could start talking about the election that is happening rather than hypothetical scenario after hypothetical scenario.

Yes, Tory isn't the only hyped candidate to resist entering the race early, but his name has been the most discussed, particularly given recent criticism from Doug Ford and a report in the Toronto Star that made his candidacy sounds like a sure thing. Now that he's formally announced he's running, Tory's been anything but shy about revealing his number one campaign priority: reducing congestion via the construction of a Yonge Street Relief Line (or DRL, as the case may be). He's also touting his ability to build consensus at City Hall and a desire to keep property taxes low, though one imagines his transit vision will prove crucial given Ford's focus on suburban transit infrastructure.

Tory has suffered a number of tough political losses over the years, including a run for Toronto mayor back in 2003, but one senses that the climate might be more friendly to him now given the various scandals Ford has endured. Will Tory prove a legitimate alternative for those who value fiscal conservatism?

Photo by Ontario PC Party