Easy win for Del Grande in Ward 39

The mood was jovial at Mon Sheong Long Term Care Centre after Mike Del Grande’s decisive victory in Ward 39.

Del Grande said that in the long run, the better politician won. He said he felt he was the victim of unfair tactics by opponent Kevin Xu.

“Mr. Xu was trying to make the race an ethnic issue,” Del Grande said. “He was trying to make the Chinese vote Chinese, and I was trying to get everyone to vote regardless of ethnicity.”

Del Grande said this win shows he represents all people.

“I was getting frustrated as I worked the ward hard and he was constantly breaking the rules,” he said. “He was putting signs on boulevards and you can’t do that.”

Del Grande said he hopes his expertise as a chartered accountant will be put to use in council.

“I want to finally get my hands on the budget,” he said.

Del Grande said he’s glad Rob Ford won the mayoral race because they agree on some policies, such as eliminating wasteful spending.

He does not agree, however, with Ford’s proposal to cut the current 44 councillors down to 22.

“The wards would be too large for councillors to handle,” Del Grande said. “They’re too diverse.”

Del Grande’s son, John Del Grande, was also victorious Oct. 25. He was elected as a Toronto Catholic District School Board trustee.

About this article

By: Billy Courtice
Posted: Oct 25 2010 10:09 pm
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Filed under: News Toronto Votes 2010
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