“While we were opponents in politics, I respected her achievements in life. Councillor Lai leaves behind a family, a legacy of dedicated public service, and a successful business career. This is truly a legacy worth celebrating.’’

By Lincoln DePradine

“It’s a good feeling’’ was the response of Jamaal Myers to The Caribbean Camera, when asked about being elected a City of Toronto councillor.

Myers, a corporate lawyer, will represent Ward 23 in Scarborough.

Incumbent Ward 23 councillor Cynthia Lai, 68, died just days before Monday’s municipal elections.

In the aftermath of her death on October 21, Myers suspended his campaigning on the day and called her passing “tragic news’’, and also expressed deepest condolences.

“While we were opponents in politics, I respected her achievements in life. Councillor Lai leaves behind a family, a legacy of dedicated public service, and a successful business career. This is truly a legacy worth celebrating,’’ Myers said in a statement

Although Lai’s name remained on the ballot, votes for her were not counted on Monday.

Myers was among a diverse groups of candidates elected or reelected during Monday’s polling.

John Tory was re-elected to a third term as mayor. His former deputy Michael Thompson, a veteran of city politics, also was returned as representative for Scarborough Centre.

Black community members who, like Myers, are new to council are Chris Moise, who is representing Toronto Centre; and health promoter Amber Morley in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.

Also adding to the diversity on council are Chilean-born Alejandra Bravo, who is representing Davenport; Lily Cheng, councillor for Willowdale; and hijab-wearing Muslim Ausma Malik, councilor for Spadina—Fort York.

“We need a renewal at city council,’’ Malik said Monday after her victory. “I want to see many more firsts, and many more people being able to imagine taking up progressive political leadership in this city and to make it more equal and just.’’

The mayor and his team of councillors will be sworn in at City Hall on November 15.

Myers, a Canadian of Jamaican parents, said he’s using the current period to hire a team to support him in his work as councillor.

When council begins sitting, Myers said among immediate issues he’ll raise are the “Malvern Mall redevelopment; there’s the budget that’s coming; there’s affordable housing; there’s pedestrian safety; and there’s TTC accessibility’’.

LJI Reporter