Toronto Mayor David Miller stated the obvious, quoted in the National Post yesterday, “I think it would be very good if a number of councillors perhaps recognize that it’s time for somebody else and run,” he told reporters yesterday. ”I think it would be good for some new blood to be on council.”

It is very difficult to unseat an incumbent on Toronto City Council. Part of the problem is that so few people participate in the election. Often, people who do vote, vote for the only name they recognize – the one that’s been around for a long time. The result is that we have quite a number of do-nothing councillors running our city. I’ve read numerous reports over the past few years about the childish behaviour and low level of professionalism on City Council.

What is going to change the situation? The best thing that could happen would be much greater participation in next year’s election. I’ll be urging people to get to know who is running in their ward and for mayor and to get out and make choices when election day comes around.

During his current term, our mayor has lost a significant amount of popularity. The municipal workers strike didn’t help him. Is it enough to get people to take an interest next time we go to the polls? Maybe Miller’s wish will come true and some of the do-nothing councillors will bow out next time around – but I wouldn’t bet on it.