Courtesy of Steve Murray

He’s in it to win it – or something like that. From what began as a debate over a left-over butter tart is now the base of his truly inspiring mayoral campaign: Murray 4 Mayor. Whether you’ve read his advice column in the National Post, or swooned over his artistic skills, Steve Murray has already influenced your life for the better. The big question now is whether he’s ready to lead this city out of the slumps and into the fist-pumps. Sitting down for a quick Q&A together, we got to know the man behind the mantra.

Pony: What made you decide to run for mayor?

Steve: I felt like the candidates weren’t listening to me, specifically when I kept asking, “should I not run for mayor?” And so I didn’t not run for mayor and am now running for mayor.

Pony: What is the biggest problem Toronto is facing today?

Steve: Our pessimism! Voters don’t seem to be able to see the good in this city, like, for example, me, the guy who’s going to clean this hellish trash-hole up.

Pony: Who do you feel is your biggest competition?

Steve: Probably myself, since I’m my own worst critic. I just feel that there’s something shady about Steve Murray and I can’t put my finger on it, so I keep hammering him with facts and figures to see if he’ll break.

Pony: Do you have any advice (or bad advice) for the other candidates?

Steve: I think they’re doing just fine as it is, by being terrible and making me look good.

Pony: What can you say to all the undecided voters out there?

Steve: What kind of city do you want to live in? A city where I’m the mayor, or a city where I’m NOT the mayor and you’ve hurt my feelings? Seems easy to me, the guy with feelings.

Pony: What are your thoughts regarding the bike lane controversy with Ford?

Steve: Ford understands that bikes don’t belong on streets, but he needs to go further and hit the source, the bike dealers. Why do we turn a blind eye to people selling bikes in our city? Some of these “people” are selling bikes to our children!

In a related note, If you suspect YOUR child has been riding a bike, look for the telltale signs. Do they seem healthier? Do they have a newfound sense of independence? Spot the signs early, parents. Before it’s too late.

Pony: Agreed. What’s your policy on policies?

Steve: I’ll be outlining a policy on that in the near future.

Pony: When elected, what’s the first thing you are going to do?

Steve: I’m going to fire half of the city councillors and then I’m going to demolish one side of city hall.

Pony: What are your thoughts regarding the Maple Leafs this season?

Steve: Listen, you’re either with the Maple Leafs or you’re against them. I’m firmly with them and am a huge hockey fan, like all good Torontonians. they look great this year and have some wonderful skaters and stick handlers, not to mention solid defence and offence. I’m a big fan. Big fan.

Pony: That’s what I like to hear. What can we do to get involved with M4M?

Steve: Check out our Get Involved page! We have some desktop pictures for your computers so you can show your support directly at your face all day long. We’ll have buttons and signs soon as well. Also, I’m very much willing to attend functions around this magnificent city and give speeches (register here). Give me a shot and I’ll do my best to not disappoint you or not blow you away enough. Reach me at murray4mayor@gmail.com

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For more information about Murray 4 Mayor, follow Steve’s instructions mentioned above, or simply follow your heart.

– Emma Farquharson.

Courtesy of Google and Mushy Pony

If choosing a favourite mayoral candidate has been somewhat of a chore for you (and let’s be honest – a snooze-fest), the Cowgirls have simplified all the important details of each one right here in this very article. Except instead of discussing their policies and political jargon, we decided to dish out the goods on the candidates themselves. Get out your roses ladies, it’s time to find the right mayor for you!

ROCCO ROSSI:
A “lover of long walks [on the beach] and challenges”, Mr. Rossi has captivated our hearts using Family Guy references on Facebook, puns on Twitter, and offering the best tasting cake ever at his benefit dinner. He’s got the world’s cutest smile, and cheeks you could pinch ’til the ponies come home. Ladies, if you like your men optimistic and fun, then Rocco the vote!

GEORGE SMITHERMAN:
This humble Minister of Energy sure likes to keep it clean. Besides helping pass Ontario’s Green Energy and Green Economic Acts, he’s also helped restore Women’s College Hospital’s independent status. So if you’re an independent woman who likes her man lean, mean and green – slither up to Smitherman!

ROB FORD:
This fierce football player likes to help out the youth and keep them fit and fighting! A natural both on and off the field, you can let him tackle your heart for just the check of a ballot! He’ll play fair with you and your future kids together. It’s the tough love you can definitely afford with Mr. Ford.

SARAH THOMSON:
She’s the creative, culturally rich gas-pumper who made it big. This founder of the Women’s Post feels Toronto’s next mayor needs a vision. Could you envision a life together with her? For those who love a blank canvas with endless possibilities, saddle up with Sarah!

JOE PANTALONE:
This Italian stallion majored in geography – so together you’ll never feel lost. With contributions to both the Exhibition Place and the BMO field, it’s pretty obvious this man knows how to party. If you want adventure with someone who can prepare savory, home-style Italian meals, leave the gun and keep the Pantalone.

GIORGIO MAMMOLITI:
He’s assisted all the Ministers, so he could certainly assist you. He also likes to expand his horizons by focusing beyond the downtown core, so you know he likes to think big. If big pictures are your game, then take a mayoral bite out of this mammoth of a Mammoliti!

…Okay, so we’ve misrepresented all of them a tad. But what say you?

–The Cowgirls