The Grits' generational clash

And welcome to the strong mayors club (or not)

ABOVE THE FOLD

Battle lines are being drawn in the Liberal leadership race — but first: reaction to the Ford government’s hotly anticipated move to expand strong-mayor powers to 26 big cities on July 1 is pouring in:

PATRICK BROWN, Mayor of Brampton, told CP24: The move is “very helpful” and “creates more ownership and responsibility for any commitment that is made…It’s difficult to implement your agenda when you have the same voting power as someone who’s been elected by maybe five per cent of the votes that you were elected by.”

Hamilton Mayor ANDREA HORWATH said she hasn’t “even contemplated” whether she’ll wield her beefed-up powers yet. Speaking to the CBC: “Finding common ground, having partnerships, you know, coming to solutions that are broadly supported, is the best way to do the kind of work that I’ve always done as an MPP, as a leader, and as mayor as well, and so I don't see those values ever changing.”

Thunder Bay Mayor KEN BOSHCOFF told CBC he was “quite shocked” his city…