Morgan defends voting record as he launches bid to be London’s next mayor
London’s current deputy mayor and Ward 7 councillor is throwing his hat into the ring to become the next mayor.
On Thursday, the 44-year-old father of four officially registered as a candidate.
“This council has a great track record,” Morgan told the media after filing his paperwork with the clerk’s office. “Not only have we [made] historic investments in housing, not only have we committed to a roadmap to 3,000 more affordable [housing] units, we passed the Climate Emergency Action Plan, and we have taken significant steps to address anti-racism and equity.”
After seven years on council, CTV News asked Morgan if he’s running on a ‘more of the same’ platform.
He responded, “I think you have to look beyond one term of council. When you look at the things we’ve started, [they] absolutely, positively must be completed.”
Morgan hints that his platform will also focus on housing affordability, downtown revitalization and strengthening the voice of Londoners in local decision making.
“You will see new initiatives, that I am not going to reveal today, centred around how people can contribute to shaping and improving the neighbourhoods around the city,” he said.
Asked directly about some of his voting history that drew criticism from council colleagues or the public, Morgan suggested it’s to be expected serving two terms as a city councillor.
“I’ve certainly built bridges with individuals who have said to me ‘I didn’t like your vote on this’— but they’re happy with some of the other things we’re doing. Londoners don’t always agree, and one of the great things about politics is we have debate and dialogue,” Morgan said.
Specifically, he recently backed a land deal aimed at relieving overcrowding at Sir Arthur Currie Public School in his ward.
Critics argued the deal sidestepped policies in The London Plan intended to ensure orderly development near the city’s periphery and curb sprawl.
“You can support an official plan and also have amendments to it,” Morgan responded. “The context in the City of London is very different from when we first passed the official plan. Not only are we the fastest growing economy and fastest growing city in Ontario, we’ve gone through a pandemic.”
In 2019 he voted against the west route of the bus rapid transit system, and as an administrative employee of Western University, declared a conflict of interest regarding the north route.
Morgan wouldn’t say if northwest London now requires rapid transit routes, instead pointing to upcoming work to develop city hall’s Mobility Master Plan.
“There are changes that need to be made, and I am not going to jump ahead and suggest that I know what those [changes] are when we’ve started a comprehensive process to determine that,” he said.
Morgan was joined at his news conference by former city manager Martin Hayward.
“He’s very much a consensus builder, a team leader,” praised Hayward who retired after a 35-year career with city hall.
It’s the first time Hayward has voiced support for a candidate.
“He [Morgan] does his homework. I can’t tell you how many times when I was [city] treasurer he came in to question me about complex issues just to have an understanding so he could make an informed decision at council.”
Morgan was hand-picked by Mayor Ed Holder to be his deputy mayor for the second half of this council term.
On Tuesday, Holder announced he was retiring from politics this fall.
Morgan is the second candidate to register for the mayoral race.
Sean O’Connell filed on May 2.
Londoners go to the polls on October 24.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.