Interim Ward 13 Toronto Centre city councillor Robin Buxton Potts announced on Twitter this week her intention to run for the Ward 11 University-Rosedale this week.
This follows the announcement earlier in the week that longtime Ward 11 city councillor, Mike Layton, would not seek re-election in the next municipal election.
In a Twitter thread, Potts writes that Toronto is on the cusp of some significant changes, and it’s up to us to shape a future that reflects the values and desires of the whole city.
She outlines her experience and knowledge of the challenges facing the downtown neighbourhoods, as well as a commitment to public service.
Further, she mentions her current position as an appointed interim city councillor and how it is another example of their hands-on experience of the job. In this capacity, she writes that she knows the city staff and how to navigate council and committees.
Finally, Potts writes that as a young, queer woman who rents, she represents a demographic of Torontonians that do not currently have a voice at city council.
She hopes to champion several community actions including housing affordability, equity for Women and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and climate action.
Potts was appointed in early June to replace the vacant seat of Ward 13 Toronto Centre following the resignation of longtime councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam.
During her speech to city council, she outlined her experience and endorsements from several longtime politicians, including Wong-Tam.
Potts was voted in with 18 of 26 votes, including one vote from Toronto Mayor John Tory.
She initially said to city council that she would not seek running for the Toronto Centre seat on a full-time basis during the municipal election this October. She said wants the ward's constituents to elect their own representative at the next election.
Wong-Tam resigned in March to become the Ontario NDP's new candidate in Toronto Centre. The position and seat became vacant when incumbent MPP Suze Morrison said she would not seek re-election due to health concerns.
Wong-Tam held the NDP seat with about 43 per cent of the vote during the 2022 Ontario election on June 2.
Potts was the chief of staff for Wong-Tam since 2020 and the community relations strategic advisor for nine months prior to that.
Further, Potts took on previous roles on several city-based committees by succeeding Wong-Tam.
This includes the planning and housing committee, the board of health, the city's advisory committee for accessibility and as chair of the two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer advisory commitee.
CJRU reached out to Coun. Buxton Potts and her staff for comment about the decision to run in the upcoming election.
CJRU is awaiting a response.
The media team for Coun. Potts initially contacted CJRU in June that an interview would not be possible given her schedule adjusting to the new responsibilities as a city councillor.
More details to come.
Listen to CJRU's news update: