There is a wait list for students to get into the debate. Looks like it's going to be a huge crowd. @TheRyersonian #mayoraldebate #topoli
#RobFord and councillor brother Doug Ford have arrived. Just walked in with Ryerson professor and moderator Ralph Lean. @TheRyersonian
Ford is now heading up to greet students in the audience. Shaking hands with students and taking photos with them.
Many students grabbing selfies with Ford. #TOpoli #mayoraldebate @TheRyersonian
Brother Doug Ford standing in the corner watching the mayor and chatting with a security guard.
So far, Doug Ford is the only campaign staff who showed up for Mayor Ford, despite four seats reserved #TOpoli #mayoraldebate @TheRyersonian
Carl Meschino, Ryerson third year urban planning student: "I just don't feel too informed about Toronto politics and want to get informed about (candidates). I just want to see what personalities are out there."
Sheldon Levy is now making his opening remarks @TheRyersonian
"There's nothing more important than civic engagement and for our students to participate in such an important event as this: the election of our mayor," Levy says.
Debate winner will receive a gold medal from Sochi, says Levy. Will be handed out by professor Ralph Lean. But the winner will have to give it back, Levy jokes.
Olympic winner in bobsledding is here. Was called in by Lean half an hour ago. "If you were running for mayor, I might vote for you! I just got a look from (Mayor Ford) here. That isn't good!" jokes Lean.
"I'm a passionate believer in student involvement in politics, and that's why I invited these candidates here," Lean says.
"I apologize to my students for not being able to bring in another candidate, and to the janitorial staff that had to clean up the empty chair... Told her we were going to have 380 people here... I can only conclude she's afraid of my really smart Ryerson students," Lean says. That joke gets some boos from the audience.
First speaker up: John Tory. #mayoraldebate #TOpoli @TheRyersonian
Tory: I will build the Scarborough subway, youth unemployment rate of 20 per cent is completely unacceptable
Tory: It is no secret that I supported many elements of Ford's fiscal plan when he first started, but now things have to change. It's unacceptable to have a mayor that shows up late and who has relationships with convicted criminals. Loud applause from audience.
Tory: "Mr. Ford no longer holds any respect for the office he holds."
Tory: Chow is an NDP icon, I knew this city needed another option.
Ford: I'd like to thank John for those kind words. I'm the only candidate with a track record of success (laughs from audience)
Ford: I'm not against the airport expansion. I have saved a billion dollars. (Laughs again.) We've created 57,000 jobs for hard-working grads like you.
Fact-checking last night's mayoral debate:
@HelenStratigos1 Hey! Olivia has a scheduling conflict and we have concerns about the moderator's neutrality. Lots of debates to come, thx!by jenniferhollett via twitter 3/27/2014 8:14:55 PM
by Russell Sabio via twitter 3/27/2014 8:15:17 PM
Candidates are expected to hold a meet and greet with students tonight after formalities #TOpoli #mayoraldebate #ryersonby dana_roberts13 via twitter 3/27/2014 9:32:41 PM
by dana_roberts13 via twitter 3/27/2014 9:51:20 PM
by dana_roberts13 via twitter 3/27/2014 9:54:27 PM
by Russell Sabio via twitter 3/27/2014 9:57:12 PM
by dana_roberts13 via twitter 3/27/2014 9:58:52 PM
by dana_roberts13 via twitter 3/27/2014 9:59:46 PM
by Russell Sabio via twitter 3/27/2014 10:02:24 PM
by Russell Sabio via twitter 3/27/2014 10:04:43 PM
by dana_roberts13 via twitter 3/27/2014 10:18:51 PM
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