LILLEY: Geddy Lee’s wakeup call for Toronto, city in decline
Rush legend rarely weighs in on politics, but his endorsement of Brad Bradford speaks to growing dissatisfaction with Olivia Chow's Toronto.
Toronto's Geddy Lee has publicly endorsed Brad Bradford, the city councillor in the mayoral race. In a series of photos, the Rush frontman is seen with a small dog alongside Bradford, expressing his support. Lee, a Canadian vocalist and bassist, shared that while he is proud to call Toronto home, he fears for the city's future under its current leadership.
He believes Bradford possesses energy, fresh ideas, and a genuine concern for all communities. Bradford, aiming to unseat Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, promises to reduce water bills by 25 percent and hire 1,000 new police officers. Lee's post sparked mixed reactions, with punk band F***ed Up responding with vomit emojis. Lee, who has toured the world for 50 years, expressed relief at returning to the city but now sees it as a different place.
He attributes this change to the current leadership and emphasized that the city once provided a safe haven for his Holocaust-surviving parents. Other Canadian musicians involved in the race include Blue Rodeo frontman Jim Cuddy, who supported Chow earlier this month, and Toronto rapper DijahSB and the Pan Fantasy Steelband, among others.
Chow's campaign slogan, "caring, affordable and safe," highlights the city she aims to maintain and develop.
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