Mammoliti challenger Nick Di Nizio sent the Star photos of more than 10 “Re-Elect Giorgio Mammoliti” signs that he said were erected around Arrow Rd. and Deerhide Cres., near Finch Ave. W. Under the city’s bylaws, campaign signs can’t be placed until Oct. 2, nearly four months from now.
“This is one of the reasons why I’m running, to basically get rid of principle-less councillors and put some accountability back into the role, put faith back into municipal politicians,” Di Nizio said. “I mean, what more to say? He’s constantly screwing up.”
An arrow added to some of the signs appeared to point to an event tent where an evening gathering was held.
Mammoliti (Ward 7, York West) did not respond to three requests for comment on Thursday. The Star does not know if Mammoliti or his campaign team was directly involved in putting up the signs.
The eccentric veteran councillor, a council conservative, has faced several accusations of improper or unethical conduct this term.
He has been charged under the provincial Municipal Elections Act under accusations that he spent more than the legal limit in 2010. He is also under investigation by the integrity commissioner over a $5,000-a-table fundraiser held by his family before the election period and attended by lobbyists.
The CBC reported that Mammoliti has received below-market rent from a developer that does business with the city; Mammoliti said the report contained “inaccurate information.” And he was denounced by fellow councillors over a $200,000 loan he obtained in 2007 from a real estate developer to whom he had given minor assistance in getting approval to erect billboards; he said the issue was a “personal business matter.”
The city does not usually impose significant penalties on candidates who violate sign rules.
“A $25 fee will be deducted from the ($250) election sign deposit for every illegal sign city staff removes from public property,” spokeswoman Tammy Robbinson said. “If a candidate has not paid the deposit and places signs on public property, they will be invoiced the cost of removing all illegal signs.”
Sources / More info: Giorgio Mammoliti erects campaign signs four months early, opponent complains | Toronto Star
Comments