Former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman died on Saturday at the age of 88. Lastman made his fortune as a businessman before becoming mayor of North York for 25 years; after that, he was elected the first mayor of the amalgamated City of Toronto.

And while the colourful politician made headlines for some politically incorrect remarks while in office—and may have fathered two sons out of wedlock—Lastman's biggest legacy includes his staunch promotion of the city and his dedication to building up the suburban parts of the city.

Three colleagues and friends join to remember the former mayor. Journalist Sue-Ann Levy covered City Hall during Lastman's tenure; now-retired city councillor Norman Gardner was a close ally through their careers; and Rabbi Shmuel Spero is the rabbi at the Anshei Minsk synagogue in Kensington Market, where Lastman had his bar mitzvah.

What we talked about:

Find Mel Lastman's funeral detals at benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca
Read about the history of Lastman's Bad Boy, his furniture chain, at badboy.ca

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network; find more great Jewish podcasts at thecjn.ca.

"A true salesman committed to selling Toronto": Remembering Mel Lastman