How about a 2-term limit for city council and mayor?

Fifteen years ago, six cities were amalgamated to create megacity Toronto. Despite two-thirds of the population voting against the merger in a referendum, it was nevertheless imposed on us by the provincial government of the Mike Harris Progressive Conservatives. It was a forced marriage of convenience that has not worked. Nor will it work in the foreseeable future.

There are lessons to be learned from the kind of city that we have become and the emerging urban culture that divides us. There is a subtle—or perhaps not so subtle—loathing towards those who live in the old City of Toronto that emanates from the surrounding amalgamated areas. Rob Ford and his “Ford Nation” team used this divide to their advantage during the 2010 election campaign. To advance its message and policies, and to keep its supporters happy, Team Ford governs in the same divisive spirit. Sadly, this strategy has worked, and it may work again to get Ford re-elected should a by-election be held.

Whatever option city council settles upon to fill the position of mayor, it is unlikely that it will bring the fragmented citizenry or councillors together. In the minds of many who are living in Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, East York and York, they are united and determined to have their voices heard as equal partners in the megacity.

We know what our differences are: more roads vs. more bikes lanes; more streetcars vs. more subways; less taxes vs. less social programs. A good leader highlights our similarities and finds ways to bring us together as a people. We are further apart today than we were 15 years ago.

What the mayor and too many others have refused to acknowledge is that the old City of Toronto has always been, and remains, the economic engine of the city and the province.

The old City of Toronto collects a great deal more taxes per capita from business and residents. The core is one of the fastest-growing cities in North America with condominium towers rapidly springing up. As recently reported by the Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, the number of skyscrapers in Downtown Toronto will more than triple by 2015 as compared to 2005. The high and rapidly increasing density of urban living allows for collection of more property taxes per square foot. In terms of mere dollars and cents, old Toronto is collecting the most taxes and receives little in return compared with those living around us.

The old City of Toronto cannot simply be repainted like the Jarvis Street bike lanes. We must work within the existing framework. However, we should first catalogue what has worked and what has not. The provincial government, on the advice of the city, should review the City of Toronto Act with an eye to making important changes. Such changes should include allowing city councillors to form political parties.

Party-based municipal politics would help citizens to understand better where candidates and representatives stand. Elected councillors would have clear and full mandates. The Act should also limit councillors and mayors to a maximum of two terms. Political office shouldn’t be a lifetime career. Fresh faces and new ideas may increase voter participation.

Although “respect for the taxpayer” is a commonly heard refrain in today’s political conversations, it is not the way we define ourselves as people who live here. We need a city builder at the helm: a mayor who will bring the citizenry together. We need a mayor that will inspire us to want to be better than who we are: someone who will lead us to a better tomorrow as a city. In short, we want a mayor who will respect our citizens.

That isn’t Rob Ford.