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DISERO
CALLING IT QUITS
From Toronto Star - March 1, 2003
CATHERINE PORTER
STAFF REPORTER
After almost 18 years on Toronto City Council, Betty Disero handed
in her resignation yesterday afternoon.
"I believe it's time for me to move on. I wanted to be there
for the budget this year, and when it was over, I decided to leave
to pursue other things," the long-time Ward 17 (Davenport)
councillor said last night. Her last day will be March 14.
Disero, who is also chair of the Toronto Transit Commission, said
she decided to make her exit before the upcoming November elections
because of business opportunities and a realization that, once she
turned 45, she had spent almost her entire adult life in city politics.
"There isn't one reason. You reach a point when you just feel
like your priorities shift, and it's not something you want to prolong.
I'm usually pretty decisive when I make up my mind, it's done."
The opportunities? She wouldn't comment, stating, "there's
nothing put in writing or stone." What's for sure, she said,
is more time for her partner, Frank, and their dog.
Disero entered politics in 1982, when was elected as a separate
school trustee. Three years later, she ran for alderman.
Her decision came as a shock to her fellow Davenport councillor
Mario Silva.
"She has an enormous influence on council," he said. "She's
very, very powerful.
"There's no question, because she's served on so many committees
and chaired so many of them, she's very well respected and well
liked by the bureaucrats and she carries a lot of influence at city
council.
"She's leaving on a high note."
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