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.

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