Do we call a byelection or appoint a new mayor?

It's the question city councillors will have to answer if Rob Ford loses his appeal of a conflict of interest ruling that has sent him packing as mayor.  The decision of a 3-judge panel will be made public Friday morning.

In recent weeks, Ford has been urging council to appoint him if the appeal doesn't go his way.  Then on Thursday, a change in messaging.

Councillor Doug Ford tells Newstalk 1010's John Tory on the Live Drive he doesn't think his brother has enough support to be appointed.  Now, the Ford camp favours a byelection.

Doug Ford says Rob has the support of the people & "the people should decide who their mayor will be moving forward".

Councillor Janet Davis also favours calling a public vote.  She worries about the "back hall arm-twisting" she predicts will come as councillors to wrangle 23 votes from their colleagues to get appointed.

Councillor Shelley Carroll, who has put her hand up to run in a possible byelection was less decisive speaking with reporters. 

Council is set to meet for their regular meeting February 20th.  Carroll says it may make sense to take some time & listen to the public to make a decision closer to that date.  That's rather than making a rushed decision at special meeting that would be called, likely next week, if Rob Ford loses in court.

Carroll says at that point the city clerk will be able to say exactly how much a byelection will cost, how it might work & when the vote might be.

Carroll says delaying making a decision would also allow council to consider an audit of Rob Ford's campaign spending.  That's expected next week.

For Giorgio Mammoliti, it's an emphatic "no" to a byelection.  He says spending millions on a byelection doesn't make sense.

Mammoliti would like to see Ford appointed mayor if he's kicked out by losing his appeal.  He says that will send a message that Ford & his allies are finishing what they started.

Mammoliti bristled at the thought of appointing someone from outside council ranks.  He says they would spend the next 2 years in training & looking for the bathroom.