John Tory jumped into the crowded race for mayor yesterday, promising to fight for new powers and tax tools to reverse the city's sagging fortunes.

"I think it is time to sit down and negotiate a new deal with the other levels of government," he told reporters, adding that he backs a new hotel tax to promote tourism, as well as acquiring help from senior governments on transit, immigration, affordable housing and homelessness.

Mr. Tory, 48, a veteran political adviser to a former Progessive Conservative premier and two former Conservative prime ministers, is making his first run at elected office in the municipal vote on Nov. 10. He is stepping down as chairman and chief executive officer of Rogers Cable Inc.

He launched his campaign yesterday with a speech that cut a wide swath on issues and policies, including high praise for Police Chief Julian Fantino.

The strategy seemed designed to demonstrate his familiarity with the city's problems and to scotch criticism about his political ties to Mayor Mel Lastman, many of whose former advisers will work on Mr. Tory's campaign.

"I am running as my own man," said Mr. Tory, a co-chairman of Mr. Lastman's last two mayoral campaigns. "I come into this race beholden to no one, and I have absolutely no intention of becoming beholden to any person or group of any kind."

His agenda includes the promise of a "dramatic" reduction in the number of homeless people in his first 12 months of office, a pledge to hold tax increases (if necessary) to the rate of inflation, a lobbyist code of conduct and registry and a regional transit authority to co-ordinate the planning and funding of projects across the Toronto region.

Mr. Tory tried to turn his lack of experience in elected office to his advantage.

"I bring a new perspective, free of the divisions, confrontations and mindset of incumbency that can be the hallmark of city government and its dealings with others," he said.

Asked about his assessment of former mayor Barbara Hall, a top rival in the Nov. 10 election, Mr. Tory praised her as a "thoughtful person." But he added: "Some of the decline of the city I talk about didn't happen overnight, and those who have been in office, who are career politicians, have to be held accountable for it, just as people want me to answer questions about why I haven't been in elected office before."

In calling for a "new deal" for Toronto, Mr. Tory said that the city's unique economic status underscores why the present funding arrangments with Queen's Park and Ottawa have to change.

"You simply cannot take this city, the economic engine of Canada where most of the new immigrants come . . . and just assume the same rules that have been here for many years, or even the new rules that were put in place two or three years ago, are working right," he said.