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In light of the recent appointment of Mark Cohon as CFL's latest commissioner, let's discuss something that I don't think has been discussed in great detail before, and I don't think a poll has ever been created on this topic either.

Who has been your favourite CFL commissioner and why?

Since the poll only allows me to put down nine selections, I will not list some of the earlier, shorter-term commissioners as well as any of the interim commissioners.

I always wanted a CFL football signed by Jake Gaudaur. He was a first-class commissioner and had the longest tenure in the modern era. I respected Mitchell and Smith but they and all of the others who followed Gaudaur endured major problems which they couldn't overcome.

Another vote for Jake Gaudaur followed by Sydney Halter

Jake. BTW BC Fan, I do have a J5V from his era with his autograph on it somewhere amongst my collectables...

Tom Wright was a good commish

I kinda liked what John Tory did as commish. I believe much of the current turn around to respectability can be sourced back to the good work Tory did during his tenure. Let's face it, he didn't exactly inherit a strong product, but he did get the ball rolling in alot of areas.

LFITQ wrote:I kinda liked what John Tory did as commish. I believe much of the current turn around to respectability can be sourced back to the good work Tory did during his tenure. Let's face it, he didn't exactly inherit a strong product, but he did get the ball rolling in alot of areas.

I agree. I voted for Gaudaur because he is my "favorite". However,
if I was being asked to vote for the commish that I most respected, my choice would be John Tory.

Dan_Payne_fan!! wrote:Tom Wright was a good commish

i also thought he did a pretty good job. although the loss of ottawa hurt him

If you look at this list of Commissioners it is clear that the earlier era was when Commissioners didn't have to spend their time kissing butts like today. I very much thought Tom Wright was great for the CFL and we'd be better off today without all these months of sniping and controversy.

If you want to dump someone senior, you usually have a good idea of who you want to replace the person with. This new guy doesn't start until late April when the position has been open since GC and known to be open much longer than that.

I voted for Jake Gaudar, but admittedly the fact that he was commissioner for 16 years and during a time of relative stability were the main reasons. Unfortunately those who followed him, took the job when there was less public support for the CFL, so their work was likely overshadowed by fears of the league's demise. It would be nice to see some continuity with a commissioner serving for a decade or more. Maybe Mark Cohon will have that opportunity and help move the CFL further ahead.

Wright was the right man at the time, but the owners for the life of me continue to shoot themselves in the foot. Gaudaur didn't have near the difficulties in dealing with owners that Wright had to do, but just think of the positives that Wright brought in in spite of the owners. Add to that his high road during all the behind the scenes back stabbing, and I give a ton of credit for still putting forth an SMS that few seemed to want at the outset.

I guess that he is fresh in my mind, and got my vote because I thought he fought through with his held held high.

Tom Wright is my definite choice!!