TORONTO - It may be an unfair observation, but public attention in this municipal election, in Toronto at least, may end up confirming pre-held perceptions as to why the public invests little interest in this level of political jurisdiction.
It started with the very public “slap-down” by Premier Ford of Toronto City Council and followed up with his willingness to invoke the Notwithstading Clause to ensure that the configuration of Council would follow his diktat.
TORONTO The message was clear. This election is of little relevance – Queen’s Park will make the major decisions.
TORONTO - There are some good, concerned people at City Council or vying to be our representatives there. Premier Ford’s actions underscored the impressions of their mandate: maintain the infrastructure; keep traffic moving; clean the streets; pick up the garbage and make sure the police keep criminals away from our neighbourhoods.
These are tasks crucial to the urban quality of life we all strive to maintain. But, they are hardly awe-inspiring, citizen-galvanizing themes that draw people “to the barricades”.
Usually, voter turn out reflects that.
It is probably asking too much of an Etobicoke resident to get excited about Scarborough’s transportation problems, for example. Hence the election turns on issues related to name recognition or experience vs anything else.
In some areas, organized, partisan political entities provide an “umbrella” for new entrants. It may happen more often in the future, but for now, only the NDP plays in that pool.
For the editorial team at Corriere our main issue has always been, and continues to be, service to the community. Here, perhaps, we tilt towards whom we know and whether, in our judgement, they have discharged their obligations dutifully.
For Mayor, we support John Tory. He has been a standard-bearer for the entire city. Even as “the South-of-Bloor crowd” collapses invariably under the weight of its myopia, he travels to all parts of the City.
In Eglinton-Lawrence, the choice is clear. Mike Colle sided with the community in fighting against the designs of predatory, would-be-developers on the Columbus Centre.
The Councillor from ward 9, now York Centre, Maria Augimeri, if the whole truth be told, is the one person most responsible for navigating the success of saving the Columbus Centre from the wreaker’s ball. As well, she has an activist’s approach to responsible development and community service.
In Humber-Black Creek, formerly York West, the race is too close to call and none of the candidates have a history of engagement with the Corriere. The one who has, Sal Piccininni, is running as Trustee for the TCDSB.
In Etobicoke North, Vincent Crisanti has proven himself capable at engaging the various communities in developing a pan-Toronto economic plan. He deserves to be re-elected.
Returning further eastward to York South Weston, two Municipal veterans are looking to unseat each other but they may well be surprised by an up and coming activist, Chiara Padovani. She appears to have the backing of the NDP, although her credentials are impressive enough.
In the city proper, Ana Bailão in Davenport brings experience, competence and a willingness to engage the community in long-term re-development plans for the area.
In Willowdale, the “I’m out/no I’m in” incumbent who thinks Italians are all related to Tony Soprano should be ushered out the door. Danny De Santis might be just the candidate to show him the exit.
Next door, in Don Valley North, former trustee and TDSB budget Committee Chair, Ken Lister, would be a good choice.
Agree or not with our choices, Go Vote.
