This is our election, Toronto!

Ratna Omidvar.

Torontonians should take the lead in defining the issues that matter to them in the next municipal election.

We’re only into the third month of a long election campaign, with eight months still to go until we go to the polls on October 25th. The top issues for debate are already emerging from the declared mayoral candidates: transit, outsourcing, bike lanes, the city’s budgetary woes, to name a few.

But who is asking Torontonians what matters to them? Affordable housing, transparency at City Hall, housing for the homeless, city streets and parks … these things matter too.  If we fail to raise them, then we run the risk of letting the candidates set the agenda.

The Toronto Star blog is one way to encourage this debate. Other groups, too are reaching out to their constituencies including the Toronto Board of Trade on Vote Toronto 2010 and ChangeCamp, an interesting project to re-engage citizens in the political process.

Maytree is doing its bit by inviting our constituency to define, discuss and share the issues that matter to them. We will be reaching out to many individuals who are reflective of the city’s new demographics to articulate their vision of a new Toronto. Already, some have identified the need for our next Mayor to champion the right of all landed immigrants to vote in local elections (I Vote Toronto). Others have tabled their concerns that there are few opportunities for new voices at City Hall.

Let’s wake up Toronto and make this our election!

About Ratna Omidvar

Comments

[NecktopPC]

Please stop Artificial Water Fluoridation (AWF) anywhere and everywhere, in the GTA and, all across Canada too...you'd be better off for it.

See this very informative article via the link below, that relates to AWF and, the obvious health concerns associated with this dumb idea.

The Link: Don't Go Near The Water.
http://canadiansforhealthfreedom.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/dont-go-near-the-water/

[Sylvia]

Thus far, I have not identified any candidate supporting safer streets - how about a citywide speed limit of 30 km/h - or better and affordable child care, improved and more playgrounds, harsher smog policies, or, for what it's worth, more one-way-streets. Downtown families and children are off the radar somehow. Considering that kids cannot play in the streets anymore, most cul-de-sacs have banned hockey playing in them, many playgrounds are vandalized and used as dog toilets, it's amazing that there are families left in Toronto, at all. Most of the policy makers played everywhere during their childhood (streets, hoods, gardens). Where do we in Toronto want to move to? Exit? Or Voice?

[Sonny Yeung]

Really; bad water, fast drivers & children. How about the Maytree host inclusive candidate meetings to address issues? Wilding from the BoT interjected at Budget meetings though couldn't answer the difference between gross and net and will largely be a pro business association... The new chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance is a right winger who is suppose to offer a unifying vision while attacking city council? I pick having a voice!

[Elizabeth]

I work for the City, and I like the plan by Robert McDermott, candidate for councillor in ward 36 in Scarborough to make it mandatory to live in the boundaries of the City of Toronto for all applicants applying for a job with the City or any of the City Services.

He claims that 33% of current employees with the City and City Services live in the 905 region.

My family has lived in Toronto since 1960. My parents and I have paid property taxes, been involved in our local community and have contributed to the makeup of our neighbourhood. We, like thousands of other Torontonians have contributed to the building of our city
and should have the first chance at City jobs.

I live in High Park, but I most definitely support Mr. McDermott's proposal.