Issues

I’ve followed city government for years. But it’s by talking to people that I’ve learned the most about the issues that really matter.

What are the needless hassles that frustrate you? What are the ideas that excite you? What is it about your neighbourhood that you love and how can we make it even better?

These are just some of the questions I ask going door-to-door, attending community events or talking to people on the street. Your input helps me focus on the issues that matter most to Ward 19.

Smart Spending at City Hall

People tell me they want value, integrity and a firm resolve when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars.

City of Toronto spending increased by over $3 billion since 2003. You see that increase in the Budget. But people tell me they don’t see value for that money in the streets. Council needs to spend money where it’s needed most, and stop spending on things that aren’t needed at all.

Tough decisions must be made before tax increases are even considered. As Ward 19 councilor, I will always see you — the taxpayer — as the last line of defense in budgetary crisis, not the first. You have a right to the responsible use of your tax dollars.

Better Transit

I see it every day when I walk around Ward 19: People standing at a TTC stop, looking at their watch — and looking down the street for the next streetcar.

City councilors put too much focus on a politically motivated long-term vision for transit. They need to pay more attention to practical steps that can make a noticeable difference right away.

There are two ideas I’m going to push as councilor of Ward 19:

  • Creating the best possible smart-card system that will save money and make it easier for riders to access subways and streetcars and
  • Fully Implementing NextBus — a technology that sends a text message telling you when your streetcar is coming.

This will provide better service and more certainty so you have more time for the important things — raising a family, spending time with friends and building a career.

Cleaner Parks

One of the reasons I made Ward 19 my home is the beautiful outdoor spaces. Trinity Bellwoods and Christie Pits alone make up nearly 60 acres of urban green space. Then there’s Bickford Park, Stanley Park, Fred Hamilton Park and many others.

These are places that Jen and I go for walks, to sip a coffee or get together with friends. You see children, parents and the elderly getting exercise alongside artists pursuing their craft or people enjoying a book.

But the state of our parks doesn’t always reflect their importance to the community. There’s too much garbage and debris. Our parks have been used as dumps during civic labour disputes. Many ball diamonds and benches are in bad shape. Trinity Bellwoods was offered up as a protest zone during the G20.

The misuse and mistreatment of Ward 19 parks must stop. The City needs to remember what these spaces are for and what they mean to people. As Ward 19 councilor, I’ll remind them.

Promises Kept on Liberty Village Pedestrian Bridge

As community projects go in Ward 19, the Liberty Village Pedestrian Bridge is long overdue — so long that some doubt it will happen. I think it needs to happen, and as Ward 19 councilor I’d make it a priority to get it done.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters need a safe, convenient connection between Liberty Village and King West. This area is experiencing rapid growth — growth that’s good for the community. New residents bring in greater opportunity for local businesses.

Let’s not forget, the City has said this should happen. A promise was made to people who moved into the neighbourhood. As Ward 19 councilor, I’ll push to have that promise kept.