I was at Dufferin Station this morning and Hema, Ana, and Kevin's teams were all out canvassing - and doing so on the sidewalk in front of the station - perfectly allowed and all were very good to stay within the rules set out.
As for Ana during the rest of the day... now that's a different story. A lot is going to come out tonight and in the next couple of days. Ridiculousness.
It's definitely against the rules to campaign on TTC property. Were Hema and Ana actually campaigning in the station, or just in front of it? I'm no expert on the issue, but campaigning in front of a station seems pretty common and probably OK.
Twitter is abuzz right now with a photo of Ana campaigning at a polling station. Not sure how genuine this is, but that's also a big no-no....
Canvassing rules are posted on the City website here.
As requested by various people in-person, by email, and on this forum, I have changed the default comment sorting to "newest first". Don't forget, you can always change this to whatever you like by updating the "Comment viewing options".
Hey Vic, Your 2nd&3rd choice candidate for Ward18 were both at Dufferin station doing the samething the other two from ward14 were doing at Dundas West. Doing illegal things???
Thanks for your informative synopsis Vic. I didn't know some of the things you mentioned here, like Ana wanting to undo the bike lanes on Dupont. Very helpful research. I won't be voting for Ana now that I know that. Also, there were a couple guys campaigning this morning in front of Dundas West station for a Ward 14 candidate. Not only is it illegal but they were beligerant when I commented they weren't supposed to be campaigning today.
The following is my "ranked ballot" for my vote for Ward 18 councillor. Of course, we don't have a ranked ballot in this election, so I will be voting with my number 1 choice.
Kevin Beaulieu
I feel that Kevin Beaulieu is easily the best candidate running in Ward 18, and I will be voting for him. My reasons for this decision are: He has several years of experience at City Hall, and knows the political process extremely well; He knows Ward 18 extremely well too, living here, and working hard on many issues here; He's quick to answer questions; He's able to think quickly on his feet, and not just give standard "I will consult and get back to you on that" responses; his message and policies have been clear and consistent; he supports projects that are already funded and well underway (e.g. Toronto Bike Plan and Transit City) rather than tearing up ideas and starting over; he doesn't want to sell off Toronto's assets for short-term gain; and he's overall a very nice, friendly, and likeable person. He takes alot of criticism for being a Giambrone staffer, but this is actually where he gets much of his good experience and knowledge from. And I think that Kevin is smart and humble enough to learn from Giambrone's past mistakes (yes, he made some!) and will be a positive ongoing force in this ward. I've never voted for the NDP, nor any candidates associated with that party, but I feel very confident that Kevin will do a great job as our councillor, and will not simply "tow the party line". At least he has been up-front about all of his ideas and associations.
Hema Vyas
Hema is my second choice. I think she could make a great councillor. Even with her lack of City Hall experience, she seems to have the drive, intuition, and honestly good intentions to make things work well. She would quickly learn on the job. She ran a positive, progressive campaign and worked very hard to talk with many people across the ward. I had the chance to sit down with her earlier in the campaign and talk about Ward 18 / Junction Triangle issues, and I got the impression that she has strong values that are close to my own. If she doesn't win, I hope she runs again and can gain a seat on City Council, perhaps working along site Kevin Beaulieu in a different ward. :)
Frank de Jong
I highly doubt that Frank de Jong will win, and to be honest, I don't think he would necessarily make a good councillor. I would still consider voting for him though. Some of his ideas are a bit too radical for most people, and I think this would cause too much conflict in the ward if he went with them and didn't compromise on his own values. I totally agree with his transportation plans and policies, which treat Ward 18 as a "people place", and not a highway for cars. I do hope that someday we can work towards implementing some of Frank's ideas, especially his cycling and pedestrian plans, which go alot further than what's in store right now.
Ana Bailao
Ana is smart, well-spoken, and a very hard worker. She's a tireless campaigner, and right from the beginning of the capaign she was out on the street canvassing. I have no doubt that she'd make a strong contribution to City Council, and will work very hard if she gets the job. Her past (and possibly present) connections to the development industry still leave me wondering if she will put the needs of developers ahead of the desires of the community. She also has close Liberal Party ties with our dead-wood MP Mario Silva and MPP Tony Ruprecht, and I worry that if we had a Liberal trifecta in this ward then we won't have someone local who can help fight issues such as the diesel train expansion. She also wants to rip up progressive projects such as the Dupont St. bike lanes, which have been in the Toronto Bike Plan for a good 10 years or so, and move towards a cycling and transporation plan that doesn't have any details yet. The current cycling network often gets criticized for not connecting enough pieces together, but Dupont St. is one of the most important connections in this area, as it links the Annette bike lanes via the rail underpass, Railpath, upcoming Lansdowne bikeway, and more. Dupont is also being revitalized right now, and turning it back into a highway for high-speed driving will be a step back in time.
.... My ranked ballot ends here. I would not cast a vote for the following people.
Joe MacDonald
I actually liked Joe MacDonald when he first joined the campaign and I heard him speak at the All Candidates meeting on Rankin Cres. He comes across as progressive, intelligent, and well-spoken. He has a some deep political experience at the provincial level, and experience working within the City Hall bureaucracy. All good points. But as his campaign went on, he spent most of his time criticizing other candidates, running a very negative campaign, and seriously came across as "an angry old man" (as a couple of people have said to me). He'd probably make a decent councillor, but I'm not sure I'd want someone who seems to be running just because of a giant chip on his shoulder. He also criticises Ana and Kevin for their political connections, and then flouts his own political connections in the next breath. Bizarre.
Ken Wood
I've come to like Ken Wood a bit during this campaign. Ken's smart, follows issues in this ward pretty closely, and can be a serious pain in the ass to the people in his cross-hairs (I mean that in the best possible way, Ken!). He's honest, and tells it like he sees it. He's done a great job of keeping up with election coverage online, and keeping people informed of Ward 18 happenings on Twitter and his own website. And kudos to him for actually getting so deeply involved with the election, even on a shoestring budget. But past experiences with Ken would keep me from voting for him. He's well-known for getting into very public arguments online and in-person, shouting at people in meetings, and being quite disruptive. Perhaps he has good days and bad days, because lately he's been very calm and gentleman-like during his campaign, but I don't think he'd last four years on council without blowing up.
Doug Carrol
Doug has brought a few interesting ideas to this election campaign, mainly about how City Hall works and how to get more engaged with citizens. He was also well-spoken at election events, and is on-side with some of my own bike-geek and computer-geek thoughts. But like Ken Wood, I have also seen Doug blow up at public meetings and be extremely cynical about the political process. Rather than being a positive political force who could move some of his ideas forward, I think he might get mired in negativity if things don't go his way.
Kirk Russell
I'm not sure I have anything good to say about his campaign. His speeches at events always came across as if he's running for highschool student council, filled with cliches and goofy statements. He has also run one of the most negative campaigns, with frequent attacks on Ana Bailao and Kevin Beaulieu. It seems that someone from his campaign even vandalized Ana's and Kevin's signs this past weekend, by pasting some of their own attack ads onto them. The worst one was an attack video against Ana Bailao, that was bizarrely edited / cut together with a grinning Kirk Rusell looking like he just uncovered the world's biggest conspiracy. We don't need this kind of negativity around here.
Nha Le
I give him credit for running every time, but he has almost no real ideas, cannot communicate the few ideas that he has (no website or other online presence?), and seems to think that more cars pourinig through our streets is a good thing.
Abdirazak Elmi
Simply bizarre. I don't think he lives here, doesn't know much about the ward, is somewhat shy in person, and really didn't contribute much at all to any of the campaign meetings.
Joanna Teliatnik
Another bizarre one. Never showed up to any events, no online presence, no campaigning. No idea if she exists, though apparently Ken Wood has met her.
I think it is very important to vote. Only through very difficult struggle did we get a universal franchise and it is very important that people exercise it. The very act of voting sends a message that citizens are watching, engaged and will hold politicians accountable.
In ward 18 I thing the local candidates can make people feel good about the process. I think the leading candidates have spent a great deal of time knocking on doors and listening to the people in the community. I think Kevin and Ana have spent the most time knocking on doors and will lead the voting. I have also seem Hema many times walking door to door. Frank is also well known. Each of them are likely to get strong support and would be representatives we could feel good about.
There are some other ways candidates have contributed to the community. Doug has come forward with some very interesting ideas and really made the debate I attended a much richer experience than I expected.
I would also really like to thank Ken Wood for the contributions he has made to the discussion here in our community forum. In the Fuzzy Boundaries process we focused so carefully on having a fair process that we didn't do enough to encourage partisan, forceful advocacy for particular positions. We need both Ron McLeans and Don Cherryes to get a good discussion going. Ken has made an important contribution to a vibrant discussion.
Personally I favour Kevin. I think the mistakes he is likely to make would be honest ones and I think he will do the work to keep them to a minimum.
I do feel it is important for each person to vote. And I do think you can feel good about your choice.
I think Pantalone has failed to communicate. If by magic he got in he might not do too bad, but communications is a big part of the job so I just don't feel he's fully qualified. He started with the advantage that Transit City is a well designed pragmatic program.
On the other hand communication is all Ford has been doing, based on policy proposals that are clearly unworkable.
The density of the city has increased dramatically even just in the last decade. Along the Shepard line and Yonge north of the 401 there has been a massive building boom. Downtown has new office towers (KPMG, Telus, and while Corus is much shorter it has a massive footprint.) Many new towers have sprouted in the distillery district, the railway lands and even out by Humber bay. As a result, low density transportation is getting squeezed out. Commute times for many car driver will increase inevitably. Chewing on your steering wheel is one of the most unpleasant things humans subject themselves too. Partly because you have to pay so much attention. Ford is talking seriously about an issue that is strongly impacting many people. Unfortunately, we might as well elect Doug Henning in the hope that Yogic flying would solve our problems. Pantalone has not been convincing people that his most important policy position directly addresses one of the major factors in their life.
I just wanted to say a big thanks to folks in the Junction Triangle who've passed along their support during the election campaign, including Carla and Philip. I thought I'd just share some end-of-campaign thoughts and pass along my thanks.
For the past seven weeks I’ve been visiting (almost every) neighbourhood in Davenport from Eglinton to Queen Street. I’m thankful for the support and I appreciate the encouragement. It’s been a lonely journey at times, but the support keeps me going. We live in such a great part of Toronto, and your corner of Davenport has such a strong spirit. I think what I’ll miss most about the campaign is walking south from the early morning stillness of Ward 17 and into Ward 18 with the sound of a passing train never too far away. I took my last early morning campaign journey from North Davenport into South Davenport this (gloomy) Sunday morning. I'm amazed at how much of my past is connected to Davenport's neighbourhoods. On my trips I always pass my old elementary school, Hughes Public School (no longer a school). I have fond memories of Thanksgiving lunches all of us would have in the main hallway and Christmas plays on the steps of the foyer. I also pass Earlscourt Park and Joseph J. Piccinini Community Centre where I learned to skate and swim. Plus I remember all the shopping trips I've been dragged to, from Dufferin Mall and Galleria Mall to the shops along St. Clair, Dundas and College! I remember walking along Dundas as a kid and seeing the towers of the downtown core on the horizon, imagining and hoping about the possibilities ahead (even though, given my background, most folks thought I should keep my goals modest).
This definitely came up at at least one debate. I'd have to check my notes, but I'm pretty sure most of the "major" candidates were against privatization. I can't find anything about that from a quick look at Hema's website, Ana's website, Joe's website, etc... but on Kevin's site he says: "As your City Councillor, I will keep City services public and make them affordable and accessible for everyone." Ken Wood also opposes privatization, "Protect Public Assets: No sell-off of city assets like Toronto Hydro, but also find a way to reclaim Schools that have been designated toi close (example: West Toronto). These lands and structures belong to the taxpayers - it doesn't matter if they are administered by school boards, the province or the city. They belong to the citizens. Find solutions, whether that be long term leases, rebranding as community centres/disaster relief centres/out of the cold/cooling centres."
I'd be interested in hearing about this from the other candidates who are reading/lurking here :)
I agree Vic. I think both Ford and Smitherman will try and privatize Toronto's public assets - like Hydro and the TTC. What I would like to know is how the candidates for council will vote on any initiative to privatize Toronto's public services. Will they be for or against. I have not heard this question put to them.
Joe doesn't stand a chance in this election!!
If we were Toronto 1978 I would say by all means support this guy with your vote, but as it stands right now from every poll you look at the race is between "Ruin your Hometown Ford" or "Hold your nose in Hope Smitherman" Personally I will Vote for Hope, Smitherman is likely the best of a group that are still in this to win!
If Joe were to pull out of the race then Smitherman would win hands down, but with him insisting on taking 10-15% of the vote I think he could end up spoiling this city's last opportunity to make some correction without mass pain on the part of the disenfranchised.(read: poor)
I just read Ford has issue with the City of Toronto funding a Kids Helpline at a cost of less than $3,200.00 a year, clearly he doesn't get that kids get bullied for being different, there is currently a mass undertaking called "it gets better" to stop kids from killing themselves, I think Kids Helplines offer an outlet for kids who are considering ending their lives, I also think $3,200.00 a year is a small price to pay, but apparently Rob thinks otherwise.
Joe Pantalone is a great guy , and in my height range so I have a lot of respect for his past endeavours, however..smart people can make a big difference by voting to keep Ford at bay and off of Bay Street, City Hall & the Hallways of power!
carla, another parent has suggested that we might also want to contact the parent council at humewood and pick their brains. they've come through the other side and now have a FI program AND a 7/8 split. this parent also got a copy of the ARC recommendations from the JR Wilcox CS, Cedarvale CS, Arlington MS, Rawlinson CS, Humewood CS
Accommodation Review. did you get that email?
I'm not too fond of any of the mayoral candidates, but Pantalone probably stinks the least. :) The biggest problem with Pantalone though is that he doesn't seem to get it that there's a huge contingent of people in this city who are pissed off with the current council. He comes across as someone with fingers in his ears shouting "la la la la la!". Much of the NDP faction is like this, unfortunately. I like where the City is now, and the course it's headed on, but people need to admit it when there's a problem. I'm glad he released his donor list, though it's bizarre that you can't find it anywhere on his website.
Smitherman just seems to be trying to coast through this election, banking on name recognition, Liberal party support, and the push for "anyone but Ford". I'm sure that MANY of the votes for Smitherman will be from people who don't actually like him, but would prefer him over Ford. I like him in the debates though....he's intelligent, quick-thinking, a good fighter and entertaining when he makes digs at the others. :) But I don't like where he wants to take this city.
Ford...well....heh. One-trick pony, who's doing amazingly well on this whole "gravy train" spiel. His numbers don't add up and I'm certain he wouldn't be able to accomplish his whole "I'll save money! I will increase service! I will cut taxes!" schtick. He fills a good role on council, sometimes, but he so far removed from being a credible mayor.
Wanted to share some tweets by Mayoralty candidate Joe Pantalone re. donor disclosure that are pertinent to the discussion we've been having on this forum. Good on Joe. He's got my vote!
Joe calls upon @g_smitherman to release his list now and not to hide behind a legal technicality. Be transparent to the voters. #voteTO ~CT
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for iPhone
Joe thinks it is disturbing that @g_smitherman will not release his donor list, saying you must be transparent in a democracy. #voteTO ~CT
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for iPhone
I think the problem is that all the platforms sound pretty good, but what is a candidate really going to do?
For example, is Ana Bailao really going to fight electrification when she is Liberal backed and has big red signs?
Both Tony Rupreht (Provincial Liberal) and Mario Silva (Federal Liberal) claim they are for electrification of the corridor, but ultimately have not been very helpful to the residents of Ward 18 on this issue. Tony sends me flyers on the environment, but doesn't come to clean train coalition meetings or rallies or anything else related to this issue. Mario Silva suggests meeting with other levels of government to deal with this issue (he did this at one of the DIGIN Meetings), but doesn't take the initiative to help organize these meetings with other levels of government. He also takes credit for things that he was not involved in such as the injunction on pile driving -- he just met with a couple of people in the neighborhood to listen to them. Blah, blah, blah.
To me the trains should be the #1 issue in the ward, since they will affect the health, economy, and status of the neighborhood.
I like Ken Wood. He says he would tie himself to the railroad tracks in protest, and I believe him. He has a proven track record of tying himself to things.
I also like Joe MaDonald. He seems like a smart cookie -- he seems to really understand transportation issues, which would be valuable to our ward.
My personal preference is to use the defaults in most cases: Sort comments by thread, oldest to newest. This way makes the most sense for reading, because everything falls into a natural order. Don't have to do the whole "read down, scroll up, read down, scroll up" thing.
But when message threads get really huge, I sometimes switch to "newest first" so that those messages are at the top. I will also limit the number of comments per page to 50, so that it doesn't bother loading older comments. This is expecially useful if I'm reading on my Blackberry.
This thread is now closed. Post-election discussion can be found here.
I was at Dufferin Station this morning and Hema, Ana, and Kevin's teams were all out canvassing - and doing so on the sidewalk in front of the station - perfectly allowed and all were very good to stay within the rules set out.
As for Ana during the rest of the day... now that's a different story. A lot is going to come out tonight and in the next couple of days. Ridiculousness.
Note: Ana is my #4 choice, not #3. :)
It's definitely against the rules to campaign on TTC property. Were Hema and Ana actually campaigning in the station, or just in front of it? I'm no expert on the issue, but campaigning in front of a station seems pretty common and probably OK.
Twitter is abuzz right now with a photo of Ana campaigning at a polling station. Not sure how genuine this is, but that's also a big no-no....
Canvassing rules are posted on the City website here.
As requested by various people in-person, by email, and on this forum, I have changed the default comment sorting to "newest first". Don't forget, you can always change this to whatever you like by updating the "Comment viewing options".
The people have spoken. Now go vote too! ;-)
Hey Vic, Your 2nd&3rd choice candidate for Ward18 were both at Dufferin station doing the samething the other two from ward14 were doing at Dundas West. Doing illegal things???
Thanks for your informative synopsis Vic. I didn't know some of the things you mentioned here, like Ana wanting to undo the bike lanes on Dupont. Very helpful research. I won't be voting for Ana now that I know that. Also, there were a couple guys campaigning this morning in front of Dundas West station for a Ward 14 candidate. Not only is it illegal but they were beligerant when I commented they weren't supposed to be campaigning today.
The following is my "ranked ballot" for my vote for Ward 18 councillor. Of course, we don't have a ranked ballot in this election, so I will be voting with my number 1 choice.
.... My ranked ballot ends here. I would not cast a vote for the following people.
I think it is very important to vote. Only through very difficult struggle did we get a universal franchise and it is very important that people exercise it. The very act of voting sends a message that citizens are watching, engaged and will hold politicians accountable.
In ward 18 I thing the local candidates can make people feel good about the process. I think the leading candidates have spent a great deal of time knocking on doors and listening to the people in the community. I think Kevin and Ana have spent the most time knocking on doors and will lead the voting. I have also seem Hema many times walking door to door. Frank is also well known. Each of them are likely to get strong support and would be representatives we could feel good about.
There are some other ways candidates have contributed to the community. Doug has come forward with some very interesting ideas and really made the debate I attended a much richer experience than I expected.
I would also really like to thank Ken Wood for the contributions he has made to the discussion here in our community forum. In the Fuzzy Boundaries process we focused so carefully on having a fair process that we didn't do enough to encourage partisan, forceful advocacy for particular positions. We need both Ron McLeans and Don Cherryes to get a good discussion going. Ken has made an important contribution to a vibrant discussion.
Personally I favour Kevin. I think the mistakes he is likely to make would be honest ones and I think he will do the work to keep them to a minimum.
I do feel it is important for each person to vote. And I do think you can feel good about your choice.
I think Pantalone has failed to communicate. If by magic he got in he might not do too bad, but communications is a big part of the job so I just don't feel he's fully qualified. He started with the advantage that Transit City is a well designed pragmatic program.
On the other hand communication is all Ford has been doing, based on policy proposals that are clearly unworkable.
The density of the city has increased dramatically even just in the last decade. Along the Shepard line and Yonge north of the 401 there has been a massive building boom. Downtown has new office towers (KPMG, Telus, and while Corus is much shorter it has a massive footprint.) Many new towers have sprouted in the distillery district, the railway lands and even out by Humber bay. As a result, low density transportation is getting squeezed out. Commute times for many car driver will increase inevitably. Chewing on your steering wheel is one of the most unpleasant things humans subject themselves too. Partly because you have to pay so much attention. Ford is talking seriously about an issue that is strongly impacting many people. Unfortunately, we might as well elect Doug Henning in the hope that Yogic flying would solve our problems. Pantalone has not been convincing people that his most important policy position directly addresses one of the major factors in their life.
You added to the quality of the election already by running a good campaign. Thanks for putting yourself out there and good luck tomorrow.
I just wanted to say a big thanks to folks in the Junction Triangle who've passed along their support during the election campaign, including Carla and Philip. I thought I'd just share some end-of-campaign thoughts and pass along my thanks.
For the past seven weeks I’ve been visiting (almost every) neighbourhood in Davenport from Eglinton to Queen Street. I’m thankful for the support and I appreciate the encouragement. It’s been a lonely journey at times, but the support keeps me going. We live in such a great part of Toronto, and your corner of Davenport has such a strong spirit. I think what I’ll miss most about the campaign is walking south from the early morning stillness of Ward 17 and into Ward 18 with the sound of a passing train never too far away. I took my last early morning campaign journey from North Davenport into South Davenport this (gloomy) Sunday morning. I'm amazed at how much of my past is connected to Davenport's neighbourhoods. On my trips I always pass my old elementary school, Hughes Public School (no longer a school). I have fond memories of Thanksgiving lunches all of us would have in the main hallway and Christmas plays on the steps of the foyer. I also pass Earlscourt Park and Joseph J. Piccinini Community Centre where I learned to skate and swim. Plus I remember all the shopping trips I've been dragged to, from Dufferin Mall and Galleria Mall to the shops along St. Clair, Dundas and College! I remember walking along Dundas as a kid and seeing the towers of the downtown core on the horizon, imagining and hoping about the possibilities ahead (even though, given my background, most folks thought I should keep my goals modest).
Remember to vote tomorrow!
Take care.
John
Yes absolutely. The only way to stop Ford/Smitherman from wrecking the city if council members stand up and oppose their sell-off/privatization plans.
This definitely came up at at least one debate. I'd have to check my notes, but I'm pretty sure most of the "major" candidates were against privatization. I can't find anything about that from a quick look at Hema's website, Ana's website, Joe's website, etc... but on Kevin's site he says: "As your City Councillor, I will keep City services public and make them affordable and accessible for everyone." Ken Wood also opposes privatization, "Protect Public Assets: No sell-off of city assets like Toronto Hydro, but also find a way to reclaim Schools that have been designated toi close (example: West Toronto). These lands and structures belong to the taxpayers - it doesn't matter if they are administered by school boards, the province or the city. They belong to the citizens. Find solutions, whether that be long term leases, rebranding as community centres/disaster relief centres/out of the cold/cooling centres."
I'd be interested in hearing about this from the other candidates who are reading/lurking here :)
-Vic
I agree Vic. I think both Ford and Smitherman will try and privatize Toronto's public assets - like Hydro and the TTC. What I would like to know is how the candidates for council will vote on any initiative to privatize Toronto's public services. Will they be for or against. I have not heard this question put to them.
Joe doesn't stand a chance in this election!!
If we were Toronto 1978 I would say by all means support this guy with your vote, but as it stands right now from every poll you look at the race is between "Ruin your Hometown Ford" or "Hold your nose in Hope Smitherman" Personally I will Vote for Hope, Smitherman is likely the best of a group that are still in this to win!
If Joe were to pull out of the race then Smitherman would win hands down, but with him insisting on taking 10-15% of the vote I think he could end up spoiling this city's last opportunity to make some correction without mass pain on the part of the disenfranchised.(read: poor)
I just read Ford has issue with the City of Toronto funding a Kids Helpline at a cost of less than $3,200.00 a year, clearly he doesn't get that kids get bullied for being different, there is currently a mass undertaking called "it gets better" to stop kids from killing themselves, I think Kids Helplines offer an outlet for kids who are considering ending their lives, I also think $3,200.00 a year is a small price to pay, but apparently Rob thinks otherwise.
Joe Pantalone is a great guy , and in my height range so I have a lot of respect for his past endeavours, however..smart people can make a big difference by voting to keep Ford at bay and off of Bay Street, City Hall & the Hallways of power!
carla, another parent has suggested that we might also want to contact the parent council at humewood and pick their brains. they've come through the other side and now have a FI program AND a 7/8 split. this parent also got a copy of the ARC recommendations from the JR Wilcox CS, Cedarvale CS, Arlington MS, Rawlinson CS, Humewood CS
Accommodation Review. did you get that email?
sharon
I'm not too fond of any of the mayoral candidates, but Pantalone probably stinks the least. :) The biggest problem with Pantalone though is that he doesn't seem to get it that there's a huge contingent of people in this city who are pissed off with the current council. He comes across as someone with fingers in his ears shouting "la la la la la!". Much of the NDP faction is like this, unfortunately. I like where the City is now, and the course it's headed on, but people need to admit it when there's a problem. I'm glad he released his donor list, though it's bizarre that you can't find it anywhere on his website.
Smitherman just seems to be trying to coast through this election, banking on name recognition, Liberal party support, and the push for "anyone but Ford". I'm sure that MANY of the votes for Smitherman will be from people who don't actually like him, but would prefer him over Ford. I like him in the debates though....he's intelligent, quick-thinking, a good fighter and entertaining when he makes digs at the others. :) But I don't like where he wants to take this city.
Ford...well....heh. One-trick pony, who's doing amazingly well on this whole "gravy train" spiel. His numbers don't add up and I'm certain he wouldn't be able to accomplish his whole "I'll save money! I will increase service! I will cut taxes!" schtick. He fills a good role on council, sometimes, but he so far removed from being a credible mayor.
Wanted to share some tweets by Mayoralty candidate Joe Pantalone re. donor disclosure that are pertinent to the discussion we've been having on this forum. Good on Joe. He's got my vote!
Joe calls upon @g_smitherman to release his list now and not to hide behind a legal technicality. Be transparent to the voters. #voteTO ~CT
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for iPhone
Joe thinks it is disturbing that @g_smitherman will not release his donor list, saying you must be transparent in a democracy. #voteTO ~CT
about 1 hour ago via Twitter for iPhone
Joe's donors can be found on-line here:
http://www.xtra.ca/BinaryContent/pdf/Pantalone-Donor-List.pdf
And you can follow Joe on twitter at "@jpantalone"
This page is very good keeping me up to date. Thank you
Newest First Pleeeeese !!
Sorry my post is kind of messed up :) I hope my comment about Joe MacDonald does not get lost.
I think the problem is that all the platforms sound pretty good, but what is a candidate really going to do?
For example, is Ana Bailao really going to fight electrification when she is Liberal backed and has big red signs?
Both Tony Rupreht (Provincial Liberal) and Mario Silva (Federal Liberal) claim they are for electrification of the corridor, but ultimately have not been very helpful to the residents of Ward 18 on this issue. Tony sends me flyers on the environment, but doesn't come to clean train coalition meetings or rallies or anything else related to this issue. Mario Silva suggests meeting with other levels of government to deal with this issue (he did this at one of the DIGIN Meetings), but doesn't take the initiative to help organize these meetings with other levels of government. He also takes credit for things that he was not involved in such as the injunction on pile driving -- he just met with a couple of people in the neighborhood to listen to them. Blah, blah, blah.
To me the trains should be the #1 issue in the ward, since they will affect the health, economy, and status of the neighborhood.
I like Ken Wood. He says he would tie himself to the railroad tracks in protest, and I believe him. He has a proven track record of tying himself to things.
I also like Joe MaDonald. He seems like a smart cookie -- he seems to really understand transportation issues, which would be valuable to our ward.
[Edited to remove redundant part]
"YES" Jack...I am aware!
That does not change the price of coffee. Kent is still closing.
Thanks for sharing.
I put newest first expanded as I read the site every day its faster to get to what I have not read.
BTW DFTT !
My personal preference is to use the defaults in most cases: Sort comments by thread, oldest to newest. This way makes the most sense for reading, because everything falls into a natural order. Don't have to do the whole "read down, scroll up, read down, scroll up" thing.
But when message threads get really huge, I sometimes switch to "newest first" so that those messages are at the top. I will also limit the number of comments per page to 50, so that it doesn't bother loading older comments. This is expecially useful if I'm reading on my Blackberry.