With a large senior population and an even greater middle-aged population, candidates will certainly have to address the issues of these age groups. One of the major bones of contention surrounds lands owned by the TDSB known to residents as Heathercrest Park. Having offered the land to the City and the TCSB and been rejected, the land has been put to sale to private developers. Given that the area has been zoned as green space by the City's Official Plan, having it rezoned would have to go through Council, which may save the land in the end. Another issue surrounds the Bloor West bike lanes which have been deferred as per Councillor Holyday's request.
Councillor Holyday voted against a pay raise in 2010, against covering Sandra Bussin's legal costs, against the Jarvis St bike lanes, and voted in favour of the pro-union deal to end the garbage strike.
Councillor Holyday is running against 3 other candidates this election season: Rogers Deschenes, Peter Kudryk and Ross Vaughan.
Mr Vaughan took the opportunity to respond to some of my questions. He is a business owner, actively engaged in the community and was a former PC candidate in the 2000 election.
1. Why are you running to become City Councillor of Ward 3?
Its time for Ward 3 to have a Councillor with clearly defined goals, not one who just rails against the status quo. Holyday has had 30 years to demonstrate leadership on council. He isn’t even mentioned as a possibility for Toronto Mayor!
2. What makes you stand out among the other candidates?
My record of public service for Ward 3 and Toronto.
3. Doug Holyday seems to share the same political leanings as Rob Ford. What role do you think Councillor Holyday would play in a Ford administration if both were to elected?
Holyday has had 4 months to publicly announce his support for Ford, he hasn’t done so. Why should he get, or residents expect him to claim a role?
4. Should Bloor Street West get bike lanes? If so how would you work to satisfy opponents of the project? If not, what do you suggest for keep your constituents who cycle safe?
Not now. Its pointless to put bike lanes anywhere there’s no viable plan to connect them to other lanes. A 30 pound bike loses a dispute with a 3000 pound car. Making bikes more visible with day and night lights would help but cyclists have to follow the rules of the road. Licensing and safety courses should be mandatory.
5. Tell me about the biggest challenge of running against a well-established incumbent.
Name recognition and apathy of voters to look at what candidates have to offer. Its not enough to be responsive to constituent queries. A Councillor can claim to be very attentive to constituents but his job is to help manage the whole city not just his ward.
6. What are the greatest issues facing Toronto as a whole?
Transportation (Gridlock) is number 1. Over-Taxation is number 2. Contracting out some services, getting costs under control and bringing in a balanced budget will be a start to solving the largest issues. Beyond that Council needs to engage ordinary citizens by whatever means are possible. The silent Majority has to speak up and Council has to listen… and act.
Thank you and good luck on October 25th!
You can find more on Mr Vaughan at http://rossvaughan.com/
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