Issues

What’s the problem….

Scarborough taxes are
 …….subsidizing Toronto!

Since amalgamation, Scarborough residents paid $252 Million more in taxes than we received in community facilities and services
(How Toronto Spends Your Tax Dollar, Community First Toronto)

More children…fewer services!

We have, 36, 000 more children, but 37% fewer children services than other areas of Toronto. (Toronto Fun Guide)

Overcrowded schools…
                        …too many portables!

We have more students and the most congested schools in Toronto with over 420 classroom portables compared to Toronto’s 72 portables.
(TDSB & TCDSB School Capacity Report 2005/06)

What I Stand for…

• Fairness in taxation and community services
• Accountability and community involvement for all residents through regular community meetings
• Well-run accessible public transportation
• Maximum 2 terms for Councillors
• Community Safety making every part of lives better
• Green space conservation

Community Safety: Making Every Part of our Lives Better
Every resident has the right to feel safe in their community. A safe community is one in which everyone can live, work and play without fear.  As a member of the Advisory Council of the Toronto Police Chief, I was adamant about greater community-based policing and devised strategies to foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.
As your Councillor, I will work to ensure that Ward 43 benefits from a genuine partnership between residents and law enforcement. 

Public Transportation: Equalization of Services
An efficient, accessible public transportation is essential for Scarborough residents. Increased frequency and improving the timing of transit services will move residents more easily throughout the city.  Public transit planning must be linked to an overall transportation plan for the city in order to eliminate gridlock and reduce smog.   

As your Councillor, I will work for the extension of the east-west subway line, a more efficient bus service and a link to the Sheppard subway.  I will work with the other members of Council to create a transportation plan that will serve the city and surrounding areas.

Green Space: Making Scarborough Beautiful
Conservation of urban wildlands, creation of public parks, preservation of existing green space and heritage sites help to make Ward 43 an attractive place to raise families.  Beautifying Kingston Road and other major arteries will bring more people to the ward and increased commerce. 
As your Councillor, I will work to ensure that the Guild Inn is developed in accordance with the needs of the neighbourhood, that city streets are well-maintained and parkland is developed and maintained for everyone’s use.
 
Youth: Investing in the Present for the Future
Cutbacks in programs for youth and not enough community recreational facilities have denied many Scarborough youth the opportunities to become contributing citizens.  I have spent many hours working with youth to develop their leadership potential and know that when given the proper resources and instructions, young people can achieve great things.      

As your Councillor, I will involve young people in decision-making processes and work to create programs that will nurture their leadership capabilities.

Schools: Improving the Learning Environment and Safety
Schools in Ward 43 have a disproportionate number of portables.  Permanent facilities must be constructed to provide the best learning environment possible for our children.  Expanding safety zones at our schools will provide increased safety for our children.  Youth crime in schools is taking a toll on our educational system.  I have worked with local ethnic, cultural and religious groups to foster a greater understanding among young people, using dialogue and community-focused activities to bring many groups together.
As your Councillor, I will work closely with the school board trustees to create a more respectful, accepting school environment and will encourage a greater partnership between schools and the community.   

Poverty and Homelessness:  Alleviating Systemic Social Problems
Affordable housing, effective and enforceable policies protecting tenant rights and adequate services to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are but a few of the actions that must be taken to alleviate these social problems.  I have established local tenants’ associations, created a foundation to raise funds for the homeless and collaborated with cultural associations and faith groups to provide resources for the working and non-working poor. I founded the East York Tenants Association and, as member of the East York Safety Council, submitted a report on safety in rental properties which resulted in a completely new set of By-laws for the Property Standards Act in East York in 1986.
As your Councillor, I will ensure that issues of poverty and homelessness are addressed wherever they occur, not just in well-publicized areas of our city.  I will work with the Council to obtain the provincial funding already allocated to building affordable housing.

Economic Development
Business drives the economy of any society and Ward 43 is no exception.  Making this ward an attractive location for new and growing businesses will broaden our tax base and help to maintain our property taxes at their current level.
As your Councillor, I will work with local businesses and other Councillors to form a Business Improvement Association that will support existing businesses as well as attract new businesses.   

Diversity:  Celebrating the Strength of Our Community
We are blessed with a global community in the city and no where is that more in evidence than in Scarborough.  I have instigated dialogue among diverse groups and encouraged the development and implementation of guidelines and processes that accommodate each other’s cultural, gender and faith needs and an understanding of a common purpose in sharing the resources of our city.  Equality in employment and services is a right.
As your Councillor, I will work to ensure that the diversity of the community is reflected in the city workforce.  I will work to have our city move beyond multiculturalism and become a leader in affirming equality for all communities.

Immigration: Helping the Helpers
Our city welcomes immigrants from around the world and supports many organizations that provide service in settlement issues.  I know many of the issues that challenge new immigrants and have advised organizations on how best they might serve the needs of this population.    
As your Councillor, I will ensure that support continues for these service organizations and will encourage new residents to share their hopes and dreams as they integrate into their new home.

Garbage:  Exploring Options
Our city has until 2010 to find alternate ways to dispose of our garbage. We must explore new technologies and examine successful working models in such countries as Japan and Sweden to find the best ways for disposal that will have the least impact on our environment.
As your Councillor, I will work to establish an effective waste management strategy that includes an aggressive recycling plan for businesses and high rise buildings.

Governance: A Better Link to City Hall
City Council is not connected well to all those it is elected to serve.  This is not just a reflection on those who have been elected in the past, but on how the Council itself is run.  Local community councils need to be empowered to deal with those issues that affect their local community.  When issues are city-wide, the entire council needs to meet in various centres throughout the city. 

As your Councillor, I will push for regular, regional meetings, encouraging residents to have a strong voice in their municipal government.  I will support a maximum of 2 terms for Councillors to ensure ongoing rejuvenation of thoughts and ideas on Council.