It’s hot out there! No, not the weather, though its unpredictability has become, well, predictable.
I’m talking about the local political climate. As of the date of this writing, Don Valley West is looking at an upcoming by-election with 16 declared candidates. I don’t know if this is a record, but it does seem to mirror a recent trend of by-elections (such as the mayoralty run and the federal MP race for Toronto-St. Paul’s) attracting myriad candidates. And as with the campaign for MP, not all the candidates for office actually live in the area they hope to serve.
How problematic is it when a candidate parachutes into a riding or ward hoping to represent the needs of that specific community? That’s just one of the big questions that will be on the minds of participants in an upcoming candidates’ session (not really a debate but more of an information-sharing) being organized by the LRA, along with a number of other area residents’ associations.
Top of mind for Leasiders will undoubtedly be chronic issues like traffic safety, transportation options and concerns, encouraging but also managing growth, dealing with local crime, balancing innovation and heritage preservation, increasing green space, and so many more areas that contribute to Leaside’s vibrancy.
That’s why it’s so important to learn as much as you can about the candidates before the advanced polls open. Come out (virtually) to the candidates’ meeting organized by local RAs, engage with candidates as they come to your door, and most importantly…do vote!
