With crisp autumnal weather come colourful autumn leaves, and, this year, election signs too, as we approach the Ward 15 City Council by-election to replace late Councillor Jaye Robinson. As I write, there are already 16 registered candidates – a veritable crowd and a real challenge to presenting an effective and informative candidates’ debate, as you can imagine.
The Leaside Residents Association is on the planning committee with other Ward 15 residents’ associations, working out a solution. We have decided to hold a meeting with a reduced number of candidates but have devised a questionnaire to be completed by all of them. All the completed questionnaires will be made public on the websites of our partner residents’ associations. A virtual live candidates’ debate will likely take place on Oct. 16, before any advance polls. Election day is Nov. 4th.
In last month’s Leaside Life column I encouraged you to think up questions you’d like to put to the candidates, to learn who stands where on the subjects that matter to you. We have listed a few suggestions above.
The LRA wants you to know who is running to represent you on City Council, and whether their priorities reflect yours. How the candidates answer should give you a better sense of their platforms.
Suggested Questions for the Candidates:
Why are you running for office in Ward 15?
What are your positions on adding high density to local neighbourhoods, and what is the impact on green space and parks?
What do you know about how Committees of Adjustment reach development decisions and interpret the development process?
Do you have any ideas on solving the City’s budget shortfall?
What measures would you support (or oppose) to lessen traffic congestion?
What do you know about the Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan?
Where do you stand on installing separated cycle lanes?
Do you use the TTC? On a regular basis?
Do you have any special interest or experience in specific municipal issues?
How would you vote on the police budget?
Do you support stronger architectural heritage protection?
What will you do to improve enforcement of the city’s bylaws and traffic speed?
And finally: Do you live in Ward 15? If not, do you think this matters?
The LRA board of directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month, at the Trace Manes building on Rumsey, just south of Leaside Library. You are welcome to join us there. Our next meeting is on Oct. 2nd. For more details and updates between now and then, or to become an LRA member, find us at leasideresidents.ca and press the Contact Us button, or at leasideresidents.ca/contact-us.
