Run in Toronto election 2010

Register as a candidate here’s how
My advice on why and how to run for for public office

(Opinion written for Town Crier Jan. 7)

I have a confession.
I don’t have the stomach to run for politics. Not that anyone, other than casual observers, has asked me.
People ask if I’d run as I have a passion for politics. I love writing about how issues impact people’s lives, the drama, the personalities and the elections. This is way better than reality TV.
Okay, so maybe you don’t share my news junkie mentality when it comes to politics. Or maybe you are more political than you realize …
Maybe, like my father, decades removed from his protest rally days, your city hall beef is you don’t want parking rules changed on your street or want to slow down vehicles from bombing down the road?

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Get on Toronto voters’ list

City’s voters’ is not up-to-date
If you are on it, less hassle on election day

(Opinion written for Town Crier Dec. 13)

Municipal voter turnout was a dismal 39.3 percent in the last election but it may not just be apathy that’s to blame.
It may a flawed voters’ list contributing to people not showing up to cast ballots.
Canadian citizens 18 and older can vote in the city election if you live here or own property in Toronto, but the voters’ list is actually compiled
by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation. But the provincial agency’s list is flawed so many tenants, owners and entire buildings are
left off the voters’ list.
Eligible voters can still vote if they aren’t on the list, but it’s harder.

Davisville redevelopment and ARC

TDSB examines how best to accommodate students
And redevelopment possibilities discussed at school site
By Kris Scheuer
(Written Jan. 13 for Town Crier. UPDATE here.)

The possibility of redeveloping Davisville Junior Public School has drawn the ire of councillor Michael Walker who says the 48-year-old education facility should be left as is.
The Toronto District School Board is forming a local community design team in the coming months to look at redevelopment for the land just east of Yonge Street.
“I find it offensive Davisville is looked upon as (a financial) asset,” says Walker. “It’s a school first.”
According to school trustee Josh Matlow, the possibility of closing the school and redeveloping the land is one of many options being passed around at this point. Closure of the school is unlikely, he says, and redevleopment is not a certainty.
“We have met with parents and ratepayers. They have been told directly redevelopment won’t happen without their consent,” says Matlow, who is running for a council seat in St. Paul’s, ward 22.