Josh Colle ward 15 candidate

Ex-trustee Josh Colle challenging Howard Moscoe
Son of MPP Mike Colle looks to unseat veteran councillor
Kris Scheuer
(Written June 15 for Town Crier.)

Photo courtesy of Joshua Colle.

The son of MPP Mike Colle decided to take his own political plunge today by entering the race for Eglinton-Lawrence Ward 15.
Joshua Colle is running against veteran North Toronto councillor Howard Moscoe.
“For me personally, there’s a bit of disenchantment with the way the city is run and how business is conducted,” said Colle. “In the past five years, I’ve had three kids. I see my city, community and neighbourhood through a different lens. It’s incredibly tough for families in this city.”
One of his key issues is to have the city do more for families.
“How long will it take for the city to have schools become community hubs?” asks the former Catholic school trustee for Eglinton-Lawrence. “I have a park near us that is not well maintained so no one uses it. Effective transit is a huge issue for families.”

He’s a big supporter of the light rail plan for Eglinton Avenue and wants that to proceed as quickly as possible.
Colle wants to see a more cooperative approach to council, something he’s seen work firsthand through his work on a community action plan for the Oakwood and Vaughan area.
“There has to be a more collaborative effort,” said Colle, who is a member of the local residential group 5 Points Community Action. “There’s a real desire for that approach. We, the city, can be way more productive and residents can have a more proactive say.”
His campaign slogan is Imagine Your Toronto and that’s also the name of his website.“I’m asking people to tell me ideas and that generates positive discussion to what people think will work,” he said.
He co-authored an action plan report for the area that included input from residents, business, government and community groups.
“To see (the plan) in action was inspiring,” said the 36-year-old.
Colle grew up in a political family with an MPP as a father and mother who works in the not-for-profit sector. He said he understands the challenge of balancing politics and private life.
“I grew up in that setting so I don’t romanticize political life,” said Colle, who is an executive at an energy and infrastructure firm. “I see this as a (public) service not a lifetime career.”
Colle said he’s happy to have his whole family’s support.
There have been rumours for several months that Moscoe, who is running for re-election, will drop out of the race.
But incumbent or not, Colle is in the race to win.
“When I say we need a culture of change at city hall, I will live that with a positive campaign.”

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