Ward 27 election debate

Game show format tests candidates’ knowledge of area
By Kris Scheuer
(Written for the Town Crier.)

Perry Missal, left, next to Robert Meynell, Kristyn Wong-Tam, Simon Wookey, Enza Anderson and Ken Chan at the debate. Photo by Kris Scheuer/Town Crier.

Rob Salerno listens as Chris Tindal, to his right, Susan Gapka and Ken Chan wait to weigh in. Photo by Kris Scheuer.

It wasn’t your typical debate.
First off, it was held at Fly nightclub. Second, it was done game show style to test the knowledge of the candidates in the most crowded council race in Toronto.
A dozen of the 13 registered Toronto Centre-Rosedale candidates hit the stage for a rowdy session organized by Vote Toronto and hosted by comedian Maggie Cassella.
The event deemed “So you think you can council?” focused on issues from the serious to the fun.
In the spotlight was on Ward 27 candidates Kristyn Wong-Tam, Chris Tindal, Simon Wookey, Rob Salerno, Ella Rebanks, Perry Missal, Robert Meynell, Susan Gapka, Joel Dick, Evan Dean, Ken Chan and Enza Anderson. Paul Spence was the only candidate not in attendance at the June 10 event.

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Ken Chan Ward 27 candidate

Former cop and policy advisor seeks political office
Chan running for downtown city council seat
By Kris Scheuer
(Written March 31 for Town Crier.)

Candidate Ken Chan is running in ward 27. Photo courtesy of Ken Chan.

Ken Chan is running in the most crowded council race in the city.
He’s one of a 13 candidates competing in Toronto Centre Rosedale’s Ward 27 where current rep Kyle Rae has announced his retirement.
“We need people who aren’t career politicians,” said Chan a former Peel Region police officer. “We need people with experience in business, public service and community activists.”
Chan served as an officer from 1999-2003 while living in Ward 27 and commuting.
“One of the key factors for police officers is the ability to build bridges,” said the 34-year-old. “I’ve dealt with aggressive pan handlers and neighbourhood disputes.”
He’s spent time in the police homicide and drug departments.
Chan was also an advisor to mayoral candidate George Smitherman when he was minister of health.