Candidates for Councillor

You can find out from the city's website page, Toronto Votes 2010 all you might want to know about becoming a councillor and who is running as well as about being a voter and election worker.

In a previous blog, we talked about the "advantages of incumbency" leading to an inherent "democratic deficit" in our city. Is low voter turnout a result as well? Are the current level of nominations supporting this thesis?

As of Feb 28, 12 of the 44 city wards have received only ONE nomination for the office of councillor (2,5,6,13,16,16,21,22,23,33,39,41). For 4 other wards there are NO nominations (3,4,24,34). Click here to see the ward map and candidates.

Three wards in the North York district have only one nomination _ current councillor (Stintz, Filion, Carroll). Two wards with none (current holders - Shiner, Minnan-Wong)

There are many months to the September nomination deadline. However, in Friday's Mirror columnist Dave Nickle speculates on the impact of the current ward 33 councillor NOT running for mayor. Does he assume that she will win (by acclamation?) - journalist David is a Shelley Carroll fan and it shows in his columns.

Unlike the Star's Royson James ("flat earth" image -see an earlier post link), he lauds her budget balancing skills as "budget chief". (We must presume that she had been aware of the city's $200 million surplus _ but was silent and was able on her own to cut deeper and increase user fees substantially. But why was she apparently unaware of the large _$200-450 million unfunded sickpay/leave liability that wasn't on the city's books? If she had been, why wasn't it recognized in previous budgets?)

Would the allowance of municipal political parties bring out more candidates sooner? Have the new contribution restrictions hurt new candidate prospects more the current office holders?

Here are links to the 2006 Election some might want to review -

ELECTION FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE http://app.toronto.ca/EFD/main.do

RESULTS http://www.toronto.ca/elections/results/

Ward 33 at 34% had one of the lowest voter turnouts in the city in 2006!

Candidates for Mayor and Their Known Platforms

In the Friday Star we noted a SCRIBD DOC link to what all voters will need to make informed, comparative decisions. Hopefully, those putting together this internet document will keep it updated until the November decision and that Toronto's other media sources will contribute more to this public discussion and review.

To know more about the 2010 candidates click on Mayoral race: Where they stand

The Star's Bob Hepburn believes Bike lanes an election winner for Rossi

An Opinion writer in yesterday's Star says Now is the time to discuss city's massive police budget Mayoral candidates remain silent on police operating expenses of nearly $1 billion a year. This is an important topic: our police keep demanding more and more. Do they deliver the goods?

UPDATE 1/3/10: Here's a link to Toronto's Election News for interested voters: "TEN combs through mainstream news publications, blogs, candidate websites and news magazines to bring you only the best political content and commentary about the 2010 electoral races, candidates and the campaigns behind them."

We will keep this post updated as we get closer to Election Day.

Proposed 2010 City Budget _ Reactions & Impacts: More

Note - You can access what the staff recommends online here: Budget 2010. If the "proposed" budget is a staff recommendation what does the Budget Committee and its chair do?

In our post below on budget reactions, we pointed directly to concerns about how budget changes will impact neighbourhood recreational use of parks and other city facilities (see copy of a letter to editor below). A Saturday Star ParentCentral story reports on "structural deficit" impacts to those families using day care facilities: apparently city staff and the budget committee feel that parents should pick up the "rental" cost of space in public schools (now subsidized by city taxes). To its credit, city council has previously rejected passing on such costs: why is the budget chief bringing forth this issue again? Where is the "mature" discussion?

As the province implements full day schooling at a significant new cost, the Toronto school boards cut more to balance budgets and wonder how to fit in more youngsters and a federal day care grant program expires at March month end we see budget balancing dilemma passed on to the middle class family.

We expect more such stories arise as the city works towards its final 2010 budget decision. We wonder where the candidates for mayor sit on such impacts to middle class family life. How much more can the middle class afford to pay? If a 4% residential rate brings in $87 million, maybe we should ask what another raise of 1% (say, $22 million) could do to make city life better or how much pain to expect from a reduction to a 3% tax increase.

UPDATE: 2/3/10 - Specifics are starting to trickle out on the proposed cuts. Staff was asked to come from with areas: Privatize city-owned ski hills, staff urges Having private sector run ski hills, campsite would save money and chop 360 jobs (Star report). Toronto needs to look at its operating costs. It also needs to consider why it doesn't have total cost recovery on parks and recreational services. Focusing on a few elements should not be done without a comprehensive policy statement on aims and objectives of city services. Our budget leadership is failing.

Letter to Editor (name withheld, copyright unknown)

Re:City crackdown burns park pizza nights,

Column, Feb. 25

The real issue here is that the city apparently wishes to crush efforts by its residents to reclaim local parks as vibrant community gathering and activity spaces. As city residents, we already pay for the establishment, staffing and upkeep of these common spaces, so isn't it logical that we also be able to directly shape the kind of activities that take place in them, without interference from local government?

In their arrogance the city's political decision-makers apparently think otherwise. Local politicians appear bent on extinguishing vibrant, autonomous community efforts under the ludicrous pretext of "regularizing programming." (bold added)

In Christie Pits, an affordable, enjoyable community meal has already fallen victim to this foolishness. In Dufferin Grove Park the potential lost activities could run the gamut from women's hockey to community dinners to outdoor summer theatre and festivals.

The only possible outcome of this would be that our city parks will once again regress to the kind of socially unfriendly spaces where community members fear to tread and overly suspicious police officers question the motives of anyone who dares enter, especially after nightfall. City hall politicians need to cease this attempt to crush efforts by Toronto's residents to reclaim community green spaces.

Council Approval of Towers and Community Centre , S@DM

On Tuesday, City council by a vote of 37 to 3 decided to approve the proposal for tall towers and a community centre facility as part of the Don Mills Centre redevelopment, Shops at Don Mills. This is a game changing decision for those that believe that Secondary Plans established with community involvement, especially in a city area not part of the provincial intensification designation should carry some restrictive power.

(To see what's happening at council meetings, see the blog link in the sidebar)

But alas, this is not so. The city once again has proven unable or unwilling to thwart a strong developer and stand up for a neighbourhood and its residents.

Don Mills neighbourhood in the Lawrence Ave and Don Mills is essentially a low rise community. Yes, there are many apartment blocks. But they are less than 6 stories. The council decision will bring a 32 storey & 24 storey towers and others (10-16 stories).

With the council decision we can expect that existing rental apartment owners will be reviewing how they can redevelop their properties and gain the heights allotted to Cadillac Fairview (CF).

CF managed its feat simply because the residential component density was averaged over the mainly one storey commercial area. But as they have seemed to get away with something that is neighbourhood altering we should anticipate in the next 20 years to see the Lawrence and Don Mills intersection area to become a hub of condo highrises. We must wonder about the smarts of the councillors who sit on the North York Community Council as well as the residents running the local resodent association, DMRI. Why did no one see the need to revisit the land zoning as CF was working out its initial plans?

The deal (see link above) is not an easy read. The community centre (not managed or staffed by city staff or using city rates for facility use and programmes but open to the general public) and green land park components are not easy to grasp. There are land swaps, 49 year leases, city payments, CF payments, multi-if condition clauses, some funding for a new twin pad rink located elsewhere, etc.

There was an Urban Design Review Panel staffed by those who profit from working with developers. As you might expect this panel did not comment on the lack of adherence to the Don Mills secondary plan (part of the city's Official Plan). The panel worked as a bunch of technocrats who could not afford to offend a hand that might feed them someday.

It is likely that most on city council did not read the decision document closely. For example, there are no definitions for keywords like "affordable" as it applies to public use of the community centre, or "primarily" as it applies to tenant use and rental space in the community centre.

From a quick read (it's legalese torture), it is not apparent what the city got and will own 5o years from now.

Where is the city visionary when you need one? Councillor Minnan-Wong must be applauded for standing up_ he saw the future and he stood up with the Friends of Don Mills to protect the Don Mills neighbourhood.

Do We Pay Too Much or Too Little? DRAFT

Mayor Miller has bragged that Toronto's residential property taxpayers have the lowest taxes in the GTA. (He could also say more correctly that the city charges by far the lowest "development charges" too_ there is supporting evidence for this. Also, the city taxpayers contribute more to the province's educational kitty than others too.) Does this imply that we pay "too little" and the city should charge more (if politically and economically able/expedient)?

A while back we found a report from the city of Edmonton that might assist finding some answers. (We need to find it again.)

City property taxes (excluding province's education tax on property) are simply the assessment property value (by a provincial agency, MPAC) multiplied by city established tax rate (that varies somewhat by nature of property).

From this simple equation, we can look if the "value" component that will answer the "too much / too little" question. The tax rate is controlled by the city to help budget balancing and making tax increases palatable to residents..

As most who own a residential property in Toronto know they can get more building space if not land for less outside the city boundaries in the GTA than within. A similar and likely newer 2-story, 2000 sq.ft. plus structure north of Steeles can be a $100 to more than $200 thousand less (even with the much larger development charges.)

The average houseprice residence in Toronto, is quite uncommon outside the city boundaries but not its pricing.

So how can you look at this "objectively". Do you weigh/factor in the city services, proximity to a wider range of schools and culture, better shopping opportunities, shorter trips, better public transit, ... when equating value in the city to the rest of the GTA? But if so, you must also weigh in the increasing traffic congestion, city road and service deterioration, increasing intensification of city living (higher densities of homes and people) by provincial mandate.

Should you work out a standard measure of what Toronto residents get for their money? How about working out a city tax on a household square foot basis to start a meaningful comparison?

The only reasonable and quick conclusion (from the real estate market) is that you pay a purchase price premium (in addition to the city's land transfer tax and vehicle tax) in Toronto compared to the rest of the GTA. The real estate value maxim seems true "location, location, location."

But for a variety of reasons, some people like to stay and live in the big city and some want to stay outside in their bigger and newer homes. A choice of lifestyle compromised by income or just trading off the utililty of different things for different folks?

Bottom line: We doubt there is any answer. We pay what we pay. Some of us could afford to pay more. Many cannot without sacrificing lifestyle and many more basic needs. The city population seems to have adjusted to covering a Toronto price index inflation experience via property tax increases. That seems to be a fair tradeoff. But to suggest we have the lowest taxes is not fair by any measure.

City Budget Reactions

We start this post with a quote from the Star's Royson James. He refers to the City's Budget Committee Chair, our ward councillor, Shelley Carroll: "her "strength" has been the ability to tell you, with a straight face, that the budget earth is flat when all evidence suggests it is round". He makes this assertion in a review of the signed up and potential candidates for mayor: Joe Pantalone born again as tightwad.

He also states that "Carroll has been a loquacious budget chief who has defended each spending decision with vigour and resolve."

Yesterday, Councillor Carroll spoke about the latest city budget proposal to a breakfast gathering of 30 at the Board of Trade. (She followed up Wednesday night with a town hall presentation before 12).

The Star reports Budget boss defends city But Shelley Carroll admits police force and TTC could do more to slash their spending. According to this report she "scolds" the authors of a BOT column in the Star for their presentation of a continuing "structural deficit" faced Toronto (see our post down below that refers to BOT article). Click here for the Mirror's Dave Nichols report

Apparently, she feels that all will be well when the province like other jurisdictions starts to pay big share of the operating cost of public transit in the big city. Mayor Miller wants to settle the issue by Dec. 1 (McQuinty has only agreed to talk about talking. We are left to wonder even if the province will keep its word on putting more money into the city's social services budget_reminder of the Harris download burden.)

As we suggested in an earlier post asking for a TTC helping hand after the Mayor brags to Torontonians that they have the lowest taxes in the GTA will not go well over a few blocks north of City Hall at Queens Park_given the province's deficit situation even with the expected revenue boost from the HST, the ability of the city to run a surplus and find "service efficiencies and cost savings" and Caplan's exhortations on the TTC and water services. If Caplan feels that Ontarians can easily accommodate $50 a month more for water and sewage ("just like an average internet bill") then what does he or McQuinty think about a 4% rise in property taxes that adds less than $100 to the average annual residential tax bill in Toronto.

A wise person might conclude that the province does not or will not look at Toronto's financial situation kindly until the city pushes for property tax increases that will cause the residential ratepayers to scream in the streets and threaten the political lives of the Mayor and Council.

Our councillor has asked for a "mature" discussion. But when presented with a mayor who should know better and by experts who suggest changing how the city does it budgeting and financial reporting (see posts below) she tunes out the latter and says nothing contrary to the departing mayor about his inappropriate remarks.

We hope our councillor takes the opportunity to run for mayor so that there is one candidate who has been looking at the city finances closely for a few years and should be on top of suggestions for improving the city's financial future.

We would also hope that the "budget chief" can explain why using city recreational facilities is becoming more onerous. Is the city seeking to save a few "nickels and dimes" and forgetting about the quality of its neighbourhoods ?

Incumbency, Its Advantages and the Democratic Deficit

Once elected our city councillors can have a life time job with an indexed income (soon over 6 figures) and well above average pension. Election to this office is difficult due to the built-in advantages of incumbency of a sitting councillor: re-election is not.

Consider this set of advantages:

• councillors are being paid as they run for election.

• councillors can manage their time freely and open up large blocks of time to campaign: ABC or council meeting attendance is not obligatory
• councillors can deliver self-promoting newsletters at city expense (office budget) up to September in the election year
• councillors can get access to email addresses from personal website promotion
• councilors have access to city funds (office budgets) to stage and sponsor events
• councillors have loyal city paid staffers (most have 2-4) who can take a leave of absence or vacation time to help out the councillor's election campaign.
• councillors have four years to build up brand and fundraising connections in community

Consider this set of disadvantages:

• timed out: empty set.

The strong advantages of holding the office point to a democratic deficit:

Consider some ways to even the democratic imbalance:

DO NOT's

• do not allow city paid newsletters from the councillor's office in the election year: starting Jan 1.
• do not allow city staff to work in councillor's campaign

DO's

• set term limits (2 consecutive terms only)
• allow party politics in municipal elections.
• provide candidates a cost recovery (within current campaign expense limits) paid by the city at 50 cents per vote received
• get city citizen initiated referendum on the election ballot
  

How can we make correcting the democratic deficit imbalance an election topic in all the wards?

Tuesday Brought McQuinty Up to the Plate

Yesterday, we thought Caplan might be trying for a "three in a row". Instead his party leader and provincial premier came forth to bat on the "TTC-no strike option/essential service" motion that Caplan presented. McQuinty and the departing Mayor Miller seem to disagree on need and relevance to this as part of the current city and election agenda (See Star report).

We are perplexed like Miller about why the Premier and a party lieutenant are coming out in a city election year to classify the TTC as an "essential service".

What the city needs is money and a labour arbitration process that considers the ability of the city and its taxpayers to pay. McQuinty remains silent although last week he seemed to dismiss or discount any fruitful outcomes from any discussion on a TTC operating subsidy. Is he implying that Toronto must standalone on its revenue-service costs balancing act? Is he setting the stage for the province to detach itself further from the financing of this city?

This is the same premier that had a chance to offer the city a consumption/sales tax option as a revenue generator when the Toronto Act was being negotiated but said no way. Was he consumed by the HST negotiation with Ottawa as Mayor Miller pushed forward his One Cent GST campaign.

So we might find a candidate like Smitherman getting elected, then getting a phone call from McQuinty for you know what to do.

There is some intrigue here. But motives are opaque.

Sunday WATER, Monday TTC, Tuesday ???

Yes, we're hearing a lot all of a sudden from our multi-term DVE MPP after he seemed to go into hiding after resigning his seat in McQuinty's Cabinet. He seems to be poking a finger into the mayoral campaign_ and is it intentional?

Today's report (in Star) has him wanting to make the TTC an essential service (and revoke the union strike option). He says people do not want to see service disruptions. Maybe, somewhat. But why is he pressing this just after the city budget comes out (with a major TTC subsidy by Toronto's taxpayers) and the recent fare increase, and customer service concerns?

Is David making noise as a step back into cabinet? Is he trying out something for McQuinty as the Ontario Liberals prepare for the next provincial election?

But if so, he is ignoring the city financing concern of Toronto taxpayers, including TTC ridership. The city costs and user fees for the TTC go up with seemingly unstoppable union settlement increases as well as those for police, fire and the city staff_ regardless of the city ability to pay and of the questionable need to pay the highest rates because we are the largest city in Canada. They are creating the "structural deficit" that without last year's surplus, would have required well over a 12% tax rate increase to balance the books, instead of the 4% for residential property( without the hidden surplus and questionable service cutbacks, err inefficiencies who would have the guts to seek a 20% property increase to the lowest rates in the GTA according to the other David?).

The province has no money to hand out for the TTC, nor his bill 237 "water services". ( Is the thought: "Let the municipalities work out the money from their taxpayers"?)

And, at the same time with things like Caplan's bills is not building a policy on how to tie city employment settlements to the city's financial reality. Arbitration evidence indicates the employee union gets the favourable treatment, not the taxpayer.

So as Caplan does some brand building and kite flying, what is the bottom line?

What will Tuesday bring? With ex-cabinet seatmate Smitherman running, we shouldn't see Caplan dropping his name in the hat for mayor. Will he propose a bill to gut the OMB's power over land use in Toronto?

He is likely aware that along Sheppard Ave E., near Brian a certain developer has snubbed McQuinty's government and the city by seeking OMB approval to build more residential condos on prime land zoned as employment centre only.

Does Our MPP Caplan Want Us to Pay More for Water Services?

Our Don Valley East MPP, David Caplan is trying to get his private member Bill 237 passed to ensure all of Ontario has quality water services (supply and sewage) now and in the future. The Star reports his Proposal would add $50 to cost of tap water Paying full monthly cost of resource would boost conservation.

From this Star story, "Caplan, a former health and infrastructure minister, estimates the monthly drain of his plan on family finances would be similar to the price of high-speed Internet, about $50. "That's one of the challenges," he acknowledged Thursday after Bill 237 passed another hurdle in the Legislature with a second reading vote that sends it to a committee of MPPs for further study."

DVE residents must wonder if he expects us to pay this $50 on top of our current bills which seem to be approaching $50 per month already after a succession of annual 10% water rate increases in Toronto.

Surely he knows that not everyone can afford or needs hi-speed internet or even cellphone service. We could conclude that David is flying a trial kite for McQuinty given the tight financial times at Queen's Park and in our homes.

Here's the Council of Canadians reaction to Bill237.

What do you think? What do you want to say_ Click above for the email link to David?

Car Sharing and the compact, intensified Transit City

First came the Sheppard East subway line_from Yonge to Don Mills. The Sheppard East LRT has begun in east Scarborough and will arrive in Ward33 in a couple of years with a walk over connection at the Don Mills underground station.

With the subway line came much development: mostly high rise condos along Sheppard from Bayview to Don Mills and towards Vic Park. Included in this development is increased vehicle traffic and a lot of people coming to live here, mainly south of Sheppard. Canadian Tire has also announced its new Head Office tower building near the Leslie subway station. We expect to see more people walking the street as more commercial storefronts open up from Bayview to Don Mills outside of peak time for work and school activities.

Such is the compact, intensified Transit City_ more people per sq. km., more walking to the office or neighbourhood store or just strolling and better access to transit and transportation.

We also expect the condo towers to provide convenient built-in "green bin" handling in addition to the blue bin recycling and grey bin solid waste for these new ward residents and be greener than the older structures. They must catch up with single family dwellings.

What we aren't sure is whether the new residents will be able to live with fewer cars, have better transportation options and use public transit effectively and affordably.

As part of the Transit City strategy, we should expect our city government to work out how new households in the intensified city do not continue to add to traffic congestion and road busyness.

One way is to ensure that autosharing services (Autoshare, ZipCar) are built in to our malls, subway stations and new condo developments and other access points in our neighbourhoods.

Such a city strategy would also need to consider the imminent arrival of electric cars and the need for electric refill stations on city streets.

City council needs to legislate for these now. They need to be part of the Transit City strategy. If people can learn to live with fewer vehicles per household we will have a greener, cleaner and less congested city.

Today's Star features a column by Trevor Hamilton Sharing the road The number of drivers turning to car sharing is forecast to grow eightfold by 2016 and a report says automakers should be worried.

You should find this interesting reading_ things are changing. You might want to ask our 2010 candidates for office how they plan to get fewer vehicles on our ward roadways.

Getting the dope on that City Light Deal

You might remember a few years back that the city sold off the poles and lights it owned to Toronto Hydro for much needed cash. Today we found out why. And the costs to the city over the next 30 years.

Here's the background from today's Star Bill for Toronto street lights will top $400 million Toronto to pay $420 million to rent lights it sold for $60 million in last-minute 2005 budget deal

This scenario provides another reason why it would not make money sense to sell this city owned (100% of equity) asset.

Budget 2010_Day After City Presentation

Yesterday, Toronto found out how staff, budget committee and Mayor would do the "impossible" and show off a "balanced" budget for 2010 with only a 4% increase to the residential numbers. That is, after starting off with a yawning gap of $500-800 million, the city only needed us to provide $87,000,000 to cut out a gap after allowing for increases in union labour costs (TPS, TTC, CUPE, ...).

The Mayor did not sound creditable about keeping the Toronto rates at the lowest in the GTA. I guess he hasn't been driving around the city much this winter_ he hasn't seen the crumbling road surfaces. Maybe, the unused snow removal will be used for massive road work (& disruptions) this spring and summer.

If you really want the scoop or poop, you might consider these columns links from today 's Star
James Is Toronto really as broke as it says? and
Hume Queen's Park shares blame for city's troubles.

Please read beyond the column headline. Should the city negotiate for a TTC operating subsidy or rather, a regular city grant for operating and infrastructure needs_ not tied to the TTC? Would regular provincial TTC op grants just build in an allowance for rich wage & benefit increases?

For Discussion: World Class? World Leading _ NO!

In the last decade on so, some have pushed Toronto as a world class city brand. Toronto receives high accolades as a liveable and desirable city in which to live in global surveys. In some things, such as Green Bins and Enwave city core services it has shown an important leadership and role model.

But the reality likely is that we are falling back and that much momentum in making a liveable and progressive city has slowed dramatically or even stopped and reversed. TTC/public transit issues, road congestion and surface deterioration, labour concerns (union power and costs _TTC, TPC, CUPE,....) and financial duress due to senior government indifference stand out for users of city services.

In today's Star, there is a must-read "opinion" article, A Tale of Two Cities _ Toronto: Wakeup, sleeper ( Joe Betteridge, Urban Planner) we hear what others cities are doing on two of these fronts while our city leaders are asleep at the switch: TTC fare handling compared to innovations around the world and using more non-staff labour for city needs.

These are just 2 items for discussion by all candidates as the 2010 Election discussion heats up. Mr. Betteridge poses topics that are important as well as possessing urgency.

Long Term Structural Deficits and Budget Presentation Concerns

Today as budget day nears at City Hall we hear in the Star of a report by the Toronto Board of Trade, www.BOT.com (see Vote Toronto 2010 under Policy menu tab). Without heftier tax increases or new financial relationships with Ottawa or Queens Park, Toronto faces an annual structural deficit in the billion dollar range by the end of this decade.

While this is alarming in itself, another story in the Star today presents a concern that is just as remarkable but avoidable. Apparently, the budget presentations (operating and budget) do not allow you or even trained professionals to reconcile what was planned with what happened. The authors of this article Toronto needs a budget that speaks to its citizens Current process makes comparisons between targets and performance almost impossible. Benjamin Dachis and Colin Busby, policy analysts at the C.D. Howe Institute say:
"The city should incorporate performance-based budget measures that highlight objectives in the budget that city departments must deliver. Budget documents should incorporate output measures based on Ontario-wide – and preferably, city-wide – benchmarks aimed at increasing performance. A greater focus on performance budgeting would identify areas for cost cutting, and encourage departments to improve the value of their services.

A budget document should communicate city priorities to both city staff and the public.

A more transparent and accessible budget process will help identify forecasting struggles and missed targets. A forward-looking budget would also deal with looming budget issues, while bolstering public confidence and participation in the direction of financial planning and priorities."

The bottom line question: when will we see city council, budget committee and mayor discussing openly and creditably the tough financial issues of the city and how to present budget and financial data to improve city governance and its financial control? Hopefully we will before City Election Day, 2010.

Toronto Community Housing in Ward 33

This is a "heads up" type of post. Two TCH townhouse complexes have been identified for revitalization under the TCH's Investing in Building programme: Leslie Nymark and Allenbury Gardens. How imminent are the changes? We do not know.

But Ward 33 residents should be vigilant about the nature of any changes. The Leslie Nymark complex represents how not to do sustainable and community integrated public housing. The Allenbury Gardens represent what happens when maintenance and operating care is not adequate.

Click here for a map of Toronto Community Housing locations in Willowdale Don Valley We see a band north of Sheppard as well as on Finch from Leslie to Vic Park.

The rumour mill has started. The city and its housing agency must keep all residents informed and involved in planning for change.

How Safe is Ward 33?

We post on this subject after looking at crime maps published in the Star yesterday. You may not be aware the Toronto Police Service website has a "crime statistics" section that allows you to follow criminal activity by police station/division

Click here for the link on Division 33 Stats . You will see some interesting numbers that suggest crime numbers are up compared to last year.

From the Saturday Star online, we can find Criminal Charge Maps for Toronto by patrol area.

Ward 33 residents should be concerned. For violent, firearm and property charges the area south of the Peanut is in the high count ranges.

(The Star data provided this data as part of an investigative special report on race, crime and policing. Click here for its Data and Background Resources available on line.)

2010 Budget and Mayor Decisions Intertwined?

Our post, 2010 Budget Discussion _ Part 2 (see below) highlights two recent newspaper articles related to city financial control and planning (that is, the world of budgets and taxes). As well, they point to the strong and central role of the new and current mayor in setting the course for the tough journey ahead.

In today's Star Opinion section, Michael Warren ( Bring Toronto transit into the 21st century Regional amalgamation, cheaper labour and private investment are key ingredients for a modernized system) provides some further background worth our attention. He raises some strong discussion points. Here are some highlight excerpts to ponder:

Need for Private Sector Parity in Public Contracts:
"A recent study revealed that City of Toronto employees, including TTC and roads employees, are paid 11.6 per cent more on average than their private-sector counterparts. In addition, they have job security and guaranteed pensions rarely seen in the private sector. If their productivity were higher, that might help – but it isn't."

Role of Mayor & Province in GTA Public Transit
"The next mayor has to lead this move to operational amalgamation across the GTA. However, clear conditions should be set. The province must agree to return to providing a significant share of the operating costs for any new regional transit authority – and to keep its 25-year "Big Move" capital funding promises."

"The next mayor has to keep the socio-economic "value case" for enhanced transit in front of all the stakeholders, and orchestrate effective opposition if the possibility of cuts begins to surface"

UPDATE: ALSO SEE THIS FEB 21 Star Opinion Piece: First task for new mayor: Get spending under control

Smitherman for Mayor, Murrary as MPP and Cabinet Member ???

Yesterday, Glen Murray, the ex-mayor of Winnipeg and a defeated federal Liberal candidate in Manitoba became an elected representative in Toronto_ for the Liberal Party of Ontario. Some thought he would have made an excellent candidate for city mayor (see older posts) . Now it appears McQuinty will find a spot for Glen in his cabinet according to news rumours.

Glen has been an active resident in Toronto for about 6 years and some thought he might run for city mayor with his strong urban background and urban insights (head of urban study institute in Toronto).

When Smitherman decided to run, obviously things changed. And we might wonder if Murray taking over Smitherman's seats (as MPP and a Cabinet role) was a political tactic or just political serendipity.

The media has not yet looked at this angle.

City Parks and Dogs Off Leash

You've likely seen the issue of allowing dogs off leash in city parks in the news. There is a post below (see older posts) , "leash free dog park" (Nov 16, 2009) from a Ward 33 group advocating / requesting permit for an off leash area in local Ward 33 parks (email: area33@live.com).

(On the W33AC Election night, this group reported on its permit application. We will might anticipate our ward councillor to initiate a community consultation meeting on this contentious matter.)

An article by Dave Nickle in the Mirror (Feb 4, 2010) provides an update on what's happening downtown where our city councillors hang out.
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/cityhall/article/546450--dog-park-policy-gets-overhaul

"The revised people, dogs and parks strategy is intended to streamline the decision-making procedures and take into ways to finance the construction of dog parks... The city's parks department has a more systematic approach, which city staff hope will make the process less political. The policy comes up with rules to limit off-leash areas in parks and parkettes that are two acres or less... And no longer will an off-leash area require that a local dog owner Association be established to police and manage the area."

So far there are no off leash dog area in our local parks although some parks in the North District/North York have off leash areas. Apparently, it costs $150,000 to modify (fence an area, etc) to provide an off leash area.

Given the condition of parks in our ward, many might think this money would be better spent on improving our local parks and street environments instead of providing a place to exercise dogs.

For parks with off leash areas go to this city link:
http://www.toronto.ca/parks/dogsoffleash_list.htm

On this page, you can also link to :

Proposed sites for off-leash areas.

Denied Applications for Off-Leash Area

People, Dogs and Parks Strategy main page

City bylaws requires all dogs and cats in the city to have a license (cost varies) and carry a tag:
http://www.toronto.ca/animal_services/licensing.htm

2010 Budget Discussion _ Part 2

This forum blog started a discussion on the 2010 Toronto budget Oct 27 (see older posts). Today, we extend the discussion with references to 2 noteworthy newspapers articles that deserve reading by Toronto's taxpayers and voters in election year, 2010.

David Soknacki's comprehensive article comes from The Star (Jan. 22) and covers setting financial priorities for the city's ABC's: Urban vision carries a price City leaders can dream but only after they get a firm grip on hard financial realities
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/series/budgetcrunch/article/754166--urban-vision-carries-a-price

(You might remember David as a city councillor and budget chief before Shelley Carroll. He often has a column in The Mirror on city affairs.)

He starts "Voters are looking for solutions: for the city's chronic financial shortfalls, for its quarrelsome relationships with Queen's Park and Ottawa, and to fix a structure that many feel is out of touch with reality.

He discusses background : "... Toronto's mayors have been determined not to surrender control of the political agenda. It is unfortunate, though, that they have made a difficult situation far more problematic by undertaking initiatives that are breathtaking in scope, with little regard for underlying financial realities or the ability to deliver over the long term." (italics added)

He points out the vision concern " the mayor's responsibility to guarantee that dreams are achievable and sustainable. Part of the task of winning hearts and minds is to create a mandate for change or renewal."

He indicates how to work on vision politics: "to make the vision, priorities and impacts explicit to both public and bureaucracy, the mayor can present his goals to council at its opening session, to be reinforced by annual updates.

He states the big financial control problem: "A big part of the problem is that council and management exercise little control over the 119 agencies, boards and commissions that comprise most of the city's employees and provide key services, such as transit and police"

He suggests the fix: "Fixing this problem must start with council establishing mandates and operating agreements for each of its agencies. Once every term, each agency should face an effectiveness review."

And so on. The bottom line_ the Mayor's office must be leading the budget process by getting the vision out, making it affordable and agreed to in council; provide "state of the city" messages annually. And get on top of the financial direction and review of the 119 ABC's with the support of council. This does not appear to be happening.

Today in the Star Opinion section, Hugh Mackenzie of the Canadian Centre for Policy Altenatives has this article, There's no pain-free way to cure city's ills Anyone who tells you that Toronto's financial problems can be fixed without raising taxes is selling snake oil
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/article/760830--there-s-no-pain-free-way-to-cure-city-s-ills

His bottom line: "Why don't we think about rewarding political leaders who are prepared to talk straight about the public services we need and to engage in an adult conversation about how we're going to pay for them... That would indeed be novel. It would also be the right thing to do. Because anyone who tries to tell you that Toronto's financial problems can be addressed through this or that scheme that avoids raising taxes is either deluded or dishonest." (our bolding)

So, where can we see change and honesty coming from: Enter name of your best candidate here?

____________________________ (Was it none of current candidates?)