John Tory hits the campaign trail
Mayoral candidate John Tory got a big boost with the support of local 183.
With just under 31,000 union members, this is quite the coup for anyone in the running to be the next mayor of Toronto. Tory officially launched his campaign on March 26 starting with a breakfast at his headquarters in North York. This was followed by stops in Scarborough, Etobicoke and downtown Toronto.
Lifetime North York resident, Tory, addressed almost 250 enthusiastic union members.
"There are signs of decline all around us," he said. "Think, are the streets of Toronto cleaner today than 10 years ago? Are there less homeless people than in 1993? Are traffic and crime less of a concern?
"We have slipped 10 spaces down on the list of the world’s most livable cities. We were fourth and now we are 14th. We need to work our way back up, not just to fourth, but to first," he said to applause.
Tory said he is running for mayor because Toronto is a city in decline and he believes it deserves better leadership.
"I’ve been successful in my job, career as a manager. And I think that will help me bring about better management (at City Hall)."
The Town Crier caught up with Tory on the campaign trail as he made stops in different areas of the megacity.
"The big concerns about crime, the lack of affordable housing, lack of management in terms of the government and traffic grid lock are common concerns," he said. "Homelessness concerns everyone, but may be more visible downtown. The waterfront is something that everyone cares about, but people in the old downtown are more concerned as it is their backdoor or front door. The quality of city services on any given street may be different, but there are still common (concerns) to everyone."
Tory said that he was optimistic that the city can negotiate a new deal with senior levels of government.
"I’m a bit of an optimist on this issue. I have experience with the senior levels of government and I come to them with a fresh page. To start with Ottawa, Paul Martin mentioned a new partnership with cities," said Tory.
"Mr. McGuinty is also talking about a new deal for cities. So with a new approach and a new (mayoral) leader pushing our interests and more co-operation from senior levels of government, I think there is room for optimism."
Tory would like to see people be a part of improving the city.
"The real power of the people is in how they get together and get things done," said the Rogers Cable CEO. "It’s not just about the government doing things, but also getting people engaged in these issues whether its litter or literacy."
Although Tory is starting down a tough road as he is the only leading candidate without experience in politics. "I am not a career politician and I have no interest in becoming one," he said. "Look at my whole resume. There’s my business aspect to get things done and manage, but also my warm side, which is also a list of community involvement. I understand the community and can bring a fresh perspective."
