Archive for February, 2010
Caveat investor: Wind may let you down – My Piece for Thomson Reuters
I was pleased to have the opportunity to write a piece for the Thomson Reuters Environment Forum on the reality of risk and investing in wind developments in Ontario and worldwide. Called ‘Caveat investor: Wind may let you down’ points out several ‘inconvenient truths’ investors, industry, their lobbyists and governments can choose to either address or not.
It serves as a great opportunity to get our message out to a far larger audience (Thomson Reuters is the world’s largest news service) and I hope will spark some healthy international debate on the merits of this industry and technology in light of the clear process and due diligence failures worldwide.
No Comments »Toronto’s Election Agenda Should Be Set By Torontonians
When I read that Dalton McGuinty had an opinion on what the ballot question should be in Toronto’s municipal election I was taken aback. It just seemed inappropriate that the Premier of Ontario would be advising residents what debate should determine the outcome of the race.
Watching the election unfold so far it seems clear there are going to be two camps, the folks who want to take drastic action to fundamentally alter how and what City Hall does and those who think tinkering is the way to go.
The province has used the 2010 municipal budget as an opportunity to use spending power to exert more control over the TTC. This is something Torontonians should approach with caution because it means local control will be shared with the province, likely through Metrolinx. This could create an even more unwieldy governance structure for the TTC.
The Premier’s suggestion that the Toronto Election is a good opportunity to discuss the idea of transit workers being declared an essential service was not only off base, but possibly a sign of what is to come with the permanent funding proposal from the Province, particularly in a race that sees the front runners running against City Hall, not for it.
With the significant decisions the next Council is going to have to make regarding Toronto’s future should be top of mind of all voters when they determine who to send to Council in the fall. I believe our next Mayor and members of Council need to focus the municipal/provincial relationship on building a sustainable and workable framework for Toronto to govern it’s affairs with the resources needed to meet the challenge. We need to make sure, whoever is elected doesn’t sell our city short in these negotiations and ensures the Premier understands providing adequate funding to the City of Toronto and the TTC isn’t optional, its necessary.
How about the province just fund a proportion of the TTC’s operating budget because it’s the right thing to do, and historically a role they played.
If there is to be a ballot question regarding anything to do with the Provincial government it should be, which candidate for Mayor best represents our City’s long term interests in negotiating a sustainable framework with the Ontario Government.
No Comments »There Is Much We Can Do Together, But I Need Your Help
I have been a candidate for a month now and the kind words and best wishes I’ve received from folks living in Ward 43 and around the City are genuinely humbling. People seem to believe voice like mine on Council would be a good thing, even if we don’t agree on everything.
Having a principled, honest, socially progressive, fiscally conservative, community oriented voice who is committed to enhancing opportunities for local communities to take a more active role in decision making would be a fundamentally good thing for the City and my community.
Our campaign is grassroots driven, and will need the financial support of those who believe in what we’re trying to achieve if we are to succeed. We have receptive voters, and a good team coming together, but need the tools to run the distance.
I will stand up for local democracy, support effective and efficient public transit, demand action on affordable housing and childcare, while seeking financial sustainability to budgeting. I bring the same passion and energy to these other municipal issues as I have to my principled opposition to Toronto Hydro’s ill-conceived proposal for my community and will demand results when elected.
I am committed to community building, citizen engagement and collaborative decision making. It’s our City and we need a voice at the table reflecting our views. Whether you live in Ward 43 or not, if you want to see active, responsive Councillors who listen to real people and not just the folks on the lobbyist registry, I’m your guy.
We have a good chance of winning here, but not without your help. I can’t do this alone or on your behalf without your active support. It just won’t work.
I’m asking you to consider making a contribution to my campaign if you believe in what we’re trying to achieve.
The City of Toronto has a generous rebate program that all donors regardless of where they live in Ontario are eligible for. A donation of $300 would cost you just $75 as the City rebates the first 75% of any donation between 25-300 with a sliding scale for larger amounts over that. For more information on the rebate program for specific dollar amounts please click here.
Don’t wait for others to step up, because they’re waiting for you to do the same.
Join us, take action and contribute to what can only be a success with your help.
Keep our message alive. Give us the tools to succeed. Click donate on the right hand side of the screen to do what you can to help.
