Posts Tagged ‘Scarborough’
Toronto Star: Smitherman’s Words Come Home to Roost
I meant to post this piece from the Toronto Star earlier but I’ve been so busy with the campaign, Wind Concerns and work I just had not had time. It portrays a community sticking to its guns, and a desperate politician clearly regretting the impacts his abusive, dismissive tone will surely have. I said I believed George Smitherman would be chased out of Scarborough, and if the debate last night was any indication, this is in fact the case.
There are many months ahead, and for Guildwood residents the choice is clear. Our community needs someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to this bully and I am the only candidate that has demonstrated that not only am I able to, but I will stand up for our best interests even to George Smitherman.
Here is the link to the piece.
Toronto Star: Smitherman’s Words Come Home to Roost
No Comments »My Letter Regarding Scarborough’s Place in Toronto Published by Eye Weekly
Whenever downtown heavy publications write about Scarborough I have to say I often read anticipating unfair commentary based on outdated, generalizations about Scarborough. When Eye Weekly published a piece ‘Toronto’s Eastern Skyline’ they were surprisingly kind, but being as proud to be from Scarborough as I am, I felt the need to write a letter to the editor to share why Scarborough is still the great hope of Toronto, which they published on the 22nd of December.
SCARBOROUGH FARE
Re “Toronto’s Eastern Skyline,” Psychogeography, Dec. 10: Much of the hope for Toronto still comes out of Scarborough’s success. Scarborough has led all of the city’s new waste-diversion initiatives, from the original blue boxes to the new garbage bins. We have the highest rate of waste diversion in the city. The urban planners that drew up Scarborough left more parkland per capita for residents, including many forested areas, than anywhere else in Toronto. Library-book circulation per capita is highest in Scarborough as well.
Amalgamation has changed Scarborough, but the memories and pride of what was once a city unto itself live on in the hearts and memories of many residents. The promise of Scarborough is alive in the hearts of her passionate residents who are ready to do their part to make our city the best part of Toronto. »
JOHN LAFORET
5 Comments »Dalton McGuinty’s Date With Protesters in Scarborough Tonight
This went out to a number of Toronto media outlets last night. I am posting this now, as I am already on site, as are many protesters – awaiting the Premier’s arrival.
For Immediate Release: Dalton McGuinty to be met by protesters from Save the Toronto Bluffs at Liberal BBQ in Scarborough this evening.
The protest will take place at Miller Lash House 130 Old Kingston Road at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus – Tuesday August 11th 2009 at 6pm at an Ontario Liberal BBQ to be attended by the Premier.
Dalton McGuinty is making his first visit to Scarborough, ON since he and Deputy Premier George Smitherman unleashed an unprecedented attack on Scarborough Bluffs residents who oppose Toronto Hydro’s proposed wind farm installation in Lake Ontario.
“Dalton McGuinty can’t expect Scarborough residents to pretend all is forgiven when he decides to come to Scarborough after attacking residents in a speech delivered hundreds of kilometres away. We’re here to let him know we heard what he had to say, and will not let him forget it.” said John Laforet
On February 11th 2009 in London, ON Premier McGuinty cited Scarborough Bluffs residents who oppose Toronto Hydro’s proposal stating that the Green Energy Act would limit citizen’s right to participate in local decision making, and remove municipal planning control over renewable energy projects.
Deputy Premier Smitherman called Guildwood residents ‘absurd’ and accused them of working themselves into an ‘artificial lather’.
Residents have been engaged with Toronto Hydro Energy Services to prevent the installation of a one million dollar wind test facility off the Scarborough Bluffs where modeling data already shows there is not sufficient wind for an offshore wind farm.
Residents are not satisfied Toronto Hydro has done any of the necessary environmental studies to ensure no harm is done to water quality or aquatic life during the unnecessary million dollar study.
“The Premier has abused his power to purposefully deny residents the right to participate in their democracy through the Green Energy Act. We’re not going to let him forget his words, or his attack on our community.” Said John Laforet
“When Dalton McGuinty comes to Scarborough this evening for a love-in with his Liberal partisans, it will be citizens of this province exercising their democratic rights to warn the Premier that this is far from over.” John Laforet
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