Post Vote Banter
Not much a surprise that David Miller was declared a winner in our city’s mayoral race. It was bad form for City TV to declare their prediction of Miller victory about sixty seconds into their coverage. Ummm, wait for the polls to confirm your “guess” (likely outcome), especially if you are to be “unbiased” members of the press.
As per my previous post I was impressed with both Miller and Pitfield at the EYE / Spacing “Political Party” event. While every mayoral candidate didn’t have a soapbox or stage to stand on it provided a different and POSITIVE light on what each hopeful had for their vision of improving our city. Unlike the so called debate, you got to see the front runners take ownership of their IDEAS and defend them. I’d love to see more of this type of thing in the future. Far more insightful than an unmitigated shouting match.
With that said I’m not sure I agree with much of the spin post election that the “incumbent” factor prevailed here. There were some close races for some seats and in the case for mayor I feel other factors weighed in.
In 2003 the city was pretty clear that they didn’t want, a fat cat City Hall full of scandal. People took a stand against the airport and a chance by voting in Miller for mayor. For the most part he delivered and I feel voters recognized this. As much of a “he wasn’t worse than Lastman” attitude as a true connection with many of the city’s communities. A more rationale explanation for winning over 50% of the vote than simply being an incumbent! Pitfield was hardly the “unknown” challenger up against and had a secure seat. She took a chance and lost it. She and all challengers had to prove they were “better than” Miller. Their platforms and actions failed to prove it to the voting public.
For those who feel they could do someting better for Toronto… You can! Get involved with your community, after all this is the first step in improving this city. If nothing else watching the results may give you an idea of whom to call yell at when things go wrong or congratulate when they do go right.
Related posts:
i’m trying to figure out what’s he’s done for us in the past couple of years. i can’t really think of much. so now i’m going through his wikipedia entry.
garbage hasn’t been solved. the island airport is operational. crime hasn’t gone down. the environment is still sucking up the gases we throw at it. oh well. we’ll see what the new year brings.
The Toronto Star used the word “humbled” to describe Miller. I’m not sure about that, but perhaps he’s taken notice of the loud voices of discontent and realised he has to step up his game and start improving life here in TO. One can hope!
Toronto is one of the safest cities in the world. and yes, crime has gone down. people have the option - believe the hype or don’t, and most just do. every violent crime is covered by every media outlet and it gives the wrong impression. check the stats, toronto IS the safest city in Canada.
voting is the absolute minimum requirement of a citizen and a good lot of people don’t even bother to do that. and then they wonder why their politicians aren’t accountable to them. why the H should they be??? this city is awesome but it could be better and I believe Miller when he talks about how much he wants it to be. but the fact is that citizens are what is missing. 2.6 consumers is what we really are.
OK, you convince me. Sorry My English is not so great. So to get involve? Where do I start? Give me the transit, the urbanism all the fancy topic and I will work hard. I think Toronto is pretty safe too but I do not like so much the neiborough dictat. I rather see the city as a one, all working Together with respect. I’m creative and still believe the money is not the issue. So?