GenerationW
Senior Member
[video=youtube;cFfe7aOlKs4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFfe7aOlKs4&feature=player_embedded[/video]
I'm sure most of you have seen the ad above by now. $500,000 is being spent on this campaign by the Public Transit Coalition, which includes the Toronto Environmental Alliance, the Amalgamated Transit Union, local 113, and community activists. If this statement (his union is spending $500,000) from the NP article is true, doesn't it mean that the union is running the show and the other groups are just along for the ride?
A ten question survey was sent to all candidates for mayor and councilor, and they were graded from zero to ten. It seems most did not reply to the survey (for which they got a zero). Thought I'd be a candidate for a day and take a stab at it:
Not a good question
Questions 3 and 4 deal with similar issues but aren't presented clearly enough.
And for you capitalists or those open to bribes, on this page you can take their mini-survey and win a cheque for $121 disguised as a Metropass, though I imagine the winners probably have to provide the "proper" answers.
I'm sure most of you have seen the ad above by now. $500,000 is being spent on this campaign by the Public Transit Coalition, which includes the Toronto Environmental Alliance, the Amalgamated Transit Union, local 113, and community activists. If this statement (his union is spending $500,000) from the NP article is true, doesn't it mean that the union is running the show and the other groups are just along for the ride?
A ten question survey was sent to all candidates for mayor and councilor, and they were graded from zero to ten. It seems most did not reply to the survey (for which they got a zero). Thought I'd be a candidate for a day and take a stab at it:
A reasonable expectation? Sure they do. A right? Makes it sound like a constitutional issue.1. Do you agree that people in every ward have a right to reliable, frequent, and accessible public transit?
Not a good question
That's really two questions. Yes to the first part, and where warranted to the second.2. Will you advocate for maintaining TTC service levels and work to increase service to all wards?
Ideally, yes, but realistically, it's wishful thinking, at least in the short-term.3. TTC operating costs are paid for through riders' fares and a government subsidy. Under Premiers Davis, Peterson and Rae, the Province and the City agreed that the Province would fund 50% of the TTC’s operating subsidy. Currently, no such agreement exists with the Province and the City is left to pay 100% of the TTC's operating subsidy. Do you think the Province should return to paying 50% of the TTC’s operating subsidy as it did under the leadership of Premiers Davis, Peterson and Rae?
What would cost the Province more: a 50% subsidy, or 30% of operating costs? Or is that 30% combined by the City and Province?4. Will you support keeping fares in check by advocating that the City and Province pay at least 30% of the TTC's operating costs?
Questions 3 and 4 deal with similar issues but aren't presented clearly enough.
A horribly worded question since the only correct answer at this point in time is yes. A more appropriate question would be to ask if LRV's should be the preferred technology. The most appropriate question would be to ask if the Transit City plan itself is preferred by the candidate. Bet you that question alone would have increased the number of candidates who responded to the survey.5. Do you agree that Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) are the preferred technology for the implementation of the Transit City plan?
Another murky question. What exactly was promised in 2007? That the entire TC plan would be built, or just the first four(?) lines? Besides which, promises made in 2007 before the recession are essentially now worthless.6. Do you plan to advocate for the completion of the Transit City Light Rail plan that was promised by Premier Dalton McGuinty, Toronto City Council, and the TTC in 2007?
Ideally, yes.7. Should the TTC continue to be publicly owned, maintained, and operated?
Is this really an issue?8. Should the Toronto Transit Commission continue to be governed by City Councillors?
I guess it is an issue for certain people. This sounds like some sort of preemptive strike due to a fear that Metrolinx will take over the TTC. Is there bad blood between the TTC and Metrolinx? Why else would a question like this be in this survey? Inquiring minds want to know!!City of Toronto Agencies, Boards and Commissions are governed by elected representatives and are required to be open and transparent to the public. Ontario’s regional transit authority, Metrolinx, is governed by an unelected board of directors that is appointed by and reports to the Minister of Transportation. Presently, Metrolinx is not required to provide advance notice of meetings; conduct its meetings in public; allow public deputations; or publicly publish its reports, agendas, and minutes. Would you support an open, transparent and publicly accountable Metrolinx?
A completely private transit project in Toronto? There is no chance of that. On the other hand, a public-private partnership might be worth studying. We could always say no if the numbers don't add up.10. Are you in favour of the private sector financing, designing and planning transit projects in Toronto?
And for you capitalists or those open to bribes, on this page you can take their mini-survey and win a cheque for $121 disguised as a Metropass, though I imagine the winners probably have to provide the "proper" answers.