Videodrome
Senior Member
I live in Denzil's ward. I think the problem is that people out here are just disengaged. The suburbs, in general, are where most families live, therefore I think priorities are more meat and potatoes (as you suggested, potholes, road conditions, snow removal in winter, etc.). Periphery issues like heritage, arts and culture, public realm, etc. aren't even really on the radar of said individuals. Plus, parents are too busy raising their children to have the time to be concerned with those aforementioned subjects. Also, Denzil is a family man and that appeals to other families in the ward. He can get away with being a ghost in his ward, that only comes out every 4 years when it's election time, because basically no one is paying attention to what he is doing. Taxes remain low and quality of life remains the same, therefore, he must be doing a good job (is the mentality, I assume, many share). Denzil is also financially backed by wealthy individuals, so he is able to get his name out in the community better than any of his opponents. It's probably going to take another person with deep pockets and the ability to pick apart Denzil's demagoguery to defeat him at the ballot box. I don't have much hope that this will happen (Peter Youngren, in 2010, was his greatest challenge). I can actually see Denzil representing Ward 34 until he decides to retire. I think he will only be replaced if term limits are implemented.
I assume most of Mary Hynes' votes came from the apartment and townhouse complexes in Ward 34. She's an NDPer and this ward is pretty conservative. I even voted for her and I'm right of center, socially. I was just so desperate to get rid of Denzil.
Incumbency is a powerful thing. Only one sitting councillor lost last time.
I was disappointed when I googled Karygiannis. I assumed he'd be one of the stars of this thread but I didn't find much.
He was my MP for a very long time, but I didn't pay a lot of attention to him due to a lack of interest in politics (I was young). His attendance record was also dismal.
Last edited: