A
Are Be
Guest
Nov. 10, 2003. 10:27 PM
Richard Lautens/Toronto Star
Toronto's city hall.
Four councillors lose their seats
Anne Johnston was one of four city councillors who lost their seats this evening in what observers have called the most competitive municipal election in many years. The councillor for Ward 16, Eglinton-Lawrence, lost out to Karen Stintz in a race dominated by development — particularly the controversial Minto condo project at the southeast corner of Yonge St. and Eglinton Ave. E. Johnston was facing her 13th municipal campaign.
Councillors Michael Tziretas (Ward 31, Beaches-East York), Sherene Shaw (Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt) and Ron Moeser (Ward 44, Scarborough East) also lost their seats.
Here are winners by ward.
Ward 1: Etobicoke North: Suzan Hall was re-elected.
Ward 2: Etobicoke North: Incumbent Rob Ford was re-elected.
Ward 3: Etobicoke Centre: Doug Holyday re-elected.
Ward 4: Etobicoke Centre: Incumbent Gloria Lindsay Luby re-elected.
Ward 5: Etobicoke-Lakeshore: Peter Milczyn was re-elected.
Ward 6: Etobicoke-Lakeshore: Mark Grimes was elected.
Ward 7: York West: Giorgio Mammoliti was acclaimed.
Ward 8: York West: Incumbent Peter Li Preti was re-elected.
Ward 9: York Centre: Maria Augimeri was re-elected.
Ward 10: York Centre: Incumbent Michael Feldman was re-elected.
Ward 11: York South-Weston: Frances Nunziata was re-elected.
Ward 12: York South-Weston: Incumbent Frank Di Giorgio was re-elected.
Ward 13: Parkdale-High Park: Bill Saundercook, who lost to David Miller last time around, has been elected.
Ward 14: Parkdale-High Park: Sylvia Watson was elected in Chris Korwin-Kuczynski's old riding.
Ward 15: Eglinton-Lawrence: Howard Moscoe has been re-elected.
Ward 16: Eglinton-Lawrence: Karen Stintz beat out councillor Anne Johnston.
Ward 17: Davenport: Cesar Palacio beat out Alejandra Bravo.
Ward 18: Davenport: Federal NDP president Adam Giambrone was elected.
Ward 19: Trinity-Spadina: Joe Pantalone was re-elected.
Ward 20: Trinity-Spadina: Olivia Chow was re-elected.
Ward 21: St. Paul's: Joe Mihevc was re-elected.
Ward 22: St. Paul's: Incumbent Michael Walker was re-elected.
Ward 23: Willowdale: Incumbent John Filion was re-elected.
Ward 24: Willowdale: David Shiner was acclaimed.
Ward 25: Don Valley West: Cliff Jenkins was elected in Joanne Flint's former ward.
Ward 26: Don Valley West: Jane Pitfield was re-elected.
Ward 27: Toronto Centre-Rosedale: Incumbent Kyle Rae was re-elected.
Ward 28: Toronto Centre-Rosedale: Councillor Pam McConnell re-elected.
Ward 29: Toronto-Danforth: Case Ootes was re-elected.
Ward 30: Toronto-Danforth: Paula Fletcher, who had Jack Layton's backing in his old riding, was elected.
Ward 31: Beaches-East York: Janet Davis beat out incumbent Michael Tziretas.
Ward 32: Beaches East-York: Incumbent Sandra Bussin was re-elected.
Ward 33: Don Valley East: Shelley Carroll was re-elected.
Ward 34: Don Valley East: Incumbent Denzil Minnan-Wong was re-elected.
Ward 35: Scarborough Southwest: Gerry Altobello was returned to council.
Ward 36: Scarborough Southwest: Brian Ashton was re-elected.
Ward 37: Scarborough Centre: Michael Thompson beat out his challengers in Lorenzo Berardinetti's former riding.
Ward 38: Scarborough Centre: Glenn De Baeremaeker, an environmentalist and head of the Save The Rouge Valley organization, has been elected.
Ward 39: Scarborough-Agincourt: Mike Del Grande beat out incumbent Sherene Shaw.
Ward 40: Scarborough-Agincourt: Councillor Norm Kelly was re-elected.
Ward 41: Scarborough-Rouge River: Bas Balkissoon was re-elected. (NOW support, but qualified support)
Ward 42: Scarborough-Rouge River: Incumbent Raymond Cho was re-elected.
Ward 43: Scarborough East: David Soknacki was re-elected.
Ward 44: Scarborough East: Community activist Gay Cowbourne beat out incumbent Ron Moeser.
From NOW Magazine:
Stan Grabowski
WARD BY WARD VOTERS GUIDE
TO TURN OUR CITY AROUND, WE NEED A COUNCIL THAT HAS THE COURAGE AND CREATIVITY TO MAKE TOUGH, HUMANE AND ECOLOGICAL DECISIONS. HERE ARE NOW'S PICKS. TOGETHER THEY WILL REINVENT TORONTO. VOTE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Ward 1
Etobicoke North
Suzan Hall is one of a handful of incumbents who could be defeated Monday (November 10) after only a single term on council. She garnered the fewest votes of any councillor in 2000 (2,894). Hall contributes little to the political discourse and is being challenged by eight others, among them long-time resident Vincent Crisanti, who lost to Hall by 97 votes in 2000 and is running on safer streets and cleaner community platform (read, more cops). But our support goes to taxi industry spokesperson Ikram Freed , who's been active in youth and equity issues, has the Labour Council's backing and received an A on the Toronto Environmental Alliance's eco survey. It's about time multicultural Rexdale had a visible-minority voice for a change. Vote Ikram and you shall be Freed.
Ward 2
Etobicoke North
Incumbent Rob Ford is so far right that even conservative colleagues on council cringe when the burly Chris Farley look-alike goes off on one of his anti-spending tirades. He opposed Island Airport expansion and Union Station redevelopment and is popular locally because of his constituency work. His otherwise extremist views leave him politically isolated on council, however. Somali journalist Mohamed Dahir offers a reasonable alternative, despite his Liberal heavy backing. He's focusing on youth issues and recreation services and would be a marked improvement over Ford, who has no base whatsoever in the heavily multicultural north end of the riding.
Ward 3
Etobicoke Centre
Incumbent Doug Holyday received the largest plurality of any councillor in the 2000 election and spent comparatively little to get it. Ross Vaughan , a local realtor, is the only one of three challengers who seems to be mounting a serious campaign. He's advocating hiring more police but is also for more affordable housing, converting multi-residential units into co-ops, tackling child poverty, expanding recycling programs and solar and wind power, reining in development and improving public transit. He scored a C on the Toronto Environmental Alliance's survey. Holyday got an F. Vote for Vaughan.
Ward 4
Etobicoke Centre
Mario Giansante , a former Etobicoke councillor backed by Grit MP Alan Rock, is looking to make a comeback against incumbent Gloria Lindsay Luby, who took a shine to being part of Mel's inner circle. It'd be hard to find a councillor more self-absorbed than she is. Research lawyer Stephen Thiele, a former member of the York University Liberal Association, decided to run after the city voted to do away with mechanical leaf collection service in area neighbourhoods with sidewalks. It's Giansante who gets the nod here from us – even though it could be argued that he's already had his chance.
Ward 5
Etobicoke-lakeshore
Peter Milczyn hasn't lived up to the billing he got as a political up-and-comer three years ago after unseating lefty fave Blake Kinahan. He's among Vote Toronto's 10 worst, but perhaps we were expecting too much from someone who owes his political start to disgraced lobbyist Jeff Lyons. Milczyn can be counted on to go with the right-wing flow. Liberal Stan Grabowski , a retired teacher, is pushing for more green space and community input on major developments that he says are being sprung unawares on residents, particularly in the Bloor-Kipling area. Grabowski's been active locally for more than a decade on race relations issues. He'd be a huge improvement. Vote Stan.
Ward 6
Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Vote Toronto, the Labour Council and former councillor Irene Jones are supporting Jerry Smith , a Humber College arts administrator with extensive experience in local civic and arts issues. He's promoting sound planning and increased funding from senior levels of government for transit, public housing and health. Berardo Mascioli, who's backed by some heavy-hitting Grits, is pushing the crime button – or is that the panic button? – with charges that unnamed candidates are tearing down his signs. The field of 10 also includes a former school trustee, the businessman famous for producing Mel's moose and an actor best known for standing on his head and drinking beer. Take Smith.
Ward 7
York West
George Mammoliti, council's biggest spender, wins this one by acclamation. Go figure. A shame, considering his gutter brand of politics. He's supporting John Tory for mayor, which should be good news for David Miller.
Ward 8
York West
Peter Li Preti, who's hung on by the skin of his teeth for some time, may finally be toast, and rightly so since he does next to nothing at City Hall except back the status quo. He's made a political career out of pitting homeowners against tenants in the Jane-Finch area, and the community's all the poorer for it. He's being challenged this time by Anthony Perruzza , a former North York city councillor and NDP MPP who has the Labour Council's backing. Perruzza's not perfect, but he would be an improvement – he showed some promise under veteran Howard Moscoe's tutelage early in his career. Vote Perruzza.
Ward 9
York Centre
For someone who was first elected with the help of the NDP machine, Maria Augimeri has a very spotty voting record on issues that matter to lefties. That's because she often puts political survival ahead of principle, as she did by supporting the Island Airport bridge and Union Station. She rates an A- on ArtsVote's survey and a B+ on Toronto Environmental Alliance's and has the Labour Council's backing, but she's a lacklustre performer who'd be well advised to put more effort into her job. No other choice here, unfortunately.
Ward 10
York Centre
There's no bigger Mel lackey than Mike Feldman, so it's no surprise that he was among the first to support John Tory for mayor. A main backer of the Island Airport bridge, Feldman is rarely seen around City Hall when council's not in session. He's the guy to call when your garbage hasn't been picked up, but he's too attached to the old way of doing politics to be of any use to his constituents or to the kind of council we're likely to get come Monday. Enter challenger Lorne Berg , an urban planner and a bit of a mystery politically – he hasn't bothered to respond to ArtsVote or the Toronto Environmental Alliance. His planning background should at least make for sounder development decisions than the kind Feldman has been pushing. Vote Berg.
Ward 11
York South-Weston
What can you say about Frances Nunziata? A household name around these parts who deserves credit for local efforts, she's sold her soul for a seat on the police services board. And nowadays she votes right along with the right wing. Just how low can she go? She made her political career blowing the whistle on corruption on York council, but voted against the inquiry into the MFP computer leasing scandal. Her lone opponent this time, one Rosemarie Mulhall, is so serious about making a run that she's left direction on her candidate contact phone to call only between 7 am and 5 pm. Too bad there's no room for a write-in candidate, cuz we're recommending Cosmo the Cat . We're not kidding.
Ward 12
York South-Weston
Pity the poor residents of this old city of York ward, who've been saddled with a councillor from North York, Frank Di Giorgio, since amalgamation. Frank who? His one claim to fame is that he prevented former metro councillor and ex-con Mario Gentile from making a political comeback three years ago. He has the dubious distinction of having scored the second-lowest number of votes of any councillor (4,061) in 2000. Part of council's mushy middle, Di Giorgio's done nothing to distinguish himself since then except confound those who try to make sense of his occasional speeches. However, he did vote with the left on the lobbyist registry and MFP computer leasing inquiry. Lone challenger Joe Renda , a retired social worker, promises to build an indoor soccer facility, and with the endorsement of the police union, to push for community patrols. He also vows to protect the area from bad development, turning community council membership over to residents and holding town halls to get community input. We'd say burn your ballot, but Renda represents a chance for change and representation for a forgotten community. Go with Joe.
Ward 13
Parkdale-High Park
Bill Saundercook, the former city councillor who was given point duties on Adams Mine, is trying to make a political comeback in David Miller's old ward. Tory candidate Carol Jamieson, a commercial realtor and development consultant, lists garbage, trees and fiscal mismanagement as top issues but is a little vague about where her own financial support is coming from. Newcomer and urban planner Stan Kumorek has been involved in a number of local projects, including the Junction Triangle redevelopment, and he has Miller's endorsement as well as the backing of Vote Toronto and the Labour Council. Stan's the man here.
Ward 14
Parkdale-High Park
The departure of right winger Chris Korwin-Kuczynski has opened up another seat on council for the left to take over, but the lefty of choice, David Smaller, has backed out because of illness. Some NDPers in the ward are supporting Walter Jarsky, a 19-year resident who's running on the need for more affordable housing and better public transit. Ed Zielinski, the former incumbent's choice, gets marks for opposing the fixed link to the Island Airport. Our vote goes to Sylvia Watson , a former city solicitor who's perhaps a bit too polished for the liking of some area residents but has City Hall experience and the backing of David Miller.
Ward 15
Eglinton-Lawrence
Howard Moscoe voted for the Front Street extension, supports the Island Airport and was conspicuously absent or abstained from votes on increased childcare subsidies, keeping school pools open and the lobbyist registry. He also probably has one too many business donors for a supposedly left-wing councillor. Tsk, tsk. But he's still going strong after 25 years on the job, has the Labour Council's endorsement and remains not only one of council's hardest workers but the class of the field here.
Ward 16
Eglinton-Lawrence
Anne Johnston is in danger of seeing a distinguished political career come to an end because of her support for the controversial Minto development. Questions are being asked as well about the attendance record of the 30-year council vet who got her start fighting the Spadina Expressway. The John Tory-backed Karen Stintz, who has no previous political experience and was drafted after responding to a local newspaper ad, is pulling out all the stops to win. Johnston deserves to go out on her own time for all those years of service, especially as an advocate for seniors and health issues. She gets our vote here.
Ward 17
Davenport
NDPer Alejandra Bravo , chair of this area's parent council, has the Labour Council's and Vote Toronto's endorsement for her efforts around childcare, ESL and heritage language programs and helping to keep school pools open. Bravo, who's making public transit and integrity at City Hall her key issues, looks to be winning the sign wars. Her stiffest challenge comes from Cesar Palacio, who has perhaps the highest profile of any candidate as a former assistant to former area councillor Betty Disero, who was heavily influenced at council by business interests. Palacio's running on a crime ticket and has the backing of Grit MPP Tony Ruprecht, which is reason enough, aside from the spectre of Disero hanging over Davenport, to vote Bravo.
Ward 18
Davenport
Adam Giambrone has been working this area hard ever since he came a close second to outgoing councillor Mario Silva in 2000, and he deserves marks for sticking to it. He scored a B+ in the ArtsVote survey, which wasn't as good as challenger Ana Bailao's A+. Like Giambrone, Bailao also scored an A+ on the Toronto Environmental Alliance's survey. However, the fact that Bailao was Silva's assistant works against her in our books. It gives us pause that her campaign's being pushed by her former boss, who's so deep in the pockets of business interests it's frightening. (Silva boasts – if that's the word – the highest number of corporate donors of anyone on council.) The Labour Council's endorsement of Giambrone gives him our vote here.
Ward 19
Trinity-Spadina
Incumbent Joe Pantalone , one of the longest-serving lefties on council, supported the Union Station deal and Front Street extension and was against extra cash for traffic-calming measures. But he still managed to get the nod from Vote Toronto for his work as chair of the Waterfront Reference Group, which managed to steer a positive waterfront vision through council. Those days of playing ball with Mel's boys are over. Set to be a key player if Miller becomes mayor. Re-elect him.
Ward 20
Trinity-Spadina
What can we say about Olivia Chow that hasn't already been said? Like a fine wine, she only gets better with age. A crack community organizer and perhaps council's best player, Chow's understanding of budgets has enabled her to play hardball with council's right wing and win votes that matter to downtown residents. She has also done exemplary work as council's children and youth advocate. A cinch here and one of the first to come out for David Miller. She should be appointed deputy mayor. We wonder why the folks at Humanize Toronto don't run some of their very good candidates in wards in the city that are really in need of a left alternative instead of wasting them here.
Ward 21
St. Paul's
Not to be underestimated, Joe Mihevc has managed to wangle significant committee appointments while continuing to be one of the most progressive voices on council. He voted for the Front Street extension, which is curious given his eco sensitivities and record, but he has perhaps done more than any other councillor to promote a clean, green city as chair of the board of health. He also persuaded McDonald's to abandon controversial plans for a drive-thru in his ward. Now he's taking substantial heat for his support for a plan to convert the Wychwood TTC barns into an artist co-op and is being challenged by former city councillor Howard Levine as a result. Joe's our man.
Ward 22
St. Paul's
What a difference an election makes. Mel's right-wing minions pulled out all the stops last time to get rid of council enfant terrible Michael Walker , even putting up a candidate with the same last name to confuse voters. Not now, since Walker has gone from flaky foil of everything Mel to one of council's most articulate advocates of local democracy. He's a strong opponent of Island Airport expansion, despite the suit brought by the Port Authority against him, and great on tenant issues despite the fact that he represents one of the city's more affluent wards. One of the few on council with more citizen than corporate donors.
Ward 23
Willowdale
John Filion has done little to distinguish himself in the last three years on council after being appointed health board chair in the first megacity council. Not the hardest worker, he voted against the inquiry into the MFP computer leasing scandal and scored a D on the ArtsVote survey but an A on the Toronto Environmental Alliance questionnaire. And he does have a reputation for attending to constituents. He needs to be more involved, but gets the nod here in the absence of any serious challenger.
Ward 24
Willowdale
No race here. Budget chief David Shiner is acclaimed, but he's unlikely to receive a plum appointment from the next chief magistrate, if only because he's too full of himself for many people's liking.
Ward 25
Don Valley West
It's a mad rush in the city's most affluent ward to replace conservative Joanne Flint, who left for a provincial government appointment to the Ontario Municipal Board. The progressive pickings are slim, however, if they exist at all. Front-runner Cliff Jenkins is denying he has any Tory connections, although he's backed by former area Tory MPP David Turnbull. Tim Flynn, son of the late Metro chair Dennis, is backed by the Police Association, apparently because he's Chief Julian Fantino's chauffeur. Nancy Loewen, a recent arrival and former Thunder Bay councillor, seems furthest left of centre but is high on crime in an area with the second-lowest crime rate in all the city. Which leaves, for all practical purposes, Jaye Robinson , an events planner and senior city bureaucrat who has exposure to the municipal political scene and can at least hit the ground running.
Ward 26
Don Valley West
Incumbent Jane Pitfield is a hard one to figure out. She talks like a small-c conservative but votes with the hard line on council, including against calls for an inquiry into the MFP scandal and more money for childcare. But that's only half the time. She also supported a lobbyist registry, increased funding for the TTC and a pesticide ban. ArtsVote gave her an A on its survey, the Toronto Environmental Alliance a B. Vote Toronto withheld its endorsement even though Pitfield is opposed to an expanded Island Airport. As right-wingers go, Pitfield's palatable. The lack of serious opposition suggests she's made a favourable impression on tenants in the east end of her ward.
Ward 27
Toronto Centre-Rosedale
Kyle Rae blows hot and cold when it comes to causes near and dear to lefty hearts, and especially on crime and development issues. In fact, next to former councillor Mario Silva, no other councillor has more development industry donors. Rae actually boasts a very progressive voting record if you exclude blemishes like his support for the Union Station deal. Dundas Square has also turned into a bit of a mess on his watch, but few politicians have more smarts and savvy. Rae's the hope here.
Ward 28
Toronto Centre-Rosedale
Incumbent Pam McConnell is one of the most consistent and hardest-working lefties on council. As chair of the Toronto community council and vice-chair of the planning and transportation committee, McConnell has done a good job of balancing community safety with the need for social services – especially in the area of child poverty – while keeping area businesses happy with a cap on property taxes. She can be forgiven for supporting Barbara Hall for mayor. Her only serious challenger is financial consultant Pierre Klein, a law-and-order type who, like McConnell, opposes the fixed link to the Island Airport but has some strange ideas about crime and homelessness. Not the guy we want here. Vote McConnell.
Ward 29
Toronto-Danforth
We're a bit torn here. Incumbent Case Ootes has given us every reason in the book not to endorse him. His voting record, despite his small-c conservative sensibilities, is atrocious. As a mouthpiece for the Mel regime, he ran cover for the lobbyists and wheeler-dealers who've turned City Hall into a sleazy place to do business. However, his rival John Papadakis , a former East York city councillor with a law-and-order bent and a Johnny-come-lately to lefty causes, doesn't inspire. Word on the street is that Papadakis has turned over a new leaf. He's managed to snag the backing of the Labour Council and local NDPers. If Ootes had shown the slightest inclination to buck the backroom buddies... but, alas, he didn't, so Papadakis gets our qualified endorsement.
Ward 30
Toronto-Danforth
One of the harder, if not hardest, races to call is between former school board trustee Paula Fletcher , fashion designer Maureen Gilroy and councillor Kyle Rae's exec assistant, Chris Phibbs. Gilroy's short-term involvement in local issues, ties to wacky local Liberal MP Dennis Mills and vague promises of better "leadership" cross her off the list for us. Phibbs, an active and longtime member of the gay community, is promising more funding for the TTC, port lands development and more bike lanes. She's opposed to any Island Airport expansion, which, along with her years' experience at City Hall, makes her an attractive choice. But she's supporting Barbara Hall for mayor, which steers us toward Fletcher, who's backing our choice, Miller. Fletcher also has the heavyweight endorsements of area MPP Marilyn Churley and, most importantly, former Ward 30 councillor Jack Layton. Improved rec programs and support for public transit, childcare, public health and small business are on Fletcher's agenda.
Ward 31
Beaches-East York
Early childhood educator Janet Davis , who lost by a slim 54 votes in the 2000 by-election to incumbent Mike Tziretas, is back for another kick at the can. Davis, who's backed by NDP MPP Michael Prue, has won endorsements from Vote Toronto and the Labour Council. Tziretas voted for increased childcare subsidies, supported a ban on pesticides and scored a B on ArtsVote's survey but voted against traffic calming measures, a lobbyist registry and extra funding for the TTC and keeping school pools open, an issue on which Davis led the charge. Davis marks the spot here, with the promise of better local representation.
Ward 32
Beaches-East York
Sandra Bussin isn't exactly the most visionary of council's left-wing contingent, but she does have an impressive local base. She beat back a strong challenge from right-winger David Moll in 2000, and has a solidly progressive voting record, except, perhaps, for her support of the $90-million Front Street extension. Waterfront revitalization and opposition to incineration are major issues for her as city staff tinker with idea of opening up the port lands to heavier industrial uses. Perennial also-ran Jeffery Dorman, who's making Bussin's office budget spending his main issue, got a mere 309 votes last time. It's Bussin all the way.
Ward 33
Don Valley East
The ward was vacated by conservative councillor Paul Sutherland after his failed provincial election bid. Now, former school board co-chair Shelley Carroll is being touted as the choice here by both Vote Toronto – primarily for her opposition to the Island Airport – and the Labour Council for her opposition to Tory education cuts. Carroll also boasts an impressive record of volunteer service and parent activism (she's a recent recipient of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee Medal). Running on waterfront revitalization, youth issues, garbage solutions and improved transportation, she gets our nod. She'll need all the help she can get against right-wing retread and outsider Rob Davis, who's backed by Tory forces.
WARD 34 DON VALLEY EAST
Denzil Minnan-Wong has been a part-time councillor ever since he rode in on the tax-cutting Tory tide in 97. About the only good thing to say about his voting record on local issues is that he opposed widening of the DVP. He supports privatizing water and electricity services. Unfortunately, he has little credible opposition. George Maxwell, a former city IT worker, has a vague platform and declares he's running "because it's in my blood." Gary Walsh, the other candidate on the ballot, doesn't register on any of the surveys conducted by ArtsVote, the Toronto Environmental Alliance or Bike Toronto. Khan Niazi has withdrawn. Our advice: spoil your ballot in protest .
WARD 35
SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST
Gerry Altobello is closer to the political right of council than the centre he pretends to occupy, having voted for a motion banning the homeless from sleeping on the street. He did support a lobbyist registry, but he's a nightmare on the environment, scoring an F on the Toronto Environmental Alliance survey for his votes against the pesticide ban, bike plan and extra funding for the TTC. One of his six challengers is Adrian Heaps, a former provincial Liberal candidate who's focusing on seniors' issues but may be too close to Altobello's political sensibility. Professional mediator Worrick Russell , who snapped up a respectable 3,290 votes to Altobello's 7,118 in 2000, deserves consideration for his work with community groups like Tropicana, the Community Social Planning Council and Second Base Youth Shelter and for his commitment to work with courts, police and churches to deal with youth crime. Vote Russell.
WARD 36
SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST
Incumbent Brian Ashton is a straight-shooter with an independent streak who voted the right way at council on a lobbyist registry and for an inquiry into the MFP leasing scandal but folded on the Union Station deal and the Island Airport. He scored a B+ on the ArtsVote and a less impressive C on the Toronto Environmental Alliance survey, but he's probably the most palatable Scarborough councillor – and he supports Miller for mayor. Lone challenger Robert Scott's main issue is crime – he's recently won the support of former police chief Bill McCormick – and the fact that Ashton no longer lives in the ward. It's Ashton here. The last thing Scarborough needs is another pol touting a police endorsement.
WARD 37
SCARBOROUGH CENTRE
Andrew Schulz , director of Scarborough's Community Resource Centre and the West Scarborough Community Legal Clinic, has promised to donate $10,000 of his council salary to create a foundation that will provide funding for transit, environment and community improvement projects. He's been behind a number of initiatives including a mixed-use modernization project along Eglinton and tree planting at Birchmount and Lawrence. The Labour Council's pick, Michael Thompson, supports incineration and opposes putting money into a smog plan or stricter enforcement of the pesticide ban. Laura-Maria Nikolareizi, who's supported by outgoing incumbent Lorenzo Berardinetti, as of last week was still putting "the finishing touches" on her campaign. Vote Schulz.
WARD 38
SCARBOROUGH CENTRE
Six candidates are vying for this seat vacated by Brad Duguid. Despite his Tory leanings and connections, environmentalist Glenn De Baeremaeker , who helped make Save the Rouge a household name, is the best choice in our books for his positions on transit, eliminating the influence of lobbyists at City Hall and abolishing the development-friendly Ontario Municipal Board. Rival Willie Reodica deserves some mention for his strong eco platform, his promise to hold the line on recreation fees and commitment to promote community policing. But De Baeremaeker also has nine years' experience working at City Hall as an assistant to former councillor Doug Mahood. He's endorsed by the Toronto Labour Council and Vote Toronto.
WARD 39
SCARBOROUGH-AGINCOURT
We need another three years of incumbent Sherene Shaw like we need a hole in the head. She votes with the right wing on council more often than not, including on Union Station and the MFP computer leasing scandal, and boasts a few too many corporate donors for a bit player on council. However, we're uneasy about her rival, Catholic school board trustee Mike Del Grande, who's been getting help from a conservative coalition led by right-wing council nut Rob Ford and is running a dirty campaign. He's been distributing flyers in the ward calling for a change after years of what he describes as "foreign" leadership under Shaw, who is originally from Guyana. We'll take Shaw, who, if nothing else, has done a commendable job raising visible-minority issues.
WARD 40
SCARBOROUGH-AGINCOURT
Norm Kelly is a complete disaster, among the worst councillors, hands down. He voted with the right wing across the board – except on privatizing garbage – while abstaining or not bothering to show for tough votes, in particular on a lobbyist registry. Rival Patrick McBrearty is not an ideal solution. We're a little freaked by his fears of "youth and organized crime" as stated in his literature. But McBrearty has some good things to say about protecting green space from overdevelopment and pushing long-term solutions to homelessness. He's the lesser evil here.
WARD 41
SCARBOROUGH-ROUGE RIVER
Political newcomer Sonny Yeung is to be commended for his work with seniors and young people, but incumbent Bas Balkissoon is far and away the choice here. Fiscally conservative but principled, he was the first to blow the whistle on the MFP computer leasing scandal and wasn't afraid to take the cops to task on public complaints, actually resigning over the issue from the police services board. His support for the secretive Union Station deal, though, and opposition to a shelter bylaw, fair wage policy and other measures on a range of social issues are troubling. He's one of the few visible-minority candidates not to win Labour Council support.
WARD 42
SCARBOROUGH-ROUGE RIVER
We'd like to tell you to vote for Paulette Senior, a former NDP federal candidate and a manager for the YWCA's employment services division who has grassroots credentials. But her campaign platform is a little too focused on crime while offering few specifics on other planks. Incumbent Raymond Cho hasn't exactly taken council by storm, but he has a surprisingly progressive voting record when you disregard his support for Union Station and the Island Airport. He also has an impressive grassroots base, with 75 per cent of donations coming from citizens. He opposed privatization of electricity and water services. Grudging endorsement here.
WARD 43
SCARBOROUGH EAST
David Soknacki is firmly entrenched in council's right wing and has the voting record to prove it, but is seen, ironically, as someone the left can work with. Soknacki's lone challenger, Glenn Kitchen, is a carpenter by trade who scores well on transit and the environment – although he opposes mandatory recycling at fast food outlets – but has no political experience to speak of. With no endorsements from key labour or left-wing organizations, he's failed to mount a serious campaign. Soknacki gets the nod for hammering out amendments to last year's operating budget that saved some critical social programs.
WARD 44
SCARBOROUGH EAST
Ron Moeser's penchant for voting with the right wing of council is eclipsed only by the number of times he's been absent or abstained from crucial votes. After 15 years in local politics, you'd think he'd have more to say for himself than the one paragraph on his Web site boasting about his efforts to preserve the Rouge Valley. Gay Cowbourne , a long-time community activist and part-time adult literacy teacher, is Vote Toronto's pick for her work on the John Mansfield plant cleanup and development of the Port Union waterfront trail. She's the best of a mediocre slate.
Richard Lautens/Toronto Star
Toronto's city hall.
Four councillors lose their seats
Anne Johnston was one of four city councillors who lost their seats this evening in what observers have called the most competitive municipal election in many years. The councillor for Ward 16, Eglinton-Lawrence, lost out to Karen Stintz in a race dominated by development — particularly the controversial Minto condo project at the southeast corner of Yonge St. and Eglinton Ave. E. Johnston was facing her 13th municipal campaign.
Councillors Michael Tziretas (Ward 31, Beaches-East York), Sherene Shaw (Ward 39, Scarborough-Agincourt) and Ron Moeser (Ward 44, Scarborough East) also lost their seats.
Here are winners by ward.
Ward 1: Etobicoke North: Suzan Hall was re-elected.
Ward 2: Etobicoke North: Incumbent Rob Ford was re-elected.
Ward 3: Etobicoke Centre: Doug Holyday re-elected.
Ward 4: Etobicoke Centre: Incumbent Gloria Lindsay Luby re-elected.
Ward 5: Etobicoke-Lakeshore: Peter Milczyn was re-elected.
Ward 6: Etobicoke-Lakeshore: Mark Grimes was elected.
Ward 7: York West: Giorgio Mammoliti was acclaimed.
Ward 8: York West: Incumbent Peter Li Preti was re-elected.
Ward 9: York Centre: Maria Augimeri was re-elected.
Ward 10: York Centre: Incumbent Michael Feldman was re-elected.
Ward 11: York South-Weston: Frances Nunziata was re-elected.
Ward 12: York South-Weston: Incumbent Frank Di Giorgio was re-elected.
Ward 13: Parkdale-High Park: Bill Saundercook, who lost to David Miller last time around, has been elected.
Ward 14: Parkdale-High Park: Sylvia Watson was elected in Chris Korwin-Kuczynski's old riding.
Ward 15: Eglinton-Lawrence: Howard Moscoe has been re-elected.
Ward 16: Eglinton-Lawrence: Karen Stintz beat out councillor Anne Johnston.
Ward 17: Davenport: Cesar Palacio beat out Alejandra Bravo.
Ward 18: Davenport: Federal NDP president Adam Giambrone was elected.
Ward 19: Trinity-Spadina: Joe Pantalone was re-elected.
Ward 20: Trinity-Spadina: Olivia Chow was re-elected.
Ward 21: St. Paul's: Joe Mihevc was re-elected.
Ward 22: St. Paul's: Incumbent Michael Walker was re-elected.
Ward 23: Willowdale: Incumbent John Filion was re-elected.
Ward 24: Willowdale: David Shiner was acclaimed.
Ward 25: Don Valley West: Cliff Jenkins was elected in Joanne Flint's former ward.
Ward 26: Don Valley West: Jane Pitfield was re-elected.
Ward 27: Toronto Centre-Rosedale: Incumbent Kyle Rae was re-elected.
Ward 28: Toronto Centre-Rosedale: Councillor Pam McConnell re-elected.
Ward 29: Toronto-Danforth: Case Ootes was re-elected.
Ward 30: Toronto-Danforth: Paula Fletcher, who had Jack Layton's backing in his old riding, was elected.
Ward 31: Beaches-East York: Janet Davis beat out incumbent Michael Tziretas.
Ward 32: Beaches East-York: Incumbent Sandra Bussin was re-elected.
Ward 33: Don Valley East: Shelley Carroll was re-elected.
Ward 34: Don Valley East: Incumbent Denzil Minnan-Wong was re-elected.
Ward 35: Scarborough Southwest: Gerry Altobello was returned to council.
Ward 36: Scarborough Southwest: Brian Ashton was re-elected.
Ward 37: Scarborough Centre: Michael Thompson beat out his challengers in Lorenzo Berardinetti's former riding.
Ward 38: Scarborough Centre: Glenn De Baeremaeker, an environmentalist and head of the Save The Rouge Valley organization, has been elected.
Ward 39: Scarborough-Agincourt: Mike Del Grande beat out incumbent Sherene Shaw.
Ward 40: Scarborough-Agincourt: Councillor Norm Kelly was re-elected.
Ward 41: Scarborough-Rouge River: Bas Balkissoon was re-elected. (NOW support, but qualified support)
Ward 42: Scarborough-Rouge River: Incumbent Raymond Cho was re-elected.
Ward 43: Scarborough East: David Soknacki was re-elected.
Ward 44: Scarborough East: Community activist Gay Cowbourne beat out incumbent Ron Moeser.
From NOW Magazine:
Stan Grabowski
WARD BY WARD VOTERS GUIDE
TO TURN OUR CITY AROUND, WE NEED A COUNCIL THAT HAS THE COURAGE AND CREATIVITY TO MAKE TOUGH, HUMANE AND ECOLOGICAL DECISIONS. HERE ARE NOW'S PICKS. TOGETHER THEY WILL REINVENT TORONTO. VOTE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Ward 1
Etobicoke North
Suzan Hall is one of a handful of incumbents who could be defeated Monday (November 10) after only a single term on council. She garnered the fewest votes of any councillor in 2000 (2,894). Hall contributes little to the political discourse and is being challenged by eight others, among them long-time resident Vincent Crisanti, who lost to Hall by 97 votes in 2000 and is running on safer streets and cleaner community platform (read, more cops). But our support goes to taxi industry spokesperson Ikram Freed , who's been active in youth and equity issues, has the Labour Council's backing and received an A on the Toronto Environmental Alliance's eco survey. It's about time multicultural Rexdale had a visible-minority voice for a change. Vote Ikram and you shall be Freed.
Ward 2
Etobicoke North
Incumbent Rob Ford is so far right that even conservative colleagues on council cringe when the burly Chris Farley look-alike goes off on one of his anti-spending tirades. He opposed Island Airport expansion and Union Station redevelopment and is popular locally because of his constituency work. His otherwise extremist views leave him politically isolated on council, however. Somali journalist Mohamed Dahir offers a reasonable alternative, despite his Liberal heavy backing. He's focusing on youth issues and recreation services and would be a marked improvement over Ford, who has no base whatsoever in the heavily multicultural north end of the riding.
Ward 3
Etobicoke Centre
Incumbent Doug Holyday received the largest plurality of any councillor in the 2000 election and spent comparatively little to get it. Ross Vaughan , a local realtor, is the only one of three challengers who seems to be mounting a serious campaign. He's advocating hiring more police but is also for more affordable housing, converting multi-residential units into co-ops, tackling child poverty, expanding recycling programs and solar and wind power, reining in development and improving public transit. He scored a C on the Toronto Environmental Alliance's survey. Holyday got an F. Vote for Vaughan.
Ward 4
Etobicoke Centre
Mario Giansante , a former Etobicoke councillor backed by Grit MP Alan Rock, is looking to make a comeback against incumbent Gloria Lindsay Luby, who took a shine to being part of Mel's inner circle. It'd be hard to find a councillor more self-absorbed than she is. Research lawyer Stephen Thiele, a former member of the York University Liberal Association, decided to run after the city voted to do away with mechanical leaf collection service in area neighbourhoods with sidewalks. It's Giansante who gets the nod here from us – even though it could be argued that he's already had his chance.
Ward 5
Etobicoke-lakeshore
Peter Milczyn hasn't lived up to the billing he got as a political up-and-comer three years ago after unseating lefty fave Blake Kinahan. He's among Vote Toronto's 10 worst, but perhaps we were expecting too much from someone who owes his political start to disgraced lobbyist Jeff Lyons. Milczyn can be counted on to go with the right-wing flow. Liberal Stan Grabowski , a retired teacher, is pushing for more green space and community input on major developments that he says are being sprung unawares on residents, particularly in the Bloor-Kipling area. Grabowski's been active locally for more than a decade on race relations issues. He'd be a huge improvement. Vote Stan.
Ward 6
Etobicoke-Lakeshore
Vote Toronto, the Labour Council and former councillor Irene Jones are supporting Jerry Smith , a Humber College arts administrator with extensive experience in local civic and arts issues. He's promoting sound planning and increased funding from senior levels of government for transit, public housing and health. Berardo Mascioli, who's backed by some heavy-hitting Grits, is pushing the crime button – or is that the panic button? – with charges that unnamed candidates are tearing down his signs. The field of 10 also includes a former school trustee, the businessman famous for producing Mel's moose and an actor best known for standing on his head and drinking beer. Take Smith.
Ward 7
York West
George Mammoliti, council's biggest spender, wins this one by acclamation. Go figure. A shame, considering his gutter brand of politics. He's supporting John Tory for mayor, which should be good news for David Miller.
Ward 8
York West
Peter Li Preti, who's hung on by the skin of his teeth for some time, may finally be toast, and rightly so since he does next to nothing at City Hall except back the status quo. He's made a political career out of pitting homeowners against tenants in the Jane-Finch area, and the community's all the poorer for it. He's being challenged this time by Anthony Perruzza , a former North York city councillor and NDP MPP who has the Labour Council's backing. Perruzza's not perfect, but he would be an improvement – he showed some promise under veteran Howard Moscoe's tutelage early in his career. Vote Perruzza.
Ward 9
York Centre
For someone who was first elected with the help of the NDP machine, Maria Augimeri has a very spotty voting record on issues that matter to lefties. That's because she often puts political survival ahead of principle, as she did by supporting the Island Airport bridge and Union Station. She rates an A- on ArtsVote's survey and a B+ on Toronto Environmental Alliance's and has the Labour Council's backing, but she's a lacklustre performer who'd be well advised to put more effort into her job. No other choice here, unfortunately.
Ward 10
York Centre
There's no bigger Mel lackey than Mike Feldman, so it's no surprise that he was among the first to support John Tory for mayor. A main backer of the Island Airport bridge, Feldman is rarely seen around City Hall when council's not in session. He's the guy to call when your garbage hasn't been picked up, but he's too attached to the old way of doing politics to be of any use to his constituents or to the kind of council we're likely to get come Monday. Enter challenger Lorne Berg , an urban planner and a bit of a mystery politically – he hasn't bothered to respond to ArtsVote or the Toronto Environmental Alliance. His planning background should at least make for sounder development decisions than the kind Feldman has been pushing. Vote Berg.
Ward 11
York South-Weston
What can you say about Frances Nunziata? A household name around these parts who deserves credit for local efforts, she's sold her soul for a seat on the police services board. And nowadays she votes right along with the right wing. Just how low can she go? She made her political career blowing the whistle on corruption on York council, but voted against the inquiry into the MFP computer leasing scandal. Her lone opponent this time, one Rosemarie Mulhall, is so serious about making a run that she's left direction on her candidate contact phone to call only between 7 am and 5 pm. Too bad there's no room for a write-in candidate, cuz we're recommending Cosmo the Cat . We're not kidding.
Ward 12
York South-Weston
Pity the poor residents of this old city of York ward, who've been saddled with a councillor from North York, Frank Di Giorgio, since amalgamation. Frank who? His one claim to fame is that he prevented former metro councillor and ex-con Mario Gentile from making a political comeback three years ago. He has the dubious distinction of having scored the second-lowest number of votes of any councillor (4,061) in 2000. Part of council's mushy middle, Di Giorgio's done nothing to distinguish himself since then except confound those who try to make sense of his occasional speeches. However, he did vote with the left on the lobbyist registry and MFP computer leasing inquiry. Lone challenger Joe Renda , a retired social worker, promises to build an indoor soccer facility, and with the endorsement of the police union, to push for community patrols. He also vows to protect the area from bad development, turning community council membership over to residents and holding town halls to get community input. We'd say burn your ballot, but Renda represents a chance for change and representation for a forgotten community. Go with Joe.
Ward 13
Parkdale-High Park
Bill Saundercook, the former city councillor who was given point duties on Adams Mine, is trying to make a political comeback in David Miller's old ward. Tory candidate Carol Jamieson, a commercial realtor and development consultant, lists garbage, trees and fiscal mismanagement as top issues but is a little vague about where her own financial support is coming from. Newcomer and urban planner Stan Kumorek has been involved in a number of local projects, including the Junction Triangle redevelopment, and he has Miller's endorsement as well as the backing of Vote Toronto and the Labour Council. Stan's the man here.
Ward 14
Parkdale-High Park
The departure of right winger Chris Korwin-Kuczynski has opened up another seat on council for the left to take over, but the lefty of choice, David Smaller, has backed out because of illness. Some NDPers in the ward are supporting Walter Jarsky, a 19-year resident who's running on the need for more affordable housing and better public transit. Ed Zielinski, the former incumbent's choice, gets marks for opposing the fixed link to the Island Airport. Our vote goes to Sylvia Watson , a former city solicitor who's perhaps a bit too polished for the liking of some area residents but has City Hall experience and the backing of David Miller.
Ward 15
Eglinton-Lawrence
Howard Moscoe voted for the Front Street extension, supports the Island Airport and was conspicuously absent or abstained from votes on increased childcare subsidies, keeping school pools open and the lobbyist registry. He also probably has one too many business donors for a supposedly left-wing councillor. Tsk, tsk. But he's still going strong after 25 years on the job, has the Labour Council's endorsement and remains not only one of council's hardest workers but the class of the field here.
Ward 16
Eglinton-Lawrence
Anne Johnston is in danger of seeing a distinguished political career come to an end because of her support for the controversial Minto development. Questions are being asked as well about the attendance record of the 30-year council vet who got her start fighting the Spadina Expressway. The John Tory-backed Karen Stintz, who has no previous political experience and was drafted after responding to a local newspaper ad, is pulling out all the stops to win. Johnston deserves to go out on her own time for all those years of service, especially as an advocate for seniors and health issues. She gets our vote here.
Ward 17
Davenport
NDPer Alejandra Bravo , chair of this area's parent council, has the Labour Council's and Vote Toronto's endorsement for her efforts around childcare, ESL and heritage language programs and helping to keep school pools open. Bravo, who's making public transit and integrity at City Hall her key issues, looks to be winning the sign wars. Her stiffest challenge comes from Cesar Palacio, who has perhaps the highest profile of any candidate as a former assistant to former area councillor Betty Disero, who was heavily influenced at council by business interests. Palacio's running on a crime ticket and has the backing of Grit MPP Tony Ruprecht, which is reason enough, aside from the spectre of Disero hanging over Davenport, to vote Bravo.
Ward 18
Davenport
Adam Giambrone has been working this area hard ever since he came a close second to outgoing councillor Mario Silva in 2000, and he deserves marks for sticking to it. He scored a B+ in the ArtsVote survey, which wasn't as good as challenger Ana Bailao's A+. Like Giambrone, Bailao also scored an A+ on the Toronto Environmental Alliance's survey. However, the fact that Bailao was Silva's assistant works against her in our books. It gives us pause that her campaign's being pushed by her former boss, who's so deep in the pockets of business interests it's frightening. (Silva boasts – if that's the word – the highest number of corporate donors of anyone on council.) The Labour Council's endorsement of Giambrone gives him our vote here.
Ward 19
Trinity-Spadina
Incumbent Joe Pantalone , one of the longest-serving lefties on council, supported the Union Station deal and Front Street extension and was against extra cash for traffic-calming measures. But he still managed to get the nod from Vote Toronto for his work as chair of the Waterfront Reference Group, which managed to steer a positive waterfront vision through council. Those days of playing ball with Mel's boys are over. Set to be a key player if Miller becomes mayor. Re-elect him.
Ward 20
Trinity-Spadina
What can we say about Olivia Chow that hasn't already been said? Like a fine wine, she only gets better with age. A crack community organizer and perhaps council's best player, Chow's understanding of budgets has enabled her to play hardball with council's right wing and win votes that matter to downtown residents. She has also done exemplary work as council's children and youth advocate. A cinch here and one of the first to come out for David Miller. She should be appointed deputy mayor. We wonder why the folks at Humanize Toronto don't run some of their very good candidates in wards in the city that are really in need of a left alternative instead of wasting them here.
Ward 21
St. Paul's
Not to be underestimated, Joe Mihevc has managed to wangle significant committee appointments while continuing to be one of the most progressive voices on council. He voted for the Front Street extension, which is curious given his eco sensitivities and record, but he has perhaps done more than any other councillor to promote a clean, green city as chair of the board of health. He also persuaded McDonald's to abandon controversial plans for a drive-thru in his ward. Now he's taking substantial heat for his support for a plan to convert the Wychwood TTC barns into an artist co-op and is being challenged by former city councillor Howard Levine as a result. Joe's our man.
Ward 22
St. Paul's
What a difference an election makes. Mel's right-wing minions pulled out all the stops last time to get rid of council enfant terrible Michael Walker , even putting up a candidate with the same last name to confuse voters. Not now, since Walker has gone from flaky foil of everything Mel to one of council's most articulate advocates of local democracy. He's a strong opponent of Island Airport expansion, despite the suit brought by the Port Authority against him, and great on tenant issues despite the fact that he represents one of the city's more affluent wards. One of the few on council with more citizen than corporate donors.
Ward 23
Willowdale
John Filion has done little to distinguish himself in the last three years on council after being appointed health board chair in the first megacity council. Not the hardest worker, he voted against the inquiry into the MFP computer leasing scandal and scored a D on the ArtsVote survey but an A on the Toronto Environmental Alliance questionnaire. And he does have a reputation for attending to constituents. He needs to be more involved, but gets the nod here in the absence of any serious challenger.
Ward 24
Willowdale
No race here. Budget chief David Shiner is acclaimed, but he's unlikely to receive a plum appointment from the next chief magistrate, if only because he's too full of himself for many people's liking.
Ward 25
Don Valley West
It's a mad rush in the city's most affluent ward to replace conservative Joanne Flint, who left for a provincial government appointment to the Ontario Municipal Board. The progressive pickings are slim, however, if they exist at all. Front-runner Cliff Jenkins is denying he has any Tory connections, although he's backed by former area Tory MPP David Turnbull. Tim Flynn, son of the late Metro chair Dennis, is backed by the Police Association, apparently because he's Chief Julian Fantino's chauffeur. Nancy Loewen, a recent arrival and former Thunder Bay councillor, seems furthest left of centre but is high on crime in an area with the second-lowest crime rate in all the city. Which leaves, for all practical purposes, Jaye Robinson , an events planner and senior city bureaucrat who has exposure to the municipal political scene and can at least hit the ground running.
Ward 26
Don Valley West
Incumbent Jane Pitfield is a hard one to figure out. She talks like a small-c conservative but votes with the hard line on council, including against calls for an inquiry into the MFP scandal and more money for childcare. But that's only half the time. She also supported a lobbyist registry, increased funding for the TTC and a pesticide ban. ArtsVote gave her an A on its survey, the Toronto Environmental Alliance a B. Vote Toronto withheld its endorsement even though Pitfield is opposed to an expanded Island Airport. As right-wingers go, Pitfield's palatable. The lack of serious opposition suggests she's made a favourable impression on tenants in the east end of her ward.
Ward 27
Toronto Centre-Rosedale
Kyle Rae blows hot and cold when it comes to causes near and dear to lefty hearts, and especially on crime and development issues. In fact, next to former councillor Mario Silva, no other councillor has more development industry donors. Rae actually boasts a very progressive voting record if you exclude blemishes like his support for the Union Station deal. Dundas Square has also turned into a bit of a mess on his watch, but few politicians have more smarts and savvy. Rae's the hope here.
Ward 28
Toronto Centre-Rosedale
Incumbent Pam McConnell is one of the most consistent and hardest-working lefties on council. As chair of the Toronto community council and vice-chair of the planning and transportation committee, McConnell has done a good job of balancing community safety with the need for social services – especially in the area of child poverty – while keeping area businesses happy with a cap on property taxes. She can be forgiven for supporting Barbara Hall for mayor. Her only serious challenger is financial consultant Pierre Klein, a law-and-order type who, like McConnell, opposes the fixed link to the Island Airport but has some strange ideas about crime and homelessness. Not the guy we want here. Vote McConnell.
Ward 29
Toronto-Danforth
We're a bit torn here. Incumbent Case Ootes has given us every reason in the book not to endorse him. His voting record, despite his small-c conservative sensibilities, is atrocious. As a mouthpiece for the Mel regime, he ran cover for the lobbyists and wheeler-dealers who've turned City Hall into a sleazy place to do business. However, his rival John Papadakis , a former East York city councillor with a law-and-order bent and a Johnny-come-lately to lefty causes, doesn't inspire. Word on the street is that Papadakis has turned over a new leaf. He's managed to snag the backing of the Labour Council and local NDPers. If Ootes had shown the slightest inclination to buck the backroom buddies... but, alas, he didn't, so Papadakis gets our qualified endorsement.
Ward 30
Toronto-Danforth
One of the harder, if not hardest, races to call is between former school board trustee Paula Fletcher , fashion designer Maureen Gilroy and councillor Kyle Rae's exec assistant, Chris Phibbs. Gilroy's short-term involvement in local issues, ties to wacky local Liberal MP Dennis Mills and vague promises of better "leadership" cross her off the list for us. Phibbs, an active and longtime member of the gay community, is promising more funding for the TTC, port lands development and more bike lanes. She's opposed to any Island Airport expansion, which, along with her years' experience at City Hall, makes her an attractive choice. But she's supporting Barbara Hall for mayor, which steers us toward Fletcher, who's backing our choice, Miller. Fletcher also has the heavyweight endorsements of area MPP Marilyn Churley and, most importantly, former Ward 30 councillor Jack Layton. Improved rec programs and support for public transit, childcare, public health and small business are on Fletcher's agenda.
Ward 31
Beaches-East York
Early childhood educator Janet Davis , who lost by a slim 54 votes in the 2000 by-election to incumbent Mike Tziretas, is back for another kick at the can. Davis, who's backed by NDP MPP Michael Prue, has won endorsements from Vote Toronto and the Labour Council. Tziretas voted for increased childcare subsidies, supported a ban on pesticides and scored a B on ArtsVote's survey but voted against traffic calming measures, a lobbyist registry and extra funding for the TTC and keeping school pools open, an issue on which Davis led the charge. Davis marks the spot here, with the promise of better local representation.
Ward 32
Beaches-East York
Sandra Bussin isn't exactly the most visionary of council's left-wing contingent, but she does have an impressive local base. She beat back a strong challenge from right-winger David Moll in 2000, and has a solidly progressive voting record, except, perhaps, for her support of the $90-million Front Street extension. Waterfront revitalization and opposition to incineration are major issues for her as city staff tinker with idea of opening up the port lands to heavier industrial uses. Perennial also-ran Jeffery Dorman, who's making Bussin's office budget spending his main issue, got a mere 309 votes last time. It's Bussin all the way.
Ward 33
Don Valley East
The ward was vacated by conservative councillor Paul Sutherland after his failed provincial election bid. Now, former school board co-chair Shelley Carroll is being touted as the choice here by both Vote Toronto – primarily for her opposition to the Island Airport – and the Labour Council for her opposition to Tory education cuts. Carroll also boasts an impressive record of volunteer service and parent activism (she's a recent recipient of Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee Medal). Running on waterfront revitalization, youth issues, garbage solutions and improved transportation, she gets our nod. She'll need all the help she can get against right-wing retread and outsider Rob Davis, who's backed by Tory forces.
WARD 34 DON VALLEY EAST
Denzil Minnan-Wong has been a part-time councillor ever since he rode in on the tax-cutting Tory tide in 97. About the only good thing to say about his voting record on local issues is that he opposed widening of the DVP. He supports privatizing water and electricity services. Unfortunately, he has little credible opposition. George Maxwell, a former city IT worker, has a vague platform and declares he's running "because it's in my blood." Gary Walsh, the other candidate on the ballot, doesn't register on any of the surveys conducted by ArtsVote, the Toronto Environmental Alliance or Bike Toronto. Khan Niazi has withdrawn. Our advice: spoil your ballot in protest .
WARD 35
SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST
Gerry Altobello is closer to the political right of council than the centre he pretends to occupy, having voted for a motion banning the homeless from sleeping on the street. He did support a lobbyist registry, but he's a nightmare on the environment, scoring an F on the Toronto Environmental Alliance survey for his votes against the pesticide ban, bike plan and extra funding for the TTC. One of his six challengers is Adrian Heaps, a former provincial Liberal candidate who's focusing on seniors' issues but may be too close to Altobello's political sensibility. Professional mediator Worrick Russell , who snapped up a respectable 3,290 votes to Altobello's 7,118 in 2000, deserves consideration for his work with community groups like Tropicana, the Community Social Planning Council and Second Base Youth Shelter and for his commitment to work with courts, police and churches to deal with youth crime. Vote Russell.
WARD 36
SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST
Incumbent Brian Ashton is a straight-shooter with an independent streak who voted the right way at council on a lobbyist registry and for an inquiry into the MFP leasing scandal but folded on the Union Station deal and the Island Airport. He scored a B+ on the ArtsVote and a less impressive C on the Toronto Environmental Alliance survey, but he's probably the most palatable Scarborough councillor – and he supports Miller for mayor. Lone challenger Robert Scott's main issue is crime – he's recently won the support of former police chief Bill McCormick – and the fact that Ashton no longer lives in the ward. It's Ashton here. The last thing Scarborough needs is another pol touting a police endorsement.
WARD 37
SCARBOROUGH CENTRE
Andrew Schulz , director of Scarborough's Community Resource Centre and the West Scarborough Community Legal Clinic, has promised to donate $10,000 of his council salary to create a foundation that will provide funding for transit, environment and community improvement projects. He's been behind a number of initiatives including a mixed-use modernization project along Eglinton and tree planting at Birchmount and Lawrence. The Labour Council's pick, Michael Thompson, supports incineration and opposes putting money into a smog plan or stricter enforcement of the pesticide ban. Laura-Maria Nikolareizi, who's supported by outgoing incumbent Lorenzo Berardinetti, as of last week was still putting "the finishing touches" on her campaign. Vote Schulz.
WARD 38
SCARBOROUGH CENTRE
Six candidates are vying for this seat vacated by Brad Duguid. Despite his Tory leanings and connections, environmentalist Glenn De Baeremaeker , who helped make Save the Rouge a household name, is the best choice in our books for his positions on transit, eliminating the influence of lobbyists at City Hall and abolishing the development-friendly Ontario Municipal Board. Rival Willie Reodica deserves some mention for his strong eco platform, his promise to hold the line on recreation fees and commitment to promote community policing. But De Baeremaeker also has nine years' experience working at City Hall as an assistant to former councillor Doug Mahood. He's endorsed by the Toronto Labour Council and Vote Toronto.
WARD 39
SCARBOROUGH-AGINCOURT
We need another three years of incumbent Sherene Shaw like we need a hole in the head. She votes with the right wing on council more often than not, including on Union Station and the MFP computer leasing scandal, and boasts a few too many corporate donors for a bit player on council. However, we're uneasy about her rival, Catholic school board trustee Mike Del Grande, who's been getting help from a conservative coalition led by right-wing council nut Rob Ford and is running a dirty campaign. He's been distributing flyers in the ward calling for a change after years of what he describes as "foreign" leadership under Shaw, who is originally from Guyana. We'll take Shaw, who, if nothing else, has done a commendable job raising visible-minority issues.
WARD 40
SCARBOROUGH-AGINCOURT
Norm Kelly is a complete disaster, among the worst councillors, hands down. He voted with the right wing across the board – except on privatizing garbage – while abstaining or not bothering to show for tough votes, in particular on a lobbyist registry. Rival Patrick McBrearty is not an ideal solution. We're a little freaked by his fears of "youth and organized crime" as stated in his literature. But McBrearty has some good things to say about protecting green space from overdevelopment and pushing long-term solutions to homelessness. He's the lesser evil here.
WARD 41
SCARBOROUGH-ROUGE RIVER
Political newcomer Sonny Yeung is to be commended for his work with seniors and young people, but incumbent Bas Balkissoon is far and away the choice here. Fiscally conservative but principled, he was the first to blow the whistle on the MFP computer leasing scandal and wasn't afraid to take the cops to task on public complaints, actually resigning over the issue from the police services board. His support for the secretive Union Station deal, though, and opposition to a shelter bylaw, fair wage policy and other measures on a range of social issues are troubling. He's one of the few visible-minority candidates not to win Labour Council support.
WARD 42
SCARBOROUGH-ROUGE RIVER
We'd like to tell you to vote for Paulette Senior, a former NDP federal candidate and a manager for the YWCA's employment services division who has grassroots credentials. But her campaign platform is a little too focused on crime while offering few specifics on other planks. Incumbent Raymond Cho hasn't exactly taken council by storm, but he has a surprisingly progressive voting record when you disregard his support for Union Station and the Island Airport. He also has an impressive grassroots base, with 75 per cent of donations coming from citizens. He opposed privatization of electricity and water services. Grudging endorsement here.
WARD 43
SCARBOROUGH EAST
David Soknacki is firmly entrenched in council's right wing and has the voting record to prove it, but is seen, ironically, as someone the left can work with. Soknacki's lone challenger, Glenn Kitchen, is a carpenter by trade who scores well on transit and the environment – although he opposes mandatory recycling at fast food outlets – but has no political experience to speak of. With no endorsements from key labour or left-wing organizations, he's failed to mount a serious campaign. Soknacki gets the nod for hammering out amendments to last year's operating budget that saved some critical social programs.
WARD 44
SCARBOROUGH EAST
Ron Moeser's penchant for voting with the right wing of council is eclipsed only by the number of times he's been absent or abstained from crucial votes. After 15 years in local politics, you'd think he'd have more to say for himself than the one paragraph on his Web site boasting about his efforts to preserve the Rouge Valley. Gay Cowbourne , a long-time community activist and part-time adult literacy teacher, is Vote Toronto's pick for her work on the John Mansfield plant cleanup and development of the Port Union waterfront trail. She's the best of a mediocre slate.
