Whatever these posts have to do with 1 York/90 Harbour, I don't know, but I'll wade in (primarily because I have time this morning). I don't worry about cracked sidewalks, messy overhead wiring, or street signs that lack distinction. If you want to focus on the hole instead of the donut, then go ahead if that is your choice.
I've travelled, and returned home to Toronto many times, and I can say with a degree of authority that you pick your poison. The bad is outweighed by the good here. Travel, and you'll discover that all great cities have warts, serious warts, and the warts take on different forms from place to place. I think we have a great society here in Toronto, and for that reason I've chosen to stay here, during the times that I have had choices. I'm happy with my choice. So many posters have cited other cities, including our "rivals", so to speak. So many of these cities (and their respective nations) are seriously in debt. There may be a show of appearance, maintenance, but that can't go on forever. Eventually the "cracks" begin to show, so to speak, in one way or another.
To me, Toronto's big picture is impressive. This city is a great seat of learning and culture, a place that is recognized internationally as an emerging destination with myriads of things going on. To grab a sentiment expressed by Frank Godrey, it is going to become a top five destination on this continent. The fact that we are situated in a city-unfriendly country and province makes it even more amazing. What a stunning contrast.
Frank Godfrey gets closer to the point, though, because his comments smack somewhat of Thatcherism (i.e. personal responsibility). While I didn't particularly care for most of Thatcher's approaches, it is very likely that given the state of the world economy we are probably headed into a Thatcher-style era of restraint, so don't expect those cracked sidewalks and overhead wires to be addressed anytime soon.
Back on topic, I want to see the 1 York proposal rejected. I get the impression that the current administration will take anything, though. Not good.
.. and how we got saddled with the current administration is an entirely different topic.