Since the topic is about SSE and we have determined transit is not everything but certainly a very important part of this City's election. Honestly, put personal politics & preferences aside, and be a political strategist here. What was the worst possible state the SSE could have been left in going into 2018 that would have given Ford a chance to gain votes in this topic?
Both Tory and the "Left" screwed up and are screwing up big time on this topic with the debate shifting to the old transfer LRT vs. a one stop subway going into 2018. Obviously there are positives to both plans which we have discussed. But at this critical stage "if" we are moving forward it will be the glaring negatives that will be attacked, and the one stop has provided the easiest opportunity for buying votes by cancelling Smarttrack and adding a stop.
Transfer LRT:
- already rejected
- requires new Environmental Assessment
- further delays and claims
- the TRANSFER
- unknown costs, and inflation when it does start
- RT shutdown
One Stop subway
- 3.5 Billion plus for one stop
- no faith in Smartrack or fare integration
- no funding for Eglinton East achieved
IMO the easiest path forward to keep on schedule and avoid the insanity of building 6KM underground for only one stop, is adding a stop and cancelling the Smartrack station at Lawrence. For the "opposition" not to offer anything to improve the LRT and for Tory to neuter both Smarttrack & SSE they basically gave Ford a chance to run on the path of least resistance
The reality is that these other Politicians had ample notice of the issues here with this line and knew exactly what and what Ford would campaign on. They completely opened the door and gave the donkey a huge opportunity by:
A) Not compromising or attempting to make an effort to modify the LRT in any way
B) In the case of Tory adding a Smartrack plan to cannibalize subway ridership and run on both.
There are other areas outside of transit they are playing into his hands but this isn't the proper forum and some people here are a bit too sensitive to any political discussion outside of the standard "left" rhetoric without getting angry and personal.
Politicians play Politics and while I would guess Tory will win next election, I cant believe the other "opposition" is giving Ford exactly what he wants with their my way or the highway stance here. That may make sense to some, but choosing to push the transfer plan and attack Tory will also help the opponent here.
Since I have to repeat things for some members to hopefully not make up false accusations. None of these three plans are my choice. But If I had to choose at this stage, the two stop subway and progress would be my choice, but In terms of a Mayor I could never bring myself to vote for Doug, so I would likely vote for the insanity of the one stop and some status quo calm under Tory. Im pretty sure many people will consider the two stop subway come election time as in many ways (not everyone) it makes alot of sense given this stage. I think both the Tory and the oppostion messed up politically on an important issue which has been at the forefront the Ford platform for two straight elections.