Jdot
Active Member
Just think of what Toronto could be of only it got the millions of dollars each year that Chicago gets from it's federal government.....
Crombie wasn't? Sure, it might have been a different form of "greatness"; but, still.It's true I am generalizing, and some mayors have been more or less effective than others, to be sure; but in terms of a 'great' leader, I feel that the generalization regarding a lack thereof since Phillips remains plausible.
A minute late and a dollar short, but here goes...
I read that column a couple of weeks ago and I found it most infuriating. The Sun ran a similar story. First off, for any rightoid concerned about David Miller and unions, compare him to Richard Daley's spectacular Democrat-based fundraising machine, which has gotten the Chicago mayor in trouble more than once.
To the people whining about David Miller not being Richard Daley- do you really want to trade Toronto's problems/ Mayor for Chicago's problems/ Mayor?
These Daley-groupies have all stated they are opposed to Miller getting the sort of legislative powers enjoyed by Daley Jr. Even funnier, they all opposed Miller's own opposition to the Island airport. They wouldn't support David Miller's attempts to shut the airport down legally, but they'll kiss Richard Daley's ass for sending in bulldozers. If David Miller sent in bulldozers, the right wing press (Sun and Post, along with columnists like Wente and Blatchford at the Globe) would line up to call him a dictator.
These same bozos tend to complain about crime an awful lot, yet the best they can do when comparing Chicago and Toronto crime is mention percentage increases and decreases in each population's murder rate. What year did Toronto have 600 homicides? I think Chicago often has around 900 murders in a year..?
The people who compare Regent Park or Jane-Finch to American ghettos clearly haven't set foot in one.
Anyhow, just my late two cents on why Torontonians who wish we were more like Chicago, with a Richard Daley type at the helm, should think carefully about what they are asking for.
Toronto is great in spite of Miller, not because of him.
And what has he done to be considered as an "in spite"? It isn't like he is actively sabotaging the city, contrary to what Wente is thinking.
Thanks CDL, that is my meaning.
I don't feel that Miller is bad or evil, or actively against the city. I am just not aware of anything major he has accomplished, given that his mandate(s) has coincided with what arguably is one of the greatest economic and cultural growth spurts the city has experienced.
In the 'Corus' thread the Miller question was raised again, and I proposed a discussion of it. Maybe it is more appropriate here.
^I think you are being way too general here.
The City of Toronto act is courtesy of the provincial government. The idea has been bounced around for decades.
Increased funding from the federal and provincial governments: how so and what? One could easily thank Mel Lastman as well (most recently).
A greater focus on the arts and beautification: again, how so and to what end?
Waterfront progress: I would have expected much more from him.
Again, Miller is limited by a lack of focus, lack of cash and a council that does not always agree with him. That said, he's a smart guy and capable of much more.