Author: DECA

As we indicated in our recent blog post, DECA posed the same questions to every Ward 19 City Councillor candidate with a published email address (on the city election website). We are publishing their replies in the order that we receive them. 

Meet: Morley Rosenberg

1. What makes you the best person to represent the Danforth East area?

I believe I am the most qualified and experienced candidate running for city councillor in ward 19. I have 35 years of public service experience including serving as City Councillor in the City of Kitchener for 9 years and Mayor for 6 years. I was also a member of the Ontario Municipal Board for 20 years. I want to use my expertise to serve the residents of Danforth East.

2. What do you think is the most pressing issue for this area, and what is your plan to address it?

I think the key issue affecting residents of Danforth East, is the lack of affordable housing.

If elected I will campaign for the increased construction of rental apartments and require developers to make 10-25% of new units available for low-income Torontonians.

3. Who do you support for mayor, and why?

I would feel comfortable working with either John Tory or Jennifer Keesmaat so long as they supported my efforts to help the residents of Danforth East with their constituent concerns.

4. DECA took the position that changing the ward boundaries during the election was undemocratic. What do you think about that?

I strongly agree that changing the number of wards in the City of Toronto during the election was undemocratic. I believe city councillors won’t be able to handle the additional responsibility of looking after the increased number of residents in the new wards. Communication between the constituents and council members will be severely limited. Each council member will not be able to spend as much time with concerns of individual constituents.

I will push for the formation several community associations within Ward 19 to hear neighbourhood concerns on a monthly basis. With the new 25-ward model, effective delegation will be the key to listening to the concerns of the 110,000 residents of Ward 19, including those that reside that reside in the Danforth East area.

5. We expect that our area will see a lot of development in the next four years. What do you think about that?

I think that it would be great to see new development along Danforth East. Getting rid of commercial vacancies and attracting new small business into the area would be beneficial for the entire community. I would particularly focus on bringing together the Danforth East BIA, storeowners, tenants and city staff to work out comprises that satisfy all parties. I strongly believe new transportation routes will be integral to successfully tying in these new developments into existing neighbourhoods.

6. How will you contribute to a more diverse and representative Council?  

As a senior myself, I can identify with the needs of the growing senior population in the Danforth East area. I am the most qualified candidate to speak on behalf of the seniors of Ward 19 at city council.

As we indicated in our recent blog post, DECA posed the same questions to every Ward 19 City Councillor candidate with a published email address (on the city election website). We are publishing their replies in the order that we receive them. 

First up: Adam Smith

1. What makes you the best person to represent the Danforth East area?

 adam@adamsmith.to

 @adamsmith.to
 @adamsmith_TO
 adamsmith.to

Lots to enjoy in the hood this week! From our Harvestfest party on Thursday with Tree For Me pick-up to Saturday’s walking tour and TED like talks “Yes, in my community!”.

Harvestfest 10th anniversary party!

We’re throwing a party and you’re invited! Our amazing Harvestfest 10th anniversary party is happening this Thursday at East Lynn Park. Come down and groove to the live music: Dan the Music Man 4:15-5:00pm and Tim Bovaconti and The Enablers 5:30-7:30pm.  And surprise! We have beer, wine, cider and fresh juice available to wash down your farm-fresh goodies. For the kids, we have a hoop zone with Hoopersonic from 3:30-5:30pm, art activities with Fresh Paint from 4:30-6:30pm, Yoga Storytime with Appleseed Yoga at 5:30pm, and face painting from 4:00-6:30pm.

Anyone who ordered a tree from Tree For Me will be able to pick it up in the wading pool. (If you didn’t order one, a limited number may be available for walk-ups.)

At 7:30pm our Harvestfest after-party begins with a reprise of last year’s Tragically Hip singalong in the park. You may want to bring a chair/blanket, instrument and candle along. Come raise your voices with some neighbours – we love singing together.

Yes, in my Community! Walking tour and guest speakers

Join us on Saturday, Sept 29th for a community walking tour highlighting East Lynn Park, sites of the DECA Pop-Up Shop initiative, the old Crossroads building, and a rare tour inside the Danforth TTC Garage site! Meet at 3pm at the entrance to East Lynn Park.

After the tour, at 4:15pm, join us on 2nd floor of Danforth Coxwell Library for TED style talks from guest speakers who will share their expertise and experiences in community building. Questions and a discussion will follow. Read all about the speakers and event details in our blog post here. The event is also featured on Facebook.