#Ward19 Candidate Q&A: Paul Bura

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: Paul Bura

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

I was a resident of the Danforth East community, in a family home on Dawes Road, and as a first generation Greek Canadian, I always appreciated the cultural vibe of the area. I moved back to Beaches-East York a few years ago, to start a family in this great neighbourhood. Over the past 15 years I have worked as a public servant at the federal level. I have great experience navigating through government policy and guidelines in order to get the needed service to people. For a community that will see much development in the next 4 years, I think it’s imperative that the city councillor take the interests and concerns of the people living there with greater value than the interests of the developer.

 

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

Development and the gentrification of an evolving neighbourhood that will still support an inclusive community. I would ensure there is affordable housing, programs, and services for everyone.  I would look at options such as public-private partnerships that we have seen prove successful in other areas of the city such as Regent Park.

 

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

I would support whichever mayor is elected by Torontonians.

 

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

I agree with position DECA took.

 

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 development is a positive for the area as long as is conforms to the set city guidelines and takes into account the needs of an inclusive community while maintaining the character of the neighbourhood.

 

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

I bring with me a fresh new perspective of a vested and caring community member. I am nonpartisan which I believe is important when making decisions because I feel everyone’s view point is valid no matter how they sit politically. I am also not in any way affiliated with a developer, so I could ensure that the plans and initiatives for development truly meet the needs of the neighbourhood.

(No contact information was provided)

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