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Eclectic group of 21 will advise new mayor
VANESSA LU
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
Mayor-elect David Miller has gathered an eclectic group from across Toronto to serve on an advisory group to guide him through the key transition period.
The transition advisory group, which will be co-chaired by former mayor David Crombie and urban guru Jane Jacobs, will meet for the first time next Monday.
The 21 members of the group include McClelland and Stewart chair Avie Bennett, Frances Lankin of the United Way of Greater Toronto, CHIN Radio's Lenny Lombardi, actor Sarah Polley and Joseph Wong, founder of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care and the National Movement for Harmony.
"I am fortunate to be able to benefit from the advice these wise and creative people can provide as I assume my new responsibilities as mayor of Toronto," Miller said in a news release.
The group will identify emerging issues for Miller as well as reach out to various groups across the city. He officially takes over Dec. 1.
When Mayor Mel Lastman first took office in 1997, he may have had a group of advisers, but it was never made public.
"He (Miller) wants people from the breadth and from the diversity of this city. It's a really positive signal," said Lankin.
Katrina Miller, of the Toronto Environmental Alliance, said she was asked to join the group on Tuesday.
"When I got the call, I thought he's holding true to his word that he's a man of the people, and that he wants to make himself accessible to the public," she said."He wants to hear from different communities, and he wants to hear from them from the very start, not six months from now."
The first meeting may be open, but others may be closed to ensure people can speak frankly, she added.
Key players from Miller's campaign team are also on the advisory group, including architect Jack Diamond, union official Alexandra Dagg and Ethel Forester, a high school teacher.
Also on board is Tom Kierans, who chairs the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. He was instrumental in persuading Miller to run for mayor more than two years ago.
Charles Pascal, executive director of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation, is also part of the group. He brings a wealth of knowledge on early-years learning for children, as well as experience as a former provincial deputy minister.
"With a group of 21, if you think about everybody on that list — they cut across different parts of the community and we all have networks," he said.
"What that means is we will also be on the receiving end of ideas for the new mayor."
The other members are:
Marsha Henry, a knowledge management lawyer at McMillan Binch.
Alex Ling, a small-business owner and former chair of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas.
Alok Mukherjee, a consultant on equity issues and a York University researcher.
Karen Pitre, president of the Lonsdale Group, a management consulting firm, and who was executive vice-president of Toronto's 2008 Olympic bid.
Sylvia Searles, an entrepreneur.
Sharon Shelton, executive director of Tropicana Community Services, a not-for-profit organization focused on helping youth as well as the Caribbean and black communities.
Mary Szkambara, president of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations.
Kristyn Wong-Tam, president of the Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto chapter, and a board member of the Church Wellesley Business Improvement Area.
VANESSA LU
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
Mayor-elect David Miller has gathered an eclectic group from across Toronto to serve on an advisory group to guide him through the key transition period.
The transition advisory group, which will be co-chaired by former mayor David Crombie and urban guru Jane Jacobs, will meet for the first time next Monday.
The 21 members of the group include McClelland and Stewart chair Avie Bennett, Frances Lankin of the United Way of Greater Toronto, CHIN Radio's Lenny Lombardi, actor Sarah Polley and Joseph Wong, founder of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care and the National Movement for Harmony.
"I am fortunate to be able to benefit from the advice these wise and creative people can provide as I assume my new responsibilities as mayor of Toronto," Miller said in a news release.
The group will identify emerging issues for Miller as well as reach out to various groups across the city. He officially takes over Dec. 1.
When Mayor Mel Lastman first took office in 1997, he may have had a group of advisers, but it was never made public.
"He (Miller) wants people from the breadth and from the diversity of this city. It's a really positive signal," said Lankin.
Katrina Miller, of the Toronto Environmental Alliance, said she was asked to join the group on Tuesday.
"When I got the call, I thought he's holding true to his word that he's a man of the people, and that he wants to make himself accessible to the public," she said."He wants to hear from different communities, and he wants to hear from them from the very start, not six months from now."
The first meeting may be open, but others may be closed to ensure people can speak frankly, she added.
Key players from Miller's campaign team are also on the advisory group, including architect Jack Diamond, union official Alexandra Dagg and Ethel Forester, a high school teacher.
Also on board is Tom Kierans, who chairs the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. He was instrumental in persuading Miller to run for mayor more than two years ago.
Charles Pascal, executive director of the Atkinson Charitable Foundation, is also part of the group. He brings a wealth of knowledge on early-years learning for children, as well as experience as a former provincial deputy minister.
"With a group of 21, if you think about everybody on that list — they cut across different parts of the community and we all have networks," he said.
"What that means is we will also be on the receiving end of ideas for the new mayor."
The other members are:
Marsha Henry, a knowledge management lawyer at McMillan Binch.
Alex Ling, a small-business owner and former chair of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas.
Alok Mukherjee, a consultant on equity issues and a York University researcher.
Karen Pitre, president of the Lonsdale Group, a management consulting firm, and who was executive vice-president of Toronto's 2008 Olympic bid.
Sylvia Searles, an entrepreneur.
Sharon Shelton, executive director of Tropicana Community Services, a not-for-profit organization focused on helping youth as well as the Caribbean and black communities.
Mary Szkambara, president of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations.
Kristyn Wong-Tam, president of the Chinese Canadian National Council, Toronto chapter, and a board member of the Church Wellesley Business Improvement Area.