Can i just say that Metroman... I hope for the city's sake that Tory won't be just about platitudes, but real substance
What I'm looking for in the next Mayor:
[*] Establish a long term budget balancing strategy. Selling off assets might fix the problem in the short term but sooner or later we'll run out of stuff to sell.
Does that mean cutting services/layoffs? The dreaded 'Rae Days'? - I still think was one of the greatest ideas ever to get Ontario out of a rut.
I think people have to get comfortable with parting with certain city assets. It's the only way right now to bring you back to Par, and plan for a more sustainable budget going forward.
FYI, the city already sells schools/lots to developers.
I think most Torontonians are smart enough to know that resources are going to have to come from somewhere Province, Feds? The other option for a more balanced budget is to cut salaries/layoffs... something a Mayor would be willing to do?
[*] Continue to value the public realm: clean streets, beautiful architecture, waterfront development, cultural festivals and venues.
I think every Mayor is for this right?
[*] Put the unions in check. They're the reason we're broke.
Outsourcing / the dreaded 'privatization' word? or can we say, 'Managed bidding, for the opportunity to serve Toronto'
Find a logical balance on Transit City. I agree that LRT is the fast track to city wide transit but build subways where they'll be a proven
success: Eglinton, SRT, DRL.
Which I think ROSSI has a plan
[*] Fix the TTC's PR problem. Ensure that front line employees are excellent customer service reps first. This may require a younger generation of hires. Let the veterans drive vehicles but train the rookies in customer service and make them the face of the TTC.
I don't believe it's a PR problem, more so an actual SERVICE problem.
I think it's true when they say 'attitude' reflects Leadership... and I think the TTC heads , all the way up to the Chairman, have done a lousy job.
[*] Continue to be a world leader in urban green development. It didn't seem to make sense when Miller first raved about it. After all, environment didn't sound like a municipal jurisdiction. In hind sight, it was a brilliant move as it's made Toronto a leader and an example to follow in this field, just like the TTC did generations prior.
Isn't develpment and Green oxymorons?
From an environmental perspective, how can you develop and still be 'environmentally friendly?
All that being said, I do have to say that it's been great to have much of the rhetoric debunked/challenged by all these debates....
Puts these politicians on the hot seat.
I think this election will be decided on by Truth, and not Rhetoric. That's probably why Ford has resonated so well with voters.