Campaign Announcement: Running to Represent Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth

On Friday, August 21, with a lot of pride and love for our city (and a little bit of nervousness), I registered my candidacy for Toronto City Council - Ward 14, Toronto-Danforth alongside my family (my son insisted on handing over the papers).

I’ve had the privilege of living in this neighbourhood for the past 10 years. This is where I’ve gotten married, started a family, started a small business, and watched my kids start to grow up amongst our parks, schools, and communities. Over that time, I’ve spoken to many neighbours, residents, and business owners about what they love about our city and neighbourhoods, as well as their challenges and frustrations, and I look forward to speaking with many more.

Many more details about my campaign, including a website and ways to contribute, will be coming soon, but a few of my beliefs include:

- more walkable, bustling, family-friendly, and greener main streets, including the Danforth;

- increased support for our small businesses, including larger and more permanent patio and display spaces, a review of our licensing requirements and fees to reduce red tape, and advocacy for zoning reform and commercial rent control (a provincially-controlled issue but one our city should be more vocal about);

- denser housing across our communities so that more people can afford to start a life, family, or business here, and grow along with our economy and diversity;

- safer residential roads for our kids, including significantly more speed bumps, residential speed enforcement, and more secure bike lanes, which will help everyone including drivers get around more safely and easily;

- a more positive and hopeful tone in our city politics, which have become increasingly divisive and uninspired, and from which so many residents feel increasingly disconnected.

In the meantime, if you’d like to share any thoughts, concerns, or ideas, please contact me. I’d love to hear from you.