Ward 1 Debate part 1

September 23rd I had the pleasure of taking part in my first Political Debate.

Please do not judge me on a 60 sec mistake, judge me on my 4.5 years of citizen engagement in regards to 5 Arthur St. s. Fusion Homes the MetalWorks

This was my first debate. I have to say it was a learning experience that I  value very much. What I can take away from this debate is that I can proudly say that I am not a spin doctor. The question is asked and I try to answer it sincerely and to the best of my knowledge. I haven't mastered how to not answer a question, and using the opportunity to speak about my own agenda.  I think that's a good thing.

Being momentarily stumped allowed me to actually take the time and think about the question being asked. 

I took the time, studied and wrote out the answers provided by the Chamber ahead of time. I spoke to  each question and I felt this was important because I wanted to be prepared. I will give them their own page.

What really stumped me actually was that I could not provide an answer quick enough to the question that was "what is your creative vision for Ward 1." I am creative every day, but this was a challenge on the spot.

Maybe this was the iconic huge white canvas that most artists fear. 

There is so much I love and value about Ward 1.

It already has an abundance of culture and flavour. Different communities and neighbourhoods, from new $400,000+ homes in the east end and that growing
community to the residents who live on the hill in the St George's Park area, to 

neighbours who want to grow their own chickens and have fresh eggs every morning.. to the old Church bazaar, mostly run by seniors and lets not forget The Italian Festival, featuring the beloved greased pole and Cheese roll events, kinda like bocce but using parmiggiano (I know!)

My vision for Ward 1 includes all of the above and more.

And this is where the IMICO property fits in.

There were two family members in my extended family who lost their livelihoods to the closing of IMICO. Both men, here as landed immigrants were made redundant and
unable to find work because they were in their late '50's. Know the story?  

 I was with Councillor FURFARO before he went on vacation and he told me the property on the IMICO site was not as contaminated as some would have us believe.  He included there are some developers interested as well..

My Vision For THE IMICO PROPERTY is actually a component of my creative vision for Ward 1.

Do you know Dufferin Grove Park? It's in Toronto. http://dufferinpark.ca/home/wiki/wiki.php 

Councillor Lise Burcher was a major force behind  the development of The Ward Residents Association. She is also an educator at the University of Guelph. Lise had a
class trip to Dufferin Grove Park, some of TWRA were able to attend.

Bake ovens, campgrounds, camp fires, play grounds, skateparks, community gardens, picnic tables and farmers markets and ice rinks. Mixed use residential, live work spaces, affordable housing, condos, music and  artist studios.  All within a village within a neighbourhood.

This is my creative vision for Ward1

Get the pcture? Love it.

Rogers Ward 1 Debate schedule
Wednesday, September 24 at 3 PM
Thursday, September 25 at 10 AM
Saturday, September 27 at 8 AM
Tuesday, September 30 at 9 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 10 AM & 4 PM
Friday, October 10 at 10 AM
Sunday, October 12 at 6 PM
Monday, October 13 at 5 PM
Wednesday, October 15 at 7 AM & 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 21 at 6 AM & 4 PM
Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 AM