The Bulletin endorses Toronto municipal candidates

The editors of The Bulletin have selected the following candidates for our endorsement in the City of Toronto elelctions”

Ward 30, Toronto-Danforth is a close call, so we don’t call it. Coun. Paula Fletcher edged challenger Liz West four years ago by 259 votes. Fletcher shares progressive sentiments with next-ward council neighbour Pam McConnell. Both, unwisely, would tear down the Gardiner expressway, which we consider wasteful and short sighted. Liz West would retain it. She says the NDP attachment of her incumbent rival can lead to near-sighted council decisions.

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Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale: Coun. Pam McConnell deserves to retain the seat she has occupied for so many consecutive terms. She runs an effective ward office with qualified long-time staff who know their turf and tend to it. She attends most local meetings and events, often many in a single day, and her staff fill in when she’s elsewhere.

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Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale: Coun. Kristyn Wong-Tam is vulnerable to the charge that she is parachuted into this gerrymandered ward and doesn’t live here. Jordan Stone does. He wants the office.

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Ward 20, Trinity-Spadina was held by new MPP Adam Vaughan so Joe Cressy is our pick. A former Olivia Chow campaign manager, he knows the local turf and his way around city hall. He’s progressive, connected and by far the top pick in this crowded local election.

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Mayor Olivia Chow makes eminent sense as Mayor of Toronto. She has served on council most of her time in politics and knows that turf better than any of the other two contenders. She won’t regard her citizens as “customers,” she won’t battle with most members of her council and her progressive instincts will bring the best outcomes for Toronto’s people.

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Toronto District School Board candidate Chris Moise has shown ongoing interest in and sensitivity to all public school issues.

Toronto Catholic District School Board Chairwoman Jo-Ann Davis has earned re-election to a post she has handled with fairness and excellence.