Reform Toronto’s political structure
Re John Tory’s lack of mayoral rivals shows Toronto needs a shakeup, James, May 6 I am one of the seven or so “would-be Davids” Royson James dismisses who are taking on John Tory for mayor, likely because we are not already famous. It is a bit premature to call the race over, since nominations are open until July 27 — after the provincial election.
Regardless, the solutions James offers are not likely to have much impact. Political parties might be a cure worse than the disease. There will still be safe council seats but it could be much like federal and provincial politics, where ridings with government MPs and MPPs get more spending and benefits than other ridings.
Also, in Toronto, the suburbs are to the political right, and the core is generally to the left, so likely we would see party splits along the same lines as it has been under mayors Tory and Rob Ford. This urban/suburban division was not as bad when we had the six cities or boroughs, instead of the megacity, as each of the six lower tier governments were more politically uniform. We need a major reform of the political structure then-premier Mike Harris forced on us more than 20 years ago. Replacing the megacity structure is one of my major issues.
A big problem is that candidates running to be mayor in any city in Ontario can spend only $25,000 of their own money. In a small town, that would fund the entire campaign. But, in Toronto, the spending limit is $1.4 million — a level few people could raise today.
In the end, we need council or the province to restructure Toronto’s political structure so it is more democratic and able to function better. We can come up with something far better than the dysfunctional mess we have had, which sees 48 people trying to talk on many topics at meetings that have hundreds of items on the agenda.
I decided to run out of my frustration with planning, transit and other issues. Toronto and the GTA has been growing faster than we can cope with. Even if I don’t win, I hope to influence the debate so this city remains the great place to live it has been and I want it to continue to be. Brian Graff, candidate for mayor, Toronto