The Fate Of Toronto

It was an easy decision for Toronto voters. With so many undecideds many made their choice at the ballot box. What was the lasting impression of the Toronto mayoral candidates that came to mind?

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Joe Pantalone is David Miller. The gist of his campaign (at least what I got from it) was to continue Mayor Miller's legacy and ideals. Other than that, nothing really stuck with me about Joe. Surely a nice man, enthusiastic, and driven to build a better Toronto, but how exactly? He finished his campaign strong but ultimately was doomed from the very beginning.

George Smitherman on the other hand had a wealth of support but simply did not show up. From the very beginning he was slow to campaign on the issues and what exactly he stood for. Other than being "not Rob Ford" his message was a watered down version of Ford's. While certainly the best candidate to be Mayor of Toronto, not the candidate voters wanted. This city wants change, not the status quo. Smitherman vastly underestimated the middle class and ultimately lost because he failed to campaign from the very beginning to the very end.

So Toronto chose Rob Ford. Not necessarily the best representative for a metropolis but the right person to do the bidding of the voting population. The tax revolt has begun. The people of Toronto are tired of paying more for services, more housing, more for everything only to see tax dollars wasted by city council. Rob Ford's message has been clear from the very beginning. Cut wasteful spending.

So when it came time to make a choice at the ballot box, it was easy, especially when only one candidate offered a clear mandate. The real question will be if Mayor Elect Rob Ford will be able to muster up enough support to push his agenda through city council. With so many new councilors that may not be a problem. First up: auto registration tax. Next: land transfer tax? Who knows how deep the cuts will go?

BPA Toxic

A common chemical contained in plastic containers has been declared as toxic. The Canadian government put BPA on the grand list of toxic chemicals today. For longest time BPA has been used to make plastic bottles very common in many products.

Trace amounts were found in the urine of test subjects above the acceptable level. the Canadian health organization found that there was enough evidence to show that BPA was a harmful substance.

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The Better Way?

There's no doubt the TTC needs to improve their service. The daily commute seems to be getting longer and longer everyday. The current race for Toronto mayor public transit is a key talking point. Not only is investment needed but improvements to the existing lines. Half the day can be spent riding the TTC, crucial productivity time wasted. Simply adding more subways or buses is not a long term solution. We need to find new ways to improve service efficiency.

On a side note the TTC is now on google maps. Certainly a nice improvement for those seeking directions via public transit.

What Middle Class?

Toronto's population has always been changing. The mass flux of immigrants and others seeking a bright future in the big city leading the changing landscape. But a major concern should the disparity in the distribution of wealth. Toronto is quickly becoming a city of rich and poor as the middle class disappear. Unaffordable housing, scarce jobs, and declining consumer confidence all adds up to a real class division.

Like it or not, it's expensive to live in the city. Finding a decent paying job will be at the top of many's lists heading into the new year. While season part time work may help bridge the gap for those struggling to pay bills it's not a permanent solution. Expect inflation to continue to devalue the purchasing power of your dollar and a glut of "mc-jobs" to artificially boost hiring numbers.

Tighten your purse strings, it's going to be a rough year.

Hoax leads to arrest

Claims of bombs going off on a Facebook page led to the arrest of a Quebec man on terrorist charges. Martin Levesque was arrested after an FLQ manifesto was found on his Facebook page. The 41 year old was charged with 2 crimes and was released on bail. The Quebec police have investigated 3 hoaxes earlier in the year resulting in charges in all cases. (link)

Will anyone de-rail the Rob Ford train?

Unlikely given the recent activity by mayoral hopefuls. My guess is that Rob Ford will de-rail his own campaign. His latest suggestion is to move Toronto marathons to parks. What? I understand what he's trying to do. He's trying to build momentum from the car driving voter base which support his "driver first, bikers second" movement as well as those supporting an elimination of streetcars but I think he's a little misguided here. It's actually a silly idea. So not only has he alienated runners in the GTA but he comes off looking dumb.

Another news story has others behind in the polls (Sarah Thomson, Rocco Rossi) calling it quits and lending their support to another candidate. I don't think the public would look too kindly on secret meetings to undermine the democratic purpose but there is a growing "anything but Ford" movement. I'm sure they discussed things like who to support, and how to gracefully bow out of their mayoral bids. Just admit it to yourself, this is a two horse race. George Smitherman and Rob Ford.

Do you read the Toronto Star? They do a good piece called the "Smell Test" where they compare candidates statements versus actual fact. It's really a good look at who's claiming what and how much of it's actually true. Weed out the lies, read the facts, and choose your mayor carefully.

Let's Get It On!

Finally proof that Toronto women are frostier than other cities. In a sex poll 40% of Toronto women are having sex on a regular basis. Compared to Vancouver (47%) and Montreal (55%). Make up your own conclusions but as a single dude in the city you can judge for yourself which city you've had success in picking up women. Toronto is definitely one of the "coldest" you will ever encounter. Come one women of Toronto! Let's prove that stupid poll wrong.
(link)
Hmm, time to move.