With city council reaching the halfway point of its term and the threat of a byelection looming overhead, now more than ever North York needs to take a hard look at the way business is conducted at Toronto City Hall.
Last month, council hit an all-time low with elected officials on the attack, slinging insults and accusations. Some say this was a preview of what a mayoral race would look like. With the 2013 budget process in full swing — a challenging and divisive process to begin with — I expect we will see more of the same at council later this month. What I have heard from North York residents is that they are tired of watching elected representatives not working in a professional and pragmatic way.
It is extremely unfortunate that we are even being forced to consider a costly and potentially unproductive byelection for Toronto's top job. Council still must decide on what is the best way to move forward.
Whatever the outcome, we must all step up and do the job we were sent here to do. This includes representing our residents, working with our fellow councillors and improving city services and their associated costs.
We have to get past the unproductive behaviour that has dominated at City Hall and demand a much higher standard from all of city council.
These are unique times and there are unique opportunities for change. Instead of using this opportunity to score political points, we should be focusing our efforts to support Toronto businesses and residents and help our great city reach its potential.
