WEBSITE: www.saundercook.ca

EMAIL: saundercook2010@hotmail.com

PHONE: 416-760-0632

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1. What key issues define your campaign platform?
My campaign platform involves implementing TTC Customer Service improvements, ensuring Transit City moves forward on-time and on budget for  riders.  As Co-Chair of the Pedestrian Committee, I want to make Toronto the safest city in the world for pedestrians by working with residents on possible speed reduction reviews.  On Finances, I want to see the city government do what it can to limit the tax-burden on residents as they have been faced with ongoing tax increases and new user fees.  We need to provide accountability on our city’s $9 billion budget.  I also want to see our community councils and Committees of Adjustments conduct more evening meetings so that residents can have real input on what’s happening in their neighbourhood.  I also want to have the City Council engage the private sector more and pursue more public-private partnerships for capital improvements in our community.

2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I am the best candidate because I have the experience as being a very active Ward Councillor who conducts a lot of public meetings to get their opinions on important issues such as development applications, park improvements, etc.  The new Mayor may need to rely on experience from veteran Councillors.  I bring a great deal of knowledge on important issues that relate to the environment, transit, waste management and hydro, and I believe these will be important issues that will need to be tackled in the next term of council.  I have a track record serving in a small former municipality in Metro and in the large city and I can bring a perspective that can ensure that the local voice doesn’t get lost.

3. What specifically do you plan to do for your ward, if elected?
I plan to continue to be accessible to residents through my community office, public meetings on important issues and speak out for residents on local matters.  To address safety, I want to work with residents around schools and parks to reduce vehicular speed on residential roads to better protect people of all ages.   As a member of the Seniors Task Force, I want to address the lack of seniors housing in our community and ensure this gets attention.  Tackling graffiti vandalism through aggressive measures is needed.  I also want to continue to ensure building standards for tenants.

4. Please provide details on your personal bio.

A lifelong resident of Ward 13, I have served this community for many years.
I achieved a masters’ degree in education while teaching elementary school.  I have been an advocate for our environment and green open spaces (High Park, Humber Valley).  One of my greatest achievements was bringing the first blue box and leaf bags to Toronto. As the Works Committee Chair, I raised important issues regarding the environment, water safety and conservation. During this term, I have served as a TTC Commissioner and been active in securing funding for capital improvements to many parks and playgrounds in our community.

5. Who do you plan to support for mayor?
I support a strong mayor model in order to get things done in the City of Toronto.  David Miller had my support on a majority of the issues that came before our City Council.