WEBSITE: Votefootman.ca

EMAIL: Ted.footman@gmail.com

PHONE: 647-580-VOTE

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1. What key issues define your campaign platform?

I believe councillor and citizens should form policy together without the interference and guidance of established political parties.

As your independent councillor, I will address the issues of Ward 19: the Ossington restaurant moratorium; and highrise development across our lakefront. I will hold public meetings regarding the CNE and Ontario Place.

I ensure our garbage trucks no longer leak onto our streets. I would also like to look into alternatives to shipping our sewage biosolids to small towns. This does not seem neighbourly to me.

Once on council, addressing citywide issues, I will advocate for electric buses, better roads and smooth safer bike lanes.

I would like to ensure our finances are put in order by making sure publicly tendered city projects have more than two or three bidders, and when selling city assets let us find the highest bidder by putting up a for sale sign.

2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?

As an architect, I have had the honour of working on public buildings such as libraries and theatres. I have learned the value of public consultation.

I have owned four businesses. I understand the hassles of operating a small business in Toronto, and would like to see this process better facilitated.

I have raised four children in this neighborhood and am aware of the importance of our parks, community centre, schools and libraries.

I believe I am the best experienced candidate to find a balance between main street business owners and local residents.

The reason we chose to live in this area is because we can walk a block to enjoy a pastry, buy a new outfit, see a work of art, eat a meal and meet with our neighbours on a patio.

This neighborhood is the best place in the city, and I will fight to keep it so.

3. What specifically do you plan to do for your ward, if elected?

• Quarterly or semi-annual meetings between resident and business improvement associations to address concerns and find solutions.

• Ensure every garbage truck entering our ward does not leak liquid waste on our streets

• Our parks should have a park employee who is a part of our community, who is easily contacted and accessible.

• Work to fight to stop the sale of local schools to private developers and will encourage their re-use as community centres for daycares and seniors homes.

•Investigate why condominium developments would be built up to 39 stories, in Ward 19, when the eastern docklands (Cherry and Commissioners) height guidelines are only 6-8 stories high.

4. Please provide details on your personal bio.

I emigrated from Scotland when I was 13 and started University of Toronto at 16, moving to Queen Street and then Manning Avenue, where I live today.

After graduating, I operated The College Street Bar, then Ted’s Collision, then Ted’s Wrecking yard, which I am most proud of as it was the venue that introduced unknown young talented artists, which have since become internationally recognized: Feist, Hawksley Workman and more.

I returned to architecture in 2000, and began interning with Phillip Carter Architect. As an architect I listen and honour the desires of the client. I hope to do the same for Ward 19.

5. Who do you plan to support for mayor?

I can work with anyone.

I was interested in Sarah Thompson’s bid and now will most likely vote for “Furious George” Smitherman.

Rob Ford is curiously still ahead in the polls and if he is elected… I am “the pit bull” you want to go fighting for the needs of Ward 19.