WEBSITE: http://www.howardbortenstein.com

EMAIL: campaign@howardbortenstein.com

PHONE: 416-944-9959

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What key issues define your campaign platform?
Fiscal restraint is the key issue. I have heard the concerns of residents who are struggling in this economy – those who have lost jobs, seniors and those who feel overburdened by a litany of taxes and fees. On the transportation issue, we must balance all Torontonians’ transportation needs as we develop transit investment plans.
In Ward 28 affordable housing, neighbourhood safety and councillor accountability are important issues to residents. As councillor I’m accountable to the residents of my ward to ensure their interests first are addressed above all others including the mayor. I will not be satisfied to simply “manage” our social housing crisis or to “warehouse” our chronically homeless.
Those responsible for the debt, decay and wasteful spending in this City say you can’t build a city and cut taxes at the same time. I disagree.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?
We face a financial crisis that left unchecked will leave our children with the burden of crushing debt. We cannot fix these problems with the same councillors that brought us to this crossroad.
Having run a small independent consulting business for 10 years helping large corporations be successful, I have the business experience and skills needed now to get us back on track. I have a proven track record of bringing stakeholders together for the good of all which earned me a reputation as an individual who builds bridges out of controversies.
I am the Toronto Party candidate for Ward 28.  For this election we are running a slate of 13 candidates across the city.  While other candidates only talk about plans, we in the Toronto Party are in a unique position to deliver the needed change.

What specifically do you plan to do for your ward, if elected?
Establish a new constituency service program, “Serving You First”, e.g. complaints resolved or action plan within one business day. Repeal land transfer and motor vehicle registration taxes. Implement immediate hiring freeze. Tighten expense control– “no more free lunches”.
I support expanding the subway system and creating 100 km of safe bike routes. I will form a Ward 28 “Housing Secretariat” and work to reform TCHC including a new  skills based Board while implementing stiffer penalties for all housing standards violations.

Please provide details on your personal bio.
An active community leader supporting many social, academic and charitable causes I have lived in downtown Toronto for over 25 years including 18 years in Cabbagetown. I successfully led a campaign to get the city to clean up our parks and increase security patrols. I co-founded the local residents association which is now about 500 members. In the 2006 election I ran for City Council for Ward 28, finishing second. I continue to fight for residents by creating  the Toronto Neighbourhoods Leadership Council. I am President of an information technology and management consulting firm and married with two young daughters.

Who do you plan to support for mayor?
No preference. To serve the best interests of Ward 28 residents  I will work cooperatively with any candidate that is democratically elected mayor by the citizens of Toronto.