WEBSITE:: www.electgarycrawford.ca

EMAIL: gary@electgarycrawford.ca

PHONE: 416-264-9600

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What key issues define my campaign platform?
SSW needs to be on the radar at city hall with more attention to local needs – the city grass needs to be cut, transit improved, and development balanced. New solutions are needed to the age old revitalization of Kingston Road. We need to clean up, beautify and create new amenities that stimulate the area and make it more liveable.
A concerted effort by all stakeholders is needed to solve the Quarry Lands and Markington Square and wind farms don’t make sense.
City hall is currently broke and broken. Fees and taxes need to be reduced or repealed. City hall must be more accountable. Most importantly, councillors need to get along, have a common vision and walk the talk.
SSW needs a voice for change. I plan to put the priorities of this community first and foremost while integrating them into the big city picture.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Experience. As your elected trustee (past seven years), I have represented over 12,000 students and their families at 30 schools. I have served as vice chair and have held key positions on varied committees – budget, ethics, special education, programs, and facilities. I have strong connections and can effectively transition into the councillor position.
Proven leadership abilities. I have been voted by colleagues to chair many important committees. As chair of the negotiating committee, I led the successful outcome of the contracts for 30,000 employees.
Results. I understand what it means to serve constituents and as trustee, we implemented arts, music and education programs; reopened pools; started youth camps; built playgrounds and created summer jobs.
Passionate for making a positive difference. As a 12 year resident, I have lived the life of a SSW constituent. I know and understand this community and have a strong vision for its future.

What specifically do you plan to do in your ward, if elected?
I will get things done in a way that changes how SSW has been treated at city hall. SSW needs more control over local decisions with a budget for local priorities/improvements. My goal is to stimulate our local economy with new places to live, work and play ensuring balanced development that is in the best interests of residents. Attention must be paid to how dollars are spent and managed. Importantly, I plan to involve the community – listen, engage and promote advocacy groups; help newcomers adapt; work with local businesses; hold ward forums; and create celebrations that promote community pride.

Personal bio:
Elected Trustee, TDSB representing SSW – past 7 years. Chair of numerous committees (mentioned above), Director of Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (representing the public school system for more than 1.3 million students) and on the Board of Directors, Toronto Foundation for Student Success (programs that target hunger, poverty and violence experienced by students).
I am a single dad to two teenage girls who live with me, a professional artist and local musician; I have a degree from York University and a business background in the food industry. I am an involved resident, former school council chair and community advocate.

Who do you plan to support for mayor?
I do not align myself with a particular candidate as I define myself as a moderate who has the ability to draw on ideas from everyone to come to the most viable solution to an issue. Regardless of which mayor is elected, I will advocate on behalf of the needs and interests of SSW while effectively working with the new city council and mayor, to make the best possible decisions for both SSW and Toronto as a whole.