WEBSITE: www.electspencer.ca

EMAIL: electspencer@gmail.com

PHONE: 647-351-1444

——————————————————————

1. What key issues define my campaign platform?
There are five broad themes to my campaign. First, green energy and sustainability. The City must show leadership by installing solar panels on all public buildings and using ground source heating and cooling to reduce energy consumption. We must also engage the private sector to adopt more sustainable practices. Second, public transit must be improved – and remain public. Third, we must work to make our neighbourhoods safer. This includes a strong commitment to community policing – police walking or cycling within our communities, working with local residents, discouraging crime. Fourth, we must address important social needs – reducing the daycare waiting list; providing better care for the elderly; using our schools as hubs for community services; and confronting the bed bug epidemic. Fifth, we must provide these services within a fiscally responsible framework. I will also advocate for a multi-use park at the Quarry Lands and for implementing Kingston Road revitalization now.

2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Experience and leadership, in both public and private sectors, and in several key areas – with budgets, the environment and community work. I have eleven years experience as public school trustee, including Chair of the Toronto Board of Education. I chaired two key committees – Race Relations and Finance. Eleven years governance experience at the University of Toronto and George Brown College. This includes being a Member of two important committees at the University of Toronto – Planning and Budget and the Governing Council Executive. My private sector experience spans several decades including factory management, construction and renovation work. I also have experience in community service work: Education Coordinator for Pollution Probe; Steering Committee Member of the TDSB Environmental Advisory Committee; and Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Food Banks. As the former property tax researcher with The Ontario Fair Tax Commission, I have a sound understanding of municipal finances.

3. What specifically do you plan to do in your ward, if elected?
I will open a community action centre in the ward to provide better service and access for residents. I will work hard to bring people, businesses and groups together to find local solutions to local problems. I will work with residents to develop solutions to the bed bug epidemic, which takes an economic and emotional toll on those affected. I will urge council to freeze taxes for seniors with a household income less than $50,000. I will push for better local public transit – more frequent service, a rush hour downtown express bus on Kingston Road and earlier Sunday subway service.

4. Please provide details on your personal bio.
I was born and raised in Toronto, and believe in its greatness and its potential. I have extensive experience as a school board trustee, university and college governance, and community service. Further, I have considerable business and tax policy experience. I was educated in Toronto’s public schools. I have a Masters Degree from the University of Toronto in Theory and Policy Studies, focusing on Comparative International Development Education. And a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics and Mathematics. I am married to journalist Helen Mann and we have a lovely seven-year old daughter. And an eccentric basset hound.

5. Who do you plan to support for mayor?
My campaign is not officially aligned with or is it endorsing any specific mayoral candidate. One of my strengths is the ability to bring a range of people together, bridge differences, and achieve successful outcomes. Whoever may be elected as Mayor, I am confident I can find enough common ground to work with them in order to serve the interests of our community and our city.