world19News 176: Oct. 21/07
 
world19News
 
This newsletter is from world19. Please forward to anyone else you think would be interested. To remove yourself from the newsletter, simply reply with "unsubscribe" in the subject.  

Past newsletters are posted at www.newsletters.world19.com

 
 
We want to thank everyone who came out to our public forum last Wednesday. We've heard many positive comments about the meeting, the quality of the panel and the ensuing discussion.
 
We also welcome new subscribers who signed up at our meeting.
 
We were happy that Mayor Miller came to the meeting, and spoke briefly, but passionately about Toronto at the end of the meeting. We were however, disappointed that Councillor Saundercook did not attend, and frustrated that he did not respond to, or acknowledge our letter and invitations to him.
 
We include below a second Open Letter to Councillor Saundercook. As well, we have posted our meeting report, with some photos at http://world19.com/city_forum_071017.htm   
 
As you no doubt know, Monday (Oct. 22) is the date for the Council vote on the proposed new taxes. It may not be too late to express your views to your Councillor. You can email Ward13 Councillor Bill Saundercook at councillor_saundercook@toronto.ca. As well, we have created a quick forwarding email address: Send an email to citycouncil@world19.com... the email will go to all Councillors and the Mayor.
 
For world19,
John Leeson
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: world19
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 11:15 PM
Subject: Open Letter to Councillor Bill Saundercook

 
October 21, 2007

 

Open letter to Councillor Saundercook

 

Dear Councillor Saundercook,

 

As you’ll recall, on September 5th we sent you a letter expressing our disappointment regarding your decision in July to support deferral of the two new tax proposals.  We feel that this deferral effectively hijacked the city and gave full voice to a handful of limited and generally private, commercial interests.

 

In some other wards, residents groups or councillors held public meetings to discuss this crucial issue, but none was forthcoming in Ward 13.  For this reason, world19 organized a public forum on the future of our city, focusing on fiscal needs and possibilities. About one hundred interested residents attended, along with the Mayor as well as neighbouring Councillor Gord Perks.

 

We have received many positive comments about the meeting, some saying it was among the best panel discussions they had ever attended in the area. One attendee wrote “Thanks so much for hosting such a sane and thoughtful discussion”.  It is unfortunate that you did not attend, and it is extremely frustrating that you did not respond to or acknowledge our earlier letter or invitations to this meeting.  A number of attendees at our meeting were also surprised and disappointed at your lack of response.

As you did not attend, we have attached a meeting report for your information. The report is also posted, with some photos at www.world19.com.

Enough silence. This week’s vote is an opportunity for you to finally respond to your constituents and to the city that has been held hostage since July. It is an opportunity to give voice back to the public interest by supporting the new revenue tools to their fullest and in so doing allow this city to not just barely survive but to thrive.

 

We encourage you to vote ‘yes’ to a healthy, sustainable future for our city on behalf of us all.

 

Regards,

 

John Leeson

Elizabeth Lines

For world19

www.world19.com

 

world19 is a Ward 13-based community group founded in 1997 and committed to citizen engagement and participation.