Oh, God, not city politics!
Whoever thinks municipal politics is boring is just wrong, wrong, wrong. Based on my experience over the past six months as a candidate on the campaign trail, I can certainly attest to the fact that municipal politics is anything BUT boring.
You might remember, (or perhaps not) in episode 21 that I announced my candidacy for city councillor in Ward 14 – Parkdale/High Park. From February’s minus-20-degrees to August’s plus-40 temperatures, the heat has also cranked up on the campaign trail ever since. With a creative and experienced team of artists, social entrepreneurs, political experts, community leaders, and small business owners, the campaign experience thus far has been very successful and exciting. And the “canvas” of Ward 14 – Parkdale/High Park is incredibly diverse, dynamic and energetic, making each day an adventure.
We have launched a youth program called Boxers Against Guns ‘n Drugs (BAG’D) and Canadian boxing champ George Chuvalo stopped by the launch of this new initiative to show his support. I’ve worked with the residents of Parkdale / High Park and politicians like Peggy Nash and Cheri DiNovo to stop the “Paving of Paradise” preventing the development of a parking lot beside the Palais Royale. As a community, we‘ve saved the Revue Theatre on Roncesvalles from an unknown fate and a committee is proposing to operate it as a community based non-profit venue. Most recently I participated at the launch of Parkdale’s first ever Arts & Crafts Festival.
Those are only a few exciting developments during the campaign trail, and it's picking up! Working with the community to find innovative and forward thinking solutions that will live beyond this campaign is one thing (see www.RowenaSantos.ca). Knocking on each and every single door in Ward 14 is another. Although Election Day is on November 13th, I started hitting the pavement and knocking on doors in late June. With 25,000 dwellings in the Ward, of course you have to start early! In only 4 weeks we’ve covered 35% of the Ward and I’ve met some of the most interesting people in the process. Canvassing door to door is one of my favourite experiences of the campaign. You really never know who is going to behind that door and it is truly amazing to meet the individual pieces that make of the mosaic of our neighbourhood.
If you live in Parkdale/High Park, perhaps we’ve already met or you’ve received some information in your letterbox. If not, rest assured we will be canvassing on your street in the near future. If you don’t live in Ward 14, I encourage you to come out to some of our events. I’m hosting a community barbeque on Sunday, August 20th in Sorauren Park from noon until 3:30pm. Also, I will be promoting our BAG’D program at the Parkdale Arts & Crafts Festival on August 26th. Until my next update in Gadzooks!, be sure to stay posted on latest developments of the campaign on www.RowenaSantos.ca. And in the meantime, if you’d like to “get in” on all of the excitement, contact me at Rowena-at-RowenaSantos.ca!
