As a small-business owner myself, I know that there are enough pressures on business already; you don't need City Hall continually telling you what not to do. I've heard from constituents whose businesses have actually lost contracts to city-run entities like Toronto Hydro. That's not right.

Our business taxes are also FAR too high for the (lack of) service we receive.We know that living & doing business in a city is expensive - but it's supposed to be expensive because you get more service for those high tax dollars. That's not the case right now, is it? You pay high - and get "low".

- I will immediately get to work to repeal the "A-frame" sign bylaw, which prevents many businesses from getting the visibility they need to survive.

- I will also work hard to improve services like garbage pickup, utility repair, and, perhaps most importantly, I will work to improve transportation - so that your business gets what it needs to thrive, not just exist.

- I will make vigorous efforts to bring the Port Authority under Toronto's control; Ottawa should not be telling Toronto what we can and cannot do with our own waterfront. This first step is key in allowing us to develop the Portlands in the right way; we need to turn the south end of Ward 30 into something worthy of Torontonians' support.

- I will assist BIAs and local businesses in revitalizing important areas like Little India; the Gerrard-India Bazaar used to be an important tourist destination, not to mention a great place for Torontonians to visit every day, and now, multiple vacant shops line Gerrard Street. This can't be tolerated any more - you deserve better!