mark dewdney
for city councillor, ward 30
Toronto needs a "refresh"; some "out-of-the-box" ideas to make you feel listened to.
You know, I've never been a politician. I've never run for office (unless you count student council). I'm just a father, businessman and taxpayer - who understands how taxpayers feel. We all deserve MUCH better - and YOU deserve better than someone who just mouths the words and cashes the cheque. So how do you stay in touch with 50,000 people? It's not easy, but I can do it - and I'll PROVE it to you!
The Community Coffeeshop
The Ward Walk-Through
Once a year (minimum), we all need to put on our old jeans, some comfortable shoes, and walk every inch of Ward 30.
Potholes? Bad roads? Parking problems? Garbage?
We need to find it all, and there's no better way than to get out and walk around, meeting the citizens of Ward 30.
I love the idea of a coffeeshop in our consituency office; someplace we can all meet, someplace you can find me when I'm not stuck at City Hall.
By employing single moms (or other at-risk folks), we'd keep the costs to the taxpayers way down and help give someone a brighter future.
Breakfast Over Easy
The exchange of ideas has always been easier over food.
Since you need to be able to find your councillor (and since I love to eat), then let's make a standing date; Ward 30 has some pretty good restaurants to eat at on Saturday morning. Come tell me how we're doing - maybe I'll even do some cooking of my own!
?
Opinion check!
In this day and age, there's no reason why you can't give me your opinion instantly.
I want to put a computer-polling system in place that will show you what Council's voting on, then get you to give me your feedback.
That way, we'll both know each other's opinion.
Making it My Home Too
Wherever possible, I will spend time in Ward 30 - it's a great place to live, work, and meet people - my family and I love it here. You deserve a councillor who will live amongst you,
shop the same places, eat the same meals - who will listen to you and care about your concerns - because I live here too.
Let's help each other out.
I've used food banks and lived in shelters. I know, firsthand, that people out there are having a tough time just making it through the next day.
Through fresh ideas like the Toronto Food Poll, I'll find ways to give politics a heart - and make you WANT to get involved.
Got an idea of your own? I want to hear it - please write me at mark@markdewdney.com!
Connect with me via:
"Imagine that the world is teetering between good and evil, and your actions will tip the scales."
-Talmud Kiddushin 40b