Toronto is your city! Get out and vote!
Canada is one of the world’s great democracies. Democracy is something that you do! Democracy is not something you watch! To put it another way:
Democracy is NOT a spectator sport!
You must get out and vote!
The voter turnout in the 2006 elections was not just low – but abysmally low. In Toronto Ward 29 approximately 12,000 people voted. That’s 12,000 out of a possible 33,705. That’s a very low percentage turnout – marginally more than 33%. Toronto’s City Councillors are the representatives of only those who took the time to vote. The winner in our Ward – Ward 29 – received less than half of those 12,000 votes. Therefore he was the choice of at most 17% of eligible voters.
The residents of Toronto have come to expect and been forced to tolerate:
– garbage strikes – see how Toronto’s Councillor’s voted
– a substandard TTC that creates conflicts with its riders
– A city council which allowed councillors a pay raise in the midst of a recession
– A city council that may favor the interests of special groups over taxpayers
– A city council that will finance a city councillor to launch a lawsuit against a taxpayer
– A city council that spends your money without lawful authority
– A dysfunctional property tax system
– A property tax system that discriminates again tenants who live in buildings with more than seven apartments
and more.
That’s what you get if you don’t get out and vote.
My name is John Richardson. I have been your neighbour in Ward 29 since 1984. I would like to serve you as your city councillor in Ward 29. I look forward to meeting as many of you as can from now until October 25, 2010.
Vote John Richardson - Independent Judgment For Toronto Danforth - Ward 29! 
Hi John,
I posted my mini interview with you for the Town Crier on my blog. It will also appear in the Riverdale East York print edition of the paper. Good luck. Keep me posted as your campaign progresses. Kris
Good Morning Mr. Richardson,
My name is Julie Palmer and I am a resident of Strathmore Blvd. I am wondering what your stance is on the proposed second exits to the Donlands and Greenwood subway stations that will be demolishing family homes. There is an information meeting about this issue at St. David’s Church 49 Donlands Ave on June 23rd at 7pm. Will you be in attendance?
Oops! I had the date wrong. The meeting is actually Tuesday June 29
I am also very concerned about the TTC’s proposed plan to expropriate homes and build 2nd exits for Greenwood and Donlands Stations in residential neighbourhoods. I hope that the community can count on your support, and that you will be attending the June 29th meeting.
Hello:
A representative from my campaign will be in attendance this evening.
John Richardson
John; You will make a positive contribution to the Community and to the City of Toronto. I wish you the best and have endorse you on my web site. Your quote by Jefferson is a significant one. He believed that Freedom comes at a price but that price is never too high. City Hall needs more like you. Also applause for the lawn sign campaign – we have had it with high school campaigning when we all live in the information age!
Neil Sinclair B.A. LL.B
Candidate Ward 32
Neil:
Thanks very much! As I mentioned I saw you in the Goldhawk debate on October 13. You turned in a fantastic performance.
Thanks for showing the way on the “e-lawn sign” issue.
John Richardson
Independent Candidate – Toronto Ward 29