Toronto-Danforth Councillors Mary Fragedakis (Ward 29) and Paula Fletcher (Ward 30). Photo by Richard Lautens / Toronto Star

I’ve been asked a few times during the Robb Not Ford mayoral efforts why I didn’t run for council instead and take a stab at an office that may be more attainable. My response is a progressive two-fold: I wouldn’t run in a ward in which I don’t live or work; and as noted in an interview with Skedline: “(Johannes) says the reason he isn’t running for council instead is because he believes his councilor, Paula Fletcher, is doing a great job.”

I’m lucky living in Ward 30 (Toronto-Danforth), which, in conjunction with Ward 29 (Toronto-Danforth) has been a civically-engaged and well-represented community as long as I’ve been a resident, at the civic (Paula Fletcher: Ward 30 incumbent and Mary Fragedakis, Ward 29 incumbent), provincial (Peter Tabuns), and federal (Craig Scott — heir to our former MP Jack Layton) levels. One could infer that my own community and political involvement (formerly a resident of Vancouver East — a highly engaged community facilitated by MP Libby Davies and MLA Jenny Kwan) has found a kindred home where I am today.

A short anecdote that illustrates Paula Fletcher’s presence in my community:

At a community event hosted by Jack Layton, I asked Ms. Fletcher, after introducing her to my dog, Hannah (discussed in a previous entry), if the park at Tennis and Broadview was going to become a designated off-leash area, as we live a superbly dog-friendly community. Paula was acutely aware of the issue and its progress, and knew — by name and address — several neighbours on my street with whom she had already consulted on the matter. She said “expect something real soon.” Within a month we had the designation.

A small example, but a microcosm of Paula Fletcher‘s commitment to results-driven efforts for my community over the past ten years and — hopefully, come October 27 — counting.

To the north side of the Danforth, Mary Fragedakis has been a welcome addition to City Council since 2010 who has helped keep the Ford agenda in check.

I’m proud to support two existing councilors who continue to make me love where I live.

And — if conservative Tory-supporter and television personality Liz West happens to take Ward 30, I guess I know what I’ll be doing in 2018 (but you didn’t hear it from me). Be warned, Ms. West!

Visit Paula Fletcher’s website.

Visit Mary Fragedakis’ website.