Hey Neighbour!
I was first elected to Toronto City Council in 2006. My area then was called Ward 43 Scarborough East, and was home to over 60,000 people and located in the southeast corner of Scarborough. After this past election the name changed to Ward 24 Scarborough – Guildwood,…and doubled in size to about 118,000 residents!! In fact you could jokingly throw a baseball from Ward 24 into Pickering, Ontario! The area I am proud to represent is one of the most culturally diverse communities within the City of Toronto. Over 100 languages are spoken here, and you can go out to local restaurants and get food from all over the world!
Born and raised just south of Galloway Road and Kingston Road, I believe I am an effective member of Toronto City Council. l bring a broad perspective to City Hall, with more than 20 years of experience at the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels of government. Prior to working in I government, I ran my own small business for over 10 years. This gives me an edge when navigating through public policy.
As Chair of the General Licensing Committee I have been working to update the City of Toronto’s use of technology to enhance services to all Toronto residents, while encouraging a more accountable accessible government. I often joke I was tasked with “bringing the City of Toronto kicking and screaming in to the 21st Century!”
I envision a City where all residents have the tools to access an open, accessible, transparent and accountable local government. I really hope this will build public trust and confidence in our municipal government structure.
To me an excellent example of my work is with our public library system. As the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries, I strove to ensure public libraries have an open, positive environment where residents can gather to learn, have fun, and partake in programming. During my tenure as Chair of Toronto Public Library Board, the library added many social media tools to their portfolio, reaching out to residents in a modern and comprehensive manner making the library more accessible.
Having a strong belief in the value of public service, I am been involved in a number of City of Toronto and community organizations including: the Rouge Valley Health Systems (Centenary Campus) Buy a Bed Campaign as Co-Chair with my wife Janet, Scouts Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Knights of Columbus, Friends of Fort York, Chair of the Toronto Public Library Board, Past-Chair, Parks and Environment Standing Committee – Past -Chair, Government Management Standing Committee – Past Chair, Scarborough Community Council-Past Chair, Corporate Nominating Panel – Toronto Zoo – Executive Committee, Striking Committee, Committee of Revision, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Rouge Park Alliance, Guild Park Advisory Committee, Guild Renaissance Group and the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration Steering Committee.
Amongst all the many issues facing Ward 24 and the City of Toronto, I believe all residents should be engaged so they feel connected to our community.
All my Best,
Paul