Published on
February 23, 2010 in
Blog.
Twenty-four hours after I wrote [PDF] to TTC chair Adam Giambrone and local councillor Joe Mihevc to request the removal of an offensive ad near Forest Hill Village, the City is taking steps to have the poster removed.
People travelling on Spadina Road might have been startled by the picture of a man with a gun on the side of a transit shelter by the Strathearn bus stop. I generally find guns offensive and given the location, next to a park and in close proximity to Forest Hill Public School, this inappropriate ad required action.
While advertisements that depict a person smoking or drinking are automatically banned, it boggles my mind that the use of a gun is deemed appropriate. As I stated in my letter to Councillor Giambrone, I’m not of the belief that an advertisement is the root cause of gun violence. I do, however, believe that normalizing guns in popular culture sends the wrong message about our city’s values, particularly when so many communities have suffered from the destruction caused by firearms.
I’d like to credit the quick work of Councillor Mihevc and Councillor Giambrone, their staff and City staff in the Transportation Services Department. Though it is a relatively minor issue, this is an example of how good communication between school communities and representatives at the City and TTC can improve the quality of life for neighourhoods.
Published on
February 17, 2010 in
Blog.
Yesterday evening I was one of several dozen parents, teachers, students and community members who attended the Arlington/Cedarvale/Humewood/Rawlinson/Wilcox Accommodation Review Committee (ARC) meeting at Oakwood Collegiate.
In spite of a process that has limited the ability of neighbourhoods to contribute creative and constructive solutions to local enrollment challenges, the level of participation in the ARC shows the unwaivering commitment of this community to work toward the solution that is best for our children.
Listening to the parents, teachers, residents, students and alumni who spoke about the role each school in the ARC plays in their lives was extraordinarily touching. A recent graduate of Cedarvale had the room hanging on his every word as he told us about learning to give back to his community at that school. Later, a parent at Wilcox spoke about that school’s acceptance and support for students and parents who are new to Canada. It was a beautiful display of why we are so proud of our schools.
It is my hope that both the ARC and the school board have listened attentively to what it is that we have said and demonstrate that they have acted based upon the expressed needs and desires of the community. This family of schools, and the neighbourhoods that surround it, deserve nothing less.
Published on
February 11, 2010 in
Blog.
Today at 3:36PM I officially began my campaign to be St. Paul’s next Toronto District School Board Trustee. As I said on Twitter and Facebook, I’m looking forward to earning — and I mean earning — the votes of the residents of St. Paul’s. I hope to meet you at the farmers’ market, talk to you in line at the grocery store and chat with you on your doorstep. I want to hear about your experience with the education system, tell you about mine and share our respective visions for what public education in Toronto can be. Like I’ve seen in all the successes that I’ve be a part of, together, as a community, we can overcome any challenge.
If I haven’t seen you at the farmers’ market, a grocery store or on your doorstep and you’d like to get in touch, please fill out the form on the Contact page and we can find a time to connect. And, of course, you’re welcome to leave a comment here on the blog.
I’ll wrap up with a big thank you to all the people who have wished me well today. Your support means the world to me.
Adam
