new blog

i have a new blog!

please visit me at www.frances-wdowczyk.blogspot.com

Thank you for your support

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of you who supported my campaign. Running for City Council was something I have talked about doing for a very long time. Thank you for taking the time to vote for me, take a sign, volunteer, wish me well, visit, and donate. Every bit made a difference.

I am very proud of our results and touched by the dedication of my campaign team. Together we gave ran a campaign that we can be proud of. You are all amazing.

To my husband, children, brother and the entire family; none of this would have been possible without you. Thank you for believing in me and for being my biggest fans.

Your love and support motivated me to sign up to start this journey and kept me moving through its challenges. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I would like to congratulate Bill Saundercook on his win. Bill, I have learned a lot from watching your campaign. I wish you the best over the next 4 years. I would also like to congratulate David Garrick on a great campaign. David, you are truly an amazing man. I am glad you were in the race. Alexander Oniszczak, you have great ideas! Congrats on bringing them to light. It has been a pleasure. Linda Coltman, great work my friend! I am sure our paths will cross again soon. Finally Greg Hamara, congrats on a good run. Your volunteers are top notch. You are lucky to have them.

Thank you again everyone. I will be retiring the website in a short while but can still be reached at frances@electfrances.org .

See you around the neighbourhood!

Frances

Response to some questions from Bloor West Village Residents Assocation

At the last all candidates meeting from the Bloor west Village Association there were some questions that didn't get asked, in an attempt to make sure that all questions have answers, all of the candidates are submitting the written results. Below are my answers, if you would like to see the other candidates responses please feel free to visit the website http://www.bwvra.ca/

Question From Peter: What do you consider to be the two top priority problems facing the Swansea community (Keele - Humber River - Gardiner - Bloor) which require immediate action to resolve, and what are your solutions to these problems?

Peter; I feel that the two top priorities are #1 traffic- too many cars and driving too fast. We need to work with Police to make our community safer in the area of traffic. We need to return to Community Policing. More Police on the streets working WITH neighbours to change the behaviour around speed and distracted driving will make a big difference. I have a history of working as a partner with Police Services across the country. I will bring this experience to the table when working with our Police to reduce traffic and slow cars down.#2 We need to hold the line on taxes in our community. The City of Toronto has been granted new powers, with some of those powers in the area of implementing new taxes. I believe that we need to find new and innovative ways to do business in the city without increasing our taxes.


Question From Stan: The riding of bicycles on sidewalks is a danger to pedestrians. They are a menace and could (do) cause injury (or theft of purses) from unsuspectingl walkers. Why not decal (paint) "no riding on sidewalks" signs at all intersections?

Stan; I agree that this is a big problem in the area. First off we need to follow through on the City Plan to create and support more bicycle lanes in the ward. This will address the root of the problem by giving the cyclists a dedicated lane to ride in. Council has been slow in following through on their promise for more bike lanes. The next step is enforcement of the traffic laws. While signs bring awareness to the issue we need to step up enforcement or the presence of enforcement. A return to Community Policing would support this level of enforcement and we need to look at other options. What about the parking enforcement officers supporting the enforcement of no bikes on sidewalks? I think it is an idea to look at and would look into it right away.

Question From Brenda: During the week, could High Park be opened up to allow access from the Queensway to Bloor Street? With the paving of the Queensway taking so long, it often has not been possible to turn north on Ellis, Windermere and the South Kingsway.

Brenda; I agree the work on the Queensway is taking a long time. Unfortunately opening access to the park is not the solution.The park was a gift to the city from John G. Howard and in terms the city agreed to leave the grounds and estate (Colborne Lodge) in as natural a state as possible. The addition of traffic through the park would negatively impact the delicate balance of nature found in the Park.

Question From Mark: In light of city council's approval of the condominium building now planned for the site of the old Humber Odeon cinema, it strikes me that so long as a developer has, in Bill Saundercook's words, "cooperative and continuous dialogue with residents," the developer is guaranteed, in the end, to get what they want, or at least a fair portion of it. What would you do, if elected, to ensure that developers are never again able to circumvent the official plan, and to make them settle in such cases with the simple answer "No"?

Mark; The official city plan needs to be promoted loud and clear to developers and residents alike and it needs to be enforced. This is true in the case of small individual homes and in large condo developments. The unique flavour of our neighbourhoods depend on growth that reflect the positive elements of the community and builds on it. We also need to have consequences for developers who do not follow the rules. This may be more an issue for smaller developments in our communities (single homes etc) but it is equally important to our neighbourhoods. If developers are not going to follow the rules of the plan or the rules of council then why should they be allowed to develop in the city? From Christie: If elected, will you move a motion to rescind the Palais Royale parking lot which is threatening to blight our precious greenspace on the Lakeshore?Hi Christie: I would work with the Councillor and Community in Ward 14 to be sure that the waterfront was protected. Our waterfront needs to be protected here on the west end of the city and it needs to start with this issue.

Question From Anonymous: How are you going to ensure that you are representing us?

The best way to represent you is to hear you and take that voice forward to city hall. This will be done through community consultation. I am committed to hearing you (surveys, door to door, town hall meetings or telephone conversations) prior to any major decisions being made. My job (if elected) is to seek your input and feedback, not wait for you to find me.

Question From David: As of November 6, 2006, 328 mayors in the United States have accepted Seattle Mayor Nickels' challenge to join Seattle in taking local action to reduce global warming pollution. The challenge is to meet or exceed the Kyoto Protocol targets, and to urge higher levels of government to enact policies or programs to meet or exceed the Kyoto Protocol. Would candidates for mayor be willing to initiate and endorse a comparable Canadian initiative? What specific actions would be taken to realize the Kyoto Protocol targets within the City of Toronto and to encourage the federal and provincial governments -- and other municipalities -- to take concerted action on climate change? Would Ward 13 council candidates support the mayor in such initiatives, and what specific actions would they encourage for Ward 13?

David; I have publicly pledged TO green and will support the implementation of the cities environmental plan. I will also support the mayor in the creation of any initiatives that meet or exceed the Kyoto Protocol. If elected, the specific actions that I will encourage ward 13 to participate in include; increase recycling and composting in apartment buildings, increase public transit and access to public transit and support sustainable communities that allow and encourage people to walk or ride bikes to their local shops. I will encourage the city of Toronto as a corporation, to take the lead on reducing packaging by only purchasing products from companies who use minimal packaging, therefore leading by example.

Inclosing, remember to VOTE TOMORROW!! Monday Novemember 13! If you need to see where to vote, please check out the city of Toronto's website at this link

The City of Toronto Act and electing our next leaders.

Elect Frances to City Council on November 13th

Here are some points from The City of Toronto Act that I feel are important to consider when you are looking to elect the next leader of our ward and our city.

1.The City of Toronto is now the 6th largest government in Canada.

2. The City of Toronto has new powers under the New City Of Toronto Act. (link here for the entire act)

3. The Mayor of Toronto has new powers to appoint the Deputy Mayor and Committee Chairs.

4.There will now be an Executive Committee of Council made up of the The Mayor (as Chair) the Deputy Mayor (as Vice Chair) Standing Committee Chairs, and four other Councillors.

5.The Budget Committee (formerly the Budget Advisory Committee) will report directly to the Executive Committee.

6. There will be an elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Council.

7. The City has expanded powers in the area of licensing.

8. The City now has the power to impose sales taxes on Entertainment, alcoholic beverages sold for consumption in licensed establishments and tobacco products.

9. The number of Community Councils will increase from 4 councils to 8 councils.

There is no doubt in my mind that the City of Toronto needed a new act to make the city workable. I am very excited to see that the City Council will have more power to make decisions and therefore should be able to get many issues resolved in a timely manner. I congratulate Mayor Miller on all his work with the Provincial Government to get the Act to this level, and there is still more work to be done.

Who will you elect to make sure that the New City Of Toronto Act is working for the residents of the City of Toronto?

I believe in doing my homework, consulting with the community and then making the best decision possible for ward 13 and the City of Toronto for today while not compromising future generations.

I believe that new taxes are not the answer to our financial problems as a city.

I believe in moving the agenda forward and will work with the Mayor and fellow Councillors in partnership to get issues addressed in a timely fashion

I believe in treating people with dignity and respect and will bring decorum and civility back to City Hall.

I believe in communication as a tool to find solutions to our issues. I will get your input and feedback on issues before decisions are made.

I believe in communities that are engaged in, and proud of, the decision that are made at City Hall.

I believe that Ward 13 can be the leader in developing sustainable neighbourhoods.

I believe in Toronto.

Remember to Vote on November 13th. It is a new time in history for the City of Toronto


Here are a few other links to look at regarding the City of Toronto act:

Candidates mum on Toronto Act

David Miller Op Ed in The Toronto Star

The Approval

Towards a New City of Toronto Act

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Thank You Bloor West Village Residents Association for hosting the Candidates

Elect Frances Wdowczyk On November 13th

Tonight was the final scheduled All Candidates Meeting. Thank you to the Bloor West Village Residents Association for organizing and hosting us tonight.

Thank you also to the Old Millside Residents Association for the opportunity to attend and speak at your AGM last night.

It is a fabulous opportunity to participate in All Candidate Meetings. It is truly democracy at work when you go to meet a community and are asked to answer the tough questions and asked to do so with your competition sitting next to you waiting to do the same. It is an exercise that keeps you on your toes and calls on you to be sure of your platform and ideas. It is a good example of how life will be when you are at city hall. It is exciting and informative for all involved.

Thanks for giving me a chance to speak and be heard by you. It was a pleasure to see you in Swansea, Warren Park, Old Millside and Bloor West Village. I hope you had all your questions answered. If you have further questions or need clarification on any items in my platform please contact me by email at frances@electfrances.org or by phone at 416.604.9060.

See you at the subway stations this week!

Bloor West Village Residents Association Host a Meet the Candidates Event November 8th

Tomorrow is the last scheduled all candidates meeting for the area. I hope to see you there!
This announcement was taken from the Bloor West Village Residents Association web site. For more details on the association click here

Meet the Candidates

The Bloor West Village Residents Association is hosting a special Municipal Election public meeting on Wednesday, November 8th - the week before voting day.

You’re invited to quiz the three top contenders for the Mayor’s seat and the Ward 13 candidates for City Council.

Confirmed guests include Mayor David Miller, Councillor Jane Pitfield and Stephen LeDrew. For Ward 13, incumbent Councillor Bill Saundercook, Greg Hamara, David Garrick, Aleksander Oniszczak, and Frances Wdowczyk are confirmed.

To avoid long line ups at the microphone, the BWVRA is trying a “lottery” system. People wanting to ask a question will get a numbered ticket. Those drawn will be called to the mike. To save time, you can submit your question in writing before the meeting and it will be placed in the draw barrel. If you prefer, submit your question in advance by e-mail: info@bwvra.ca - please provide your name and street.

We intend to begin with a few set questions from the chair involving the major issues affecting our area, including development, the waterfront and the Bloor Street West commercial strip.

Since time with the candidates is limited, the doors will open early at 6:30pm at which time you can speak directly with the Ward 13 Council candidates. The formal session will begin at 7:00 sharp.

See you there!

Location:
Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd.
Wednesday, November 8th
Doors open to talk to the Ward 13 Candidates 6:30.
Meeting starts 7:00pm SHARP.

One Week to Go !

Elect Frances on November 13th

Where did the time go? They say that time flies when you are having fun. Never have truer words been spoken.

On June 30th I went to down to City Hall put down my $100.00, filled out the forms and declared my intention to be the next City Councillor for Ward 13 Parkdale-High Park. Today my fabulous campaign team and I stepped into the last and most exciting 7 days of the campaign.

Now is the time to really look to see what type of leadership you want at city hall; hat voice will best represent the vision of Toronto that you embrace.

Here are some of the issues that I feel are important and worth looking at before voting for Mayor and Councillor on November 13th:

1. Leadership
What style of leadership will get the job done at City Hall and in ward 13? Who will work with all Council Members and the Mayor for the good of the City and getting things done in the ward?

2. Accountability
Who will be accountable for your money? Your voice at City Hall? Your concerns?

3. Communication
Who will listen to your concerns and have you feel that your voice is heard? Who will treat you and your concerns with the respect they deserve? Who will consult with you before decisions are made?

4. Results
Who will be the person who will move the agenda for the ward and the City forward? Who will find the creative ways to solve the problems that keep hanging on. Who has the ability to form partnerships that will get items off the agenda and into action?

5. Representation
Who represents your voice as members of the community of Ward13? Who can support your voice and is not tied to a party agenda?

6. The sixth largest government in the country
Who has the courage, integrity and passion to demand that council act like the powerful leadership body it is? Who will lead by example in treating fellow council members, the Mayor, constituents and staff with respect and support and empower the entire council to move items forward for the good of the city and the ward?

I can clearly and with pride say that I will stand for you. I will be the voice of the ward. I will act with integrity and always move the agenda forward. I will make decisions based on what is best for today and what will support the ward in the future. I am accountable to you and will keep you informed on decisions and discussions. I will ask your opinion on the future of the ward. I will move things forward in the ward and in City Hall. I have a vision of a city of Toronto that is a leader in environmental issues, that supports healthy neighbourhoods where people don't want to take their cars but would rather walk or bike. A city that is proud of its accomplishments and the courage of the leaders that made sure things happened. A city where your the voice of the community is heard, honoured and respected.

The Meatloaf Concert and other things I love about living in Toronto

Elect Frances on November 13

There are many things in ward 13 and the city that I would like to change or improve. On the other side of this coin you will find the things I love about Toronto and would not change a bit.

One of the things that I love is that I am able to see great theatre and music in the city. Last month I was lucky enough to get tickets to see Barbara Streisand and last night I had a great night with friends at the Meatloaf concert. Both of these concerts were held in unique venues. Both attracted a great cross section of people and both were shows that were in limited runs in North America . How amazing that I could jump on the subway to attend these shows that were being held in very few places in North America ! That is one of the unique and exciting things about living in Toronto .

When looking at the music scene in Toronto we have it all. Large popular shows that let me relive the good times on Wednesday night at the "Bomb Shelter" Pub (Meatloaf) and the intimate music scene the feeds my creative soul EMILIE-CLAIRE BARLOW, MELANIE DOANE & KATHRYN ROSE "A WINTER'S EVE" at Hugh’s Room( http://www.hughsroom.com/).
Move to the Theatre in the city and find the same everything from WICKED to THE DECIDE SHOW (better hurry this one only a few shows left!) (http://www.decideshow.com/) and finally what about the great art in the city. We have the AGO and Gallery One (http://www.galleryone.ca/).
These are just some of the things I love about living in Toronto. What are the things you love about living in Toronto ? I want to know. It is important to celebrate what we love as well as address the issues that concern us.
So, in the spirit of celebration and having fun here is a link to my favorite Meatloaf song.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq31BBgYX) . I hope you enjoy it as much as I did last night!

Advanced Polls are open! Do you know where to cast your vote?

Vote for Frances on November 13

The advanced polls are now open. As a member of ward 13 you can cast your vote in an advanced poll or on Election Day. To find out where you cast your vote got to:
http://app.toronto.ca/vote2006/whereToVote.do?cp=5

What are the issues on your mind heading into the last week of the election campaign?
Today while out in the ward I heard you tell us about the speeders on your streets. It did not take long for Vinitha and me to experience them first hand.
Are the people who speed in our neighbourhoods our neighbours or visitors?
Why do people speed in our community? Is it because they can get away with it? Is it because we do not notice how fast we are going? What is so important that people are willing speed in residential areas?

What are you willing to do as a resident in this community to stop the speeding?

I will work with the residents to create a community-driven plan for traffic safety. Together will make our streets safer.

Out and about in the ward

Elect Frances on November 13th

Running for City Councillor is an amazing experience. You get to push yourself in ways you never thought possible and you get talk to people about the things that matter. I know I have mentioned this several times in my blog and I mention it again because it really is an amazing part of the election. One that I did not know was going to be so fun and rewarding.

Today most of my conversations with you were about traffic and the roads in the area. As you know this is one of my concerns in the community and one that I am committed to finding a solution to.

Last night I invited a group of citizens to come to the campaign office to work with a facilitator to see what solutions we could find for the traffic concerns in our ward. It was a great night.
In 2 short hours seven people came up with over 90 ideas to address the traffic issues. I am just writing out the notes from the events so cannot give you a full review but I personally saw options, solutions and ideas that would have never crossed my mind without this group. It was empowering and exciting.I look forward to sharing the outcomes with you in a few days.

The point of the gathering was to find solutions and next steps. I got much more than that, I got a chance to work with community for the community not just one street or area. It was one step. One step of many more to come.

If seven people can come up with 90 ideas that then spark six solid and workable actions then imagine what the entire ward can create? Now that is exciting....

So, what is your beef about traffic today? One issue that came up several times today was the running of stop signs on our side streets. Tell me your experience with our side streets. Do you see people running the stop signs? Is it because people can't see them? Are people driving too fast? Are they in the right locations? Let me know.

Thank you Warren Park Ratepayers Association

Elect Frances Wdowczyk On November 13th

I want to thank everyone at the Warren Park Ratepayers Association for organizing last nights All Candidates Meeting. The media claims that most residents are not aware that there is an election happening on November 13th. Clearly the media forgot to inform Warren Park residents as they came out to meet the City Council Candidates and armed with questions that they needed answers for. I was pleased to share my vision and my answers to their questions.

As election day gets closer it is important for all members of the ward 13 community to ask the tough questions and not rest until they get they answers they need.
In the spirit of asking question there is one more all candidates meeting scheduled on November 8th at Runnymede United Church (432 Runnymede Rd) starting at 7 pm hosted Bloor West Village Residents Association. It is the perfect opportunity to come out and ask your questions. Details on the event can be found by going to the BWRA website link .

Other places to look for information on the election and who is running:

who runs this town

cbc.ca

Rogers television


Walking the talk

Tonight I am hosting a facilitated discussion on the traffic issues in the ward. I am excited to bring community member together with a facilitator to find creative ways to address the traffic issues. It is time for me to put elements of my platform to the test and see what happens. The exciting part for me is not only working with the community for a solution but also working with graduate students trained in the area of creative facilitation. These students are excited to use their training and are looking for ways to give back to their community! I have no idea what ideas and plans will come from tonight, I am pleased to have the chance to walk my talk and take this traffic discussion to another level. Look for an update on what was created in tomorrow’s blog.

Updates and various issues that are on my mind

I have several things on my mind this morning.

NO blog last night
First of all due to technical problem I was not able to blog last night. I apologize. Thank goodness my husband is a brilliant computer guy and was able to fix it this morning. Thanks John!

Halloween
Our Halloween event was great fun last night. It was lovely meeting so many of you in the area. Thanks for taking the time to say hello at the office and on the street near the office.

All Candidates meeting tonight in Warren Park

Tonight there is an all candidates meeting in Warren Park
We start at 7:00 pm at Lambton House, 4066 Old Dundas Street (link). I hope to see you there.

Bicycle Lanes used as turning lanes

Ok this issue makes me crazy. Daily I wonder how we can stop people from using the bike lanes across the city as turning lanes. It is beyond me how a person can think that the 2 -3 foot lane with a bicycle marked on it can be mistaken for a turning lane but in my experience it happens often. This morning was no exception. Driving my normal routine at 8:30am a car tried to squeeze next to me to make a right hand turn where there is not turning lane , just a bike lane. The hurried driver behind me honked to have me move up. No problem I was pleased to move up as much as I possible so he could turn. When I looked in my rear view mirror he was not behind me but beside me in the bike lane trying to squeeze past to turn. Fortunately the light turned and we all moved along letting the driver turn on his way.

I want to be honest here, I don't ride my bike on the main streets . I am not comfortable enough to do so and as I ride only for recreation I tend to stay on the Humber River Trail system. I do not have personal experience as a cyclist in this city. That being said as a driver I can only imagine the danger and frustration cyclists must feel as they fight with cars in using the bike lanes.

So here is my question... Why does it happen? As a driver or a cyclist what are your thought on it? I am curious and as someone who is concerned about the volume and speed of the traffic in ward 13 and the city I would like to hear from you.
Is it lack of education? Manners? Are the streets so poorly designed that we have no choice? Are the lanes so poorly marked that people don't know?
Since writing this blog I have never come out and asked for your comments (but welcomed all responses) and now is the time. If you do not want to comment here on the blog feel free to email me at frances@electfrances.org

If you have specific traffic issues please let me know. I am committed to a community wide traffic solution and would like to work with you on the solution.
Call me at 416-604-9060 or email me at frances@electfrances.org for information on how to get involved in finding a solution.