Jayme, Dreams & Money appreciates your public initiatives. Whether it is TTC or any other corporation, at the end of the day, surplus money is needed to run the business successfully. In this instance, raising the fare beyond a point is ruled out. So, in your opinion, what is the option for the Mayor, who is elected on the promise of not taxing the people?
I value efficiency and sound management as much as much as the Mayor. Nor do I want to see the average person pay more than their fair share of taxes. Over the last 30 years or so we’ve burdened the poor and middle class with regressive taxes and with wage stagnation. This has helped corporate profits but it’s not fair, and it’s bad for our economic fundamentals.
The best solutions for Toronto’s troubles call for strong leadership, effort and creativity. For example, many have pointed out that we don’t need to hire highly paid police to guard constructions sites in this city. It’s estimated that taxpayers paid $7.8 million in 2009 for ‘guard duty’. I think this alone is a lot more than what we’ll get from selling off naming rights and from selling more ad space on our streets, subways and in our parks under the new policy proposals.
We can even fundraise in the community. The fantastic Museum station re-design was partly paid for by partnering with the Toronto Community Foundation.
Selling out our public spaces is negative and makes no financial sense if you look at the big picture.
How do you manage funding for your public initiatives?
We rely on donations, volunteers, and efficiency and are thankful for all of the support we have.
What is the reward for you for spending your time and energy for a public cause?
It’s personally fulfilling and enjoyable. I think the issues we deal with in public space relate to broader concerns around democracy and community building and I’m happy to do it for its own sake.
Finally, what is your message for our readers?
Our organization has a stake on the issue and whether majority people agree with us or not I think we can all agree that local communities should have a say in what their parks, streets, community centres, and subway stations are named. This is about our civic identity. This is even about home values, which can be affected by a street name and presumably a nearby park name if it sucks badly. Even our medical associations raise concerns about too much advertising and the effect on children. Meaningful public consultations are necessary to debate all of these issues but our politicians don’t seem to want to hear your voice, they just want to sell and do it quickly before you can say no. Make your voice heard and contact your local councillor now.
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