Respectfully, I would like to know your stance on the bike lane issue in the city, and that of the two public health nurses offered by the province. I have heard that you were not present for the votes today; but as I wasn't there myself I do not know if it is factual. I am extremely displeased with both turn outs. Regarding the first, as an avid cycler I work hard to be conscientious on the roads and am a very defensive rider. I am a 33 year old fashion designer who runs my own business. I am a respectable member of society, do not have dreadlocks, am not a hippy, am not a bike messenger. My bicycle is my main mode of transportation and has been since I was 16. I have never had a licence, nor felt I needed one. It is a lifestyle choice, and an environmental choice. This information would not be at all relevant if I didn't feel like I was being marginalized by the council that represents my city. Cyclists are being discriminated against and treated as second class citizens, as are gays, and many others in our city. "Strength in diversity". Rubbish. I know that our mayor does not believe in that motto, but our councillors must. They need to. You have all been elected by diversity. You are not representing rich white men. You are representing Davenport, where I have lived for 10 years. It is a diverse community, and not rich. Getting rid of a few bike lanes is not the problem, it is a symptom of a bigger problem. The bigger picture is that this city is moving towards a radical class separation, and that lower-income citizens are having all of their resources cut. Public housing, child care, public transit and public health are all under attack. Unemployment is rising as the mayor cuts jobs and does nothing to stimulate the economy. He attempts to block anything that doesn't channel revenue into his own pocket. He cares nothing that the parades and public events he despises make enormous differences to the local economies that benefit from them. To use his own ridiculous jargon, he has created a war on the public. This can only end in devastation. To my eyes, it appears that he is trying to drive out what he considers undesirables. Those who protest are told that they are free to leave. Is that the answer? Is that the point? To drive people away? Toronto is a cultural center in what was once a beautiful country. I don't know how Ford is so able to sway so many of you, but please, please stand up for what is right. It can't just be Cllrs. Perks, Vaughan, Wong-Tam and Layton. Your ward elected you for a reason. Your voice needs to be heard so that ours can be heard.
Best,
