Councillor Bradford’s support of Strong Mayor powers disappoints reader

An open letter to Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford:

I have written to you in the past as have many of my neighbours requesting assistance with some traffic issues. However, I and others have never once received a response or even an acknowledgement. Further to those concerns, I want to let you know how disappointed I am that your signature was missing from the letter of the majority of councillors who have renounced the Strong Mayor powers.

You speak of “representation”, however, I don’t feel “represented” having a councillor who does not believe in or perhaps does not understand fundamental democracy and the important role a city councillor plays in that democratic system. It is shameful, but I suspected and am now certain, your alignment with the mayor and the premier goes deep and that includes pushing through their agendas at any cost.

We are travelling down a very dangerous road, yet you have chosen to ‘tow the line’ and communicate with rhetoric - in your newsletters and in our community paper - in a communication style that serves two purposes - to steer residents away from asking the hard questions and ultimately perpetuate the apathy and lack of civic engagement we are presently experiencing.

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