Response from Evan Sambasivam via Alexander Keys
Good Afternoon,
Thank you for reaching out!
Evan shares your concern about public safety in our ward and our city. He was recently personally impacted by violence on the TTC, and volunteers on our campaign have had similar experiences. Nobody should feel unsafe in their community.
Evan believes that one of the most important things the city can do to improve public safety is to expand social services and supports for the most vulnerable, as well as expand opportunity in the city. We know that our communities are safest when everybody is doing better. Toronto Police are an important part of public safety and the city must continue to invest in the police, and at the same time, the city should make sure that in situations where social services are more appropriate than police resources, that these services are mobilized instead.
Your point about community consultation is also very important and is a top priority for Evan. We know that municipal elections see far lower voter participation than other levels of government, and that relatively few people attend public consultations. This is disproportionately true among working people, newcomers, and renters—the same people for whom the city is not working well at all. Evan believes the solution to this is to emphasize outreach and local consultation, from every single resident and community he can reach. As Councillor, he will listen in good faith to every constituent, from Leaside to Lawrence Park, Thorncliffe Park to York Mills, and everywhere in-between. He will seek practical solutions to all of their local problems, and to the city-wide problems that affect us all.
If there are good opportunities for Evan to make himself available to the residents of Leaside to hear their questions and concerns, e.g. community events or meetings, please let us know and he’ll be happy to attend!
Best,
Alex Keys
Campaign Manager, Team Evan