Municipal Elections - October 25, 2010

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2010 Municipal Elections Endorsement List City of Toronto Mayor of the City of Toronto Mayoral Candidate George Smitherman has been a long time friend of the Armenian Community of Toronto. After a very successful career in provincial politics, having held high ranking positions as Minister of Health, Energy, Infrastructure and most recently as Deputy Premier of Ontario, George decided to take a run for the Mayor of Toronto. His pledge to the city is an expanded transit system - which will see a subway line go to Sherway Gardens to the west and a subway line to U of T Scarborough to the east, a 100 day review of the city's finances - which includes a freeze on taxes and new hires, and the continued commitment that Toronto can be stronger and more prosperous only if we continue to celebrate and embrace our rich diversity. Under his watch, the province saw a significant reduction in wait times for key surgeries, more doctors and nurses and large scale infrastructure investments such as the joint federal/provincial community grant program with which the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto has already started redevelopment and construction. Having attended the Armenian Genocide commemoration event this past April, the annual Summerfest in July and most recently, an intimate reception organized by the Armenian National Committee of Toronto, George is very familiar with our community's issues and has committed, should he be elected as Mayor, to continue to develop strong ties, keep lines of communication very open and accessible with the Office of the Mayor, and work towards the development and growth of our community here in Toronto. Toronto City Councillors Ward 22 - St. Paul’s Josh Matlow served as a Toronto District School Board Trustee during the last term and was very supportive of the approval of the Grade 11 “Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity” course, which includes a unit on the Armenian Genocide. Josh is now running for a position as city councillor in his ward. He has proven to be a dedicated and quality representative and garners the support of our community. Ward 23 - Willowdale John Filion has been serving the people of Willowdale for over 25 years. He has the support of one the Armenian community’s close friends, Martha Hall Findlay, MP for Willowdale. Ward 29 - Toronto-Danforth Having been a councillor in the past, Jane Pitfield is looking to return to City Hall. She has been present at the Armenian Genocide commemoration organized by ANCT in the past. Ward 33 - Don Valley East Ward 33 includes the Armenian Community Centre, and Councillor Shelley Carroll has proven to be a long time friend of the Armenian community. She is a regular attendee and supporter of the annual Summerfest celebrations, Armenian Genocide commemoration, as well as a number of community events. Ward 34 - Don Valley East Peter Karl Youngren is a new candidate in Ward 34, looking to be a fresh face in City Hall. Peter’s ambitions have earned him the support of many of the Armenian community’s friends, including David Caplan, MPP for Don Valley East. We look forward to building on our relationship with Peter once he is elected. Ward 39 - Scarborough-Agincourt Mike Del Grande is a long time friend of the Toronto Armenian community, having served as councillor for Ward 39 since 2003. During his time in office, he has supported the Armenian community and frequently attends our events. Ward 40 - Scarborough-Agincourt Norm Kelly has served as a member of Toronto city council since 1994. He has strong support in his ward and remains an important ally to the Armenian Community of Toronto. Town of Markham Mayor of the Town of Markham Frank Scarpitti has served the Town of Markham in various leadership roles since 1985, when he was first elected to the Markham Regional Council. He was elected as Mayor in 2006, and during his time in office has been a friend of the Armenian community. Notably, Frank presented an Armenian Genocide survivor with a gift on behalf of the town at a reception on the occasion of the Town of Markham unanimously passing a motion officially designating April 24 as a day of remembrance for the Armenian community in memory of the Armenian Genocide during the First World War. Regional Councillors Jack Heath has served as Deputy Mayor for the Town of Markham since 2007. He has been a strong supporter of the Armenian community, and has been an important figure, sponsoring the annual May 28 Armenian Independence Day ceremony at Markham Town Hall. Jack also sponsored the Town of Markham’s motion officially designating April 24 as a day of remembrance for the Armenian community in memory of the Armenian Genocide during the First World War. Gordon Landon is the longest serving councillor in the history of Markham. He has served the town well, and has continually supported the Armenian community during his impressive 27 years in politics. Dan Horchik served as the councillor for Ward 6 this past term, and is now seeking election as a regional councillor. He is a friend of the Armenian community in Markham. Councillors Councillor Ward 3 Don Hamilton is running for re-election as councillor for Ward 3. He has supported Armenian events in Markham in the past, including the May 28th Independence day celebrations held at the Markham Town Centre. Councillor Ward 5 John Webster has served as a councillor for Ward 5 since 2003. He has the strong support of the people in Markham, and has earned the support of the Armenian community by attending our events, such as the May 28th Independence day celebrations. Councillor Ward 6 Khalid Usman is a new face to Ward 6, but is no stranger to the Armenian community. He has attended Armenian Genocide commemorations in the past, and we look forward to working with him again in the future. Councillor Ward 7 Logan Kanapathi has served as councillor for Ward 7 since being elected 2006. He has worked closely with the Armenian Community, attending a number of our community events. Councillor Ward 8 Alex Chiu has served 8 consecutive terms as councillor for Ward 8. He has been involved in the Armenian community and has supported our events and endeavours in the past.