Candidate: Desmond Cole

Who are you?

My name is Desmond Cole. I am twenty-four years old. I work as a tutor in the city. Like so many people I came to Toronto with big dreams and a little pocket change. Every day in this city is an adventure and a challenge, but I know how lucky I am to call Toronto my home.


Why are you running?

When I heard about City Idol, I was proud of my city. The fact that ordinary citizens have the time, resources, and ingenuity to make City Idol possible is a credit to Toronto and Canada. It is an honour just to participate, but I am looking to do more than that. I have entered this competition to challenge Torontonians - especially those of my generation - to take ownership of our city, to be proud of our accomplishments and concerned about our shortcomings. We must engage each other as respectful, inquisitive, and caring citizens in order to make the most of the Toronto we are about to inherit.


What should a City Councillor be?

Above all, a City Councillor (or any elected official) should be fearless. He or she cannot be afraid to make mistakes ˆ to err is human. A Councillor must also be courageous enough to ask for help, and to respect opinions he or she may not hold. I also think that courage and conviction can help our City Councillors make firm, fair decisions on contentious issues, even if doing will mean overturning the status quo.


Anything else?

I can make one guarantee to everyone involved in this event - I'm going to make it fun.

We need new leaders.