Candidate: Shamez Amlani

Who are you?

My name is Shamez Amlani, I run a small restaurant in Kensington Market. I am also a cycle activist and help to organize street festivals in my neighbourhood.


Why are you running?

I think ‘sitting idle’ might better describe the apathetic state of our civic leaders. Their contributions to the betterment of Toronto through projects like the ‘City Beautiful’ campaign and the ‘Pedestrian Charter’ add up to nothing more than empty promises made with frilly words. In the end, our taxes go to a beurocracy that comes up with toothless policies while we leave the running of our streets to the benevolence of Exxon-Mobil and General Motors.

Transportation reform has to be the single most important issue that faces North American cities today, and our very own Smogtown could lead the pack in creating healthy urban spaces. Look how we cared so much for the health of our citizens that we banned the advertising and use of tobacco in public places. Driving too is a filthy, disgusting habit whereby the few are ruining it for the many. Think of what could happen if we managed to curb the rampant auto-addiction in this town.

Our public spaces could once again become the commons where people meet, kids play, where laughter and art reclaim what is now just a parking lot. Neighbourhoods would be stronger and safer when civic pride keeps eyes on the street, rather than alienated environments where we move from work-box to big-box shop in toxin-belching boxes on stretches of poured concrete. Local ma & pa shops would be given new life as mega-corporation behemoths would lose their advantage. And of course, clean air has to have priority if we are to leave a world worth living in for future generations.


What should a City Councillor be?

A city councilor should have to wear a cape to remind them of the awesome responsibility they have towards their fellow citizens. They have to be a superhero!

We need new leaders.