Candidate: Chris Swiat

Who are you?

My name is Christopher (Chris) M. Swiat and I am running for City Idol. I am a student currently finishing my second year of study at Ryerson University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in the field of Occupational Health and Safety. I have past volunteer experience working in my multi-ethnic community of Parkdale-High Park (Ward 14) and I have political volunteer experience dating back to 1999 when I was only 13.


Why are you running?

I am young but I am a firm believer of youth involvement in politics. That is why I am running for City Idol. I believe that the youth vote should be stressed amongst young voters today. I feel that a young political representative in City Hall will give youth the confidence and opportunity to get more involved in politics. Furthermore, having lived in Parkdale-High Park my entire life, I feel that I am aware of the issues the area faces.


What should a City Councillor be?

A good City Councillor is one who is in touch with the people in his/her community and is aware of the issues at hand in the community. Furthermore, a good city councillor will take a strong stand in city hall for his/her community in every facet, whether it be over an issue of garbage pick-up or law enforcement


Anything else?

In the summer of 1999 I volunteered for city councillor Chris Korwin-Kucynzski at Toronto City Hall. I did various jobs around my community including speaking with constituents and delivering notices of local importance (eg road closures, community meetings). I had the opportunity to meet many people in my community and it helped me understand the many issues of an ethically diverse community. Soon after, I had the honour of receiving a received a Parkdale - High Park “Millennium Achievement Award” (May 2000, in which case I believe that I was the youngest recipient) for excellence in volunteer work for my community”. I also had the opportunity to supervise a ballot box in the Parkdale- High Park community during the 2000 municipal election.

We need new leaders.