Candidate: JD Kruger

Who are you?
My name is J.D.Kruger. I have been teaching ESL in Toronto for the last seven years. I have worked at various colleges and academies, becoming attenuated to the new immigrant experience in Toronto. I have responded to educate students regarding multiculturalism, and I have striven to bring out the best from every student. I have three degrees from university and one from a community college.

I have worked with the Humanist Movement, a grassroots organisation, for individual, social and political transformation with the main goals of peace, force and joy. We have worked towards bettering health care, strengthening an alliance of artists, transforming the environment into a world without war, currently engaging in a platform for non-violence (including economic injustice). I am always reminded of the Humanist need for coherence and overcoming contradiction in the individual and society.

As an artist, I have produced three CD’s, prose, poetry, drawings, photos, plays, films (in which I’ve written, acted, directed) and articles for various journals. My portfolio of work can be found on the internet at www.greenlion.ca. I am a practising Tibetan Buddhist, and I believe that this path can promote inner tranquility and social harmony.


Why are you running?

I am running for city idol because I believe in a socialist, real democracy, a caring environment that communicates both individual freedom and social responsibility. I have worked with a socialist theatre company in Cuba, and socially concerned arts organisations in Toronto.


What should a City Councillor be?

A city councillor should be responsive to the needs of his or her community. One should provide quality leadership and ongoing public debate. One should represent his ward on city council, addressing the needs of his or her constituency. He should promote a healthy democratic process encouraging engagement in city life.

We need new leaders.