Candidate: Sean McKay

Who are you?

I am an early thirties Torontonian from the High Park area. I have lived in Toronto since I was two weeks old and have no plans of leaving. Moreover, I have lived in High Park since I was four years old. (Not the Park itself, but the neighbourhood.) I can safely say that I live in the best neighbourhood of the best city of the best country in the world.


Why are you running?

I am running for City Idol because our democracy is only as strong as we make it. I am proud to be part of a city that has invented such an innovative and exciting way of celebrating democracy and I want to support it. How better can I support democracy than by taking part?

In order to make my candidacy interesting I have developed a platform to run on. I will advocate administrative reforms in the departments of parking enforcement and public health, strategies to encourage development of robust communities and community safety initiatives that would encourage greater participation by victims of crime.


What should a City Councillor be?

A City Councilor should be a mix of visionary and representative: there is a balance that must exist between meeting the tangible needs of one‚s constituents and of challenging us all to imagine what the future can be. One without the other is always incomplete and destined to fail. On the other hand, finding the balance is what separates the Great ones from the flakes.


Anything else?

City Councilors are the most democratic aspect of our democratic system. They work harder than other politicians and are paid less. The system they work in is less amenable to change (although it is being restructured) and they must campaign more often. One thing a City Councilor is is dedicated - and this is what they should continue to be.

We need new leaders.