Rating: NNNNN
The Great Left Hope
Paul Summerville, NDP, St. Paul’s
At a glance Economist and banker who’s worked with RBC Dominion, TD Bank Financial Group and Deutsche Bank. Coaches minor league hockey and isn’t shy about getting his elbows dirty in the political ring. “I’m my own man,” he says.
Political pedigree Great-uncle was mayor of Toronto.
Going for him Momentum in a solid three-way race, Bay Street cred, stage presence, talent up the wazoo. St. Paul’s may be one of the most well-to-do and educated ridings in the country, but it’s not exactly a wasteland for the NDP. Forty-two per cent of area households report an annual income of less than $49,000.
Going against him The fact that Liberal incumbent Carolyn Bennett won by more than 20,000 votes last time.
What he’s selling locally A future that doesn’t look like Los Angeles – action on smog and gun violence and investment in public transit.
Odds Getting a whole lot better with Grits sliding in the polls. And Forest Hill voters are warming to his pro-Israeli-government pronouncements. (He attended Hebrew University in the late 70s.) Attracted some of the loudest applause at recent all-candidates meeting sponsored by B’nai Brith.
Quotable “Social justice and economic prosperity are two sides of the same coin. People on Bay Street get that. So does Jack Layton.”
– Compiled by NOW Staff
The Long Shot
Maurganne Mooney, NDP, Eglinton-Lawrence
At a glance Court worker with Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto and advocate for sex workers. Served in Desert Storm with 723 Halifax Communications Squadron.
Political pedigree Years of grassroots activism on justice and human rights, and on the front lines dealing with issues of violence against women. Got her start at the ripe old age of 12 fighting the Halifax police department’s zero tolerance policy.
Going for her Liberal incumbent Joe Volpe’s complacency. Presence, common touch, some great one-liners and an inspiring story: the single mom of two daughters put herself through George Brown College’s assaulted women’s and children’s counsellor/advocate program.
Going against her Mooney won’t admit it, but she’s a sacrificial lamb for the NDP, which finished a distant third to Volpe last time and has never registered with voters in this predominantly middle-class North Toronto riding.
What she’s selling locally Rudy Giuliani-inspired broken-windows anti-crime campaign. “I work with kids who are in conflict with the law,” she explains. “I know what works.”
Odds Slim to none. But the experience should be a good proving ground for a future run closer to her downtown base, perhaps municipally or for the school board.
Quotable “You’re talking to the best-kept secret in Eglinton-Lawrence.”
– Compiled by NOW Staff
On the Fringe
Liz White, Animal Alliance Environment Voters of Canada, Toronto-Centre
At a glance Leader and sole candidate of the AAEV.
Political pedigree A proven record of protecting animals as executive director of the Animal Alliance of Canada.
Going for her Warm as apple pie. A cause worth fighting for. White formed AAEV last year to circumvent the political restrictions on so-called “third-party” groups.
Going against her She doesn’t want your vote. No, she welcomes it. But she really wants voters to give their support to the NDP, because, White says, that party has the best eco record, and a strong minority government with the NDP holding the balance of power is what’s needed in the House.
What she’s selling locally A different way of looking at the political process. Don’t look at political parties or the system when voting, she advises, but at individuals who are dedicated to the cause of environmental protection.
Odds Zero, but a pretty good chance of making an impression. The group is running some provocative TV and radio ads encouraging people not to vote for the Liberals.
Quotable “Political parties, whether they have people elected or not, ought to be working to change public policy.”
– Yee-Guan Wong
news@nowtoronto.com
