Tuesday, July 28, 2009

A smelly deal for Mayor Miller, and Torontonians

If the reports of the terms of the settlement in the Toronto garbage/others strike we're hearing are true (a virtual surrender by Mayor Miller) then a lot of people are going to have a hard time swallowing this. If you were going to capitulate, why not do it at the start, before enduring a long strike and allowing rotting stinking garbage to pile up in our parks?

People would have been more forgiving if it could be seen that enduring the strike had accomplished something, had generated real concessions on wages and this ridiculous sick-banking system to bring compensation in-line with the economic realities of the city, the country, and its citizens like myself, who are taking pay-cuts to keep our jobs, not getting generous wage increases.

By all reports, this deal stinks. I've never really gotten involved in municipal politics since I moved to Toronto, but next election I think that's going to change. If there's a strong, centerist candidate to oppose David Miller then I want to help. My fear, though, is another right-wing nut job being the only alternative, letting Miller slide back in again as the lesser evil.

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4 comments:

Robert McClelland said...

If you were going to capitulate, why not do it at the start, before enduring a long strike and allowing rotting stinking garbage to pile up in our parks?

Immediate capitulation wouldn't have shaved about $250 million in salaries off the city's budget. Think of this event as a Miller Month and your confusion will disappear.

Unknown said...

If true, Miller has just handed a gift to the people trying to get John Tory to run again, although it still may not be enough to convince him/his family.

Gary Hilson said...

Robert: Did the salary savings get offset by overtime of managers and the forthcoming cleanup costs? I think the jury is still out on that, but I hope you're right, that we at least ultimately saved some money.

Jeff: Totally agree with you; not impressed with Miller but a complete right wing mayor will not be any better. I am seriously concerned about the sustainability of this city regardless of ideologies.

Monkey Loves to Fight said...

I certainly won't be voting for Miller and his incompetent minions. As for having a centrist option, I suspect we will since most Tories in Toronto are old PCs and many have left the Conservatives altogether. Most of the neo-conservatives live in the 905 belt and so they only work in Toronto, not live there and you vote where you live not work. I suspect the alternative to Miller will either by a Liberal or Red Tory which either I could happily support.