I went to round 2 of the City Idol competition last night at Kathedral at the corner of Queen and Bathurst. 24 of the 26 candidates made it out, and each was given the opportunity to give an 60 second opening speech, a 20 second prepared answer (on the subject of public engagement), 3 impromptu questions collected from the audience, and a closing speech.
Dave Meslin MC’d the slightly ad-hoc event over the rumbling from the passing streetcars with only a slight mix-up with the candidate ordering. Many of the candidates were running for Wards 19 and 20, and the issues talked about reflected mainly downtown-related issues.
The crowd was on the progressive side, with supporters of Bicycle lanes, public transit, gender issues, pedestrian days and safe drug use centres. Ryan Hayes suggested the idea of a city forum, similar to the one set up in London. Paul Harrison took an idea from a town in Brazil and suggested giving points for recycling that could be redeemed for free or discounted rides on transit. Adam Clare just wanted to make everyone feel warm and fuzzy that things were good. HiMY SYeD suggested Toronto introduce its own currency, to empower local businesses and organizations. Ari Goldkind wanted to introduce short-term accountability measures, including kicking out councillors that do not live up to their election promises. A couple of Kennsginton-area candidates dropped out to pool their support behind Michael Louis Johnson, who spoke at length about the crisis of air, energy and water.
There were lots of shouters, and a few dramatics, but by around 11, 6 people moved on to the final round, which happens tonight at the Lula Lounge at 8 pm. This includes my friend, Desmond Cole.
