Where Charlene Stands on the Big Issues Facing Toronto:
1. How would you tackle the city's financial challenges?
I want to have a closer look at what is happening right now, and I haven't had that time to look and see what has been happening, to give you a positive answer.
2. What would you do with the city's tax rate?
With regards to taxes I do not plan to raise them and I definitely will be looking at ways to cut them.
3. What would you do to lower the city's crime rate?
Crime is an issue I will definitely address. I also know the police have strained relations sometimes with youth. Some of those youth are not in any violation of the law, however they have been accused, assaulted on a daily basis, and we definitely need to address those issues.
4. What are your thoughts on Transit City?
In regards to transit I have always used it, I have been driving for many years even decades. I would really like to see more buses, but smaller buses because the big ones are always empty.
5. Should the city be painting more bike lanes?
I am thinking that as much as bike lanes are important, I do not think they should be on every street.
6. Do you believe the city should charge road tolls?
I think I will decide against it. I feel it needs to be studied.
7. How would you go about cleaning up the city?
Pollution is a huge issue that involves Torontonians health; it definitely needs to be looked at.
8. What would you do to breathe even more life into our city?
I am definitely for arts and culture, I believe more people in the city need to understand the whole process. I would look at the budget allocated for young people to get involved in the arts and the film industry.
9. What would you do to improve transparency inside city hall?
I feel Torontonians need to be more engaged and have better understanding of the workings of city hall. I would also like to see better relationships between the different areas of government.
10. What is your big idea for the city?
I think we need to be educated. I have been educated and still have missing links. A better partnership between levels of government needs to be legislated.