by Glenn Stewart Coles

Monday, November 6, 2006

End Game

With only one week remaining until Ontario's municipal elections, the atmosphere is exciting. Who will win the elections, and what direction will Toronto go? As one potential councilor said to me, 'it's a crap shoot'. In her ward there are 15 candidates running for one position. While the media tends to state favorites, the numbers are different in every poll. Nothing has been decided yet.

The bias of media reporting is simply amazing. On Friday November 4, I participated in a mayoral debate at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto. Also on stage were fellow candidates Jane Pitfield, Stephen Ledrew, Scott Yee and Joseph Young. Included in the audience of 250 was mayoral candidate Shaun Bruce, and numerous candidates for councilor positions in the nearby wards. Only one reporter identified herself, Susan O'Neal from the Scarborough Mirror. Current mayor David Miller had confirmed his attendance, but unfortunately his chair on stage left sat empty all evening.

The event was exciting and successful, and numerous topics were discussed. After rounds of questions from the moderator that each candidate answered, the audience lined up at microphones to ask more questions. Candidates addressed such topics as hate and discrimination, violence against teenage women, the smell from a local garbage processing facility, and opinions about falun gong and the defense of human rights. Over the two-hour event, each candidate had clear opportunities to state position and persuade the audience.

In the Toronto Star, there was no coverage of the debate at the Islamic Foundation of Toronto. However, in their November 6 edition, there is an article with the headline 'Miller Only Candidate at Debate for Muslims'. Apparently this event was held Sunday, with only three invitees. Ladrew canceled due to illness, and now Pitfield has to explain why she wasn't there. Once again, the Toronto Star has shaped public perception.

Over the next week, all candidates will be attempting to influence voters. Opinions and polls have varied throughout the campaign, and while some advance voting has taken place, the outcome of the election really depends on what the people of Toronto feel on November 13. Until then, nothing is decided.

As for my chances at winning this election, 'it ain't over 'til it's over'. The world is connected and ideas travel fast. I have spoken to hundreds of people over the past two months, and every time I speak people inform me that I have their vote. Every day people visit my web site and read about Real Change. Though the media that influences public thought has basically ignored all but three candidates, the underground has a secret. There are other candidates in this race.

This week, the people of Toronto may recognize the incredible opportunity that we have. With one day of voting, we can change the way that government works in this country. We can begin to evolve into a city that shines, and show the world how it is done. We can take vast steps forward in the resolution of poverty issues, the saving of our environment, the empowerment of individuals, and the healing of our city. All we need to do is vote for Real Change. Vote Glenn Coles for Mayor, November 13, 2006.