The Atkinson Principles

I am very proud of my Father, Frank Gordan Atkinson, who passed away on August the 16th of this year. In his death, I searched for something to do that would give back to society as he did freely - a positive way to grieve. 

https://skwarchukfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/6324/Frank-Atkinson/obituary.html#tribute-start

 I realized that he and my mother had imparted to me superb values that I did not always heed. As many of us have done, I often pondered what I would do if I could effect change to the status quo in our city.  The answer was right in front of me - run for office and fashion my platform on these values and choose to address the inconvenient topics others may ignore.  

Long before I came along, Joseph Atkinson, the journalist and philanthropist who resurrected the Toronto Star newspaper about a century ago, fiercely believed in Canada, social rights, civil liberties, community and people, worker's rights and the necessary role of government. Ideals that are summed up in a legacy of five principles reflecting his day and age. I have known of these principles for quite some time as my shared last name drew me to read them many years ago.  It is not hard to be inspired by such achievements. 

I have seven principles to present that reflect the day and age I live in today. They are my guide in formulating my policies in my run for mayor of Toronto. 

1. No citizen is left behind and most importantly we look after the most vulnerable in our city. Society will prosper when this is our core objective and the pursuit of happiness will be within reach of all.
2. City workers, including the police and fire department, need the tools and more training to modernize and effect positive change for the future, instead of falling behind the expectations of the public 
3. All large corporations have to understand that they have to be good corporate citizens while generating income in our city.
4. Elected officials have to pursue policies that sustain the health, happiness and welfare of the public with a sound economic approach for the long run - no compromises! The mayor's office need not be granted further powers by the province to do this!
5. Transparent accounting of all city systems and performance clauses for all contractors employed by the city; the details of which, could and should be shared in a new way through social media platform announcements that the public is likely to see.
6. The City of Toronto, lead by the Mayor's office,  needs to negotiate with the province of Ontario from a position of strength and sound planning. Our fiscal house has to be in order to achieve this. 
7.  Elected officials have to be held accountable for their promises.