Nunziata assesses priorities in re-election

For the chair of the Weston Community Coalition, the lack of a community centre in Ward 11 is a big concern. A $26 million plan for a recreation centre at Black Creek Drive and Eglinton Avenue West is in the works, but Mike Sullivan believes it’s not really a community centre for the area.

“There isn’t a community there because nobody lives at Black Creek and Eglinton,” he said. “It’ll be nice when it’s done, but please don’t tell me it’s our community.”

Sullivan wanted a new councillor in York-South-Weston to help realize his community centre idea. However, Sullivan said since Frances Nunziata was re-elected, so he’s content to work with her.

Nunziata won a landslide victory Monday night; Nunziata had 66 per cent of the votes, totaling over 10,000. Fulvio Sansone finished second with 2,290 votes, followed by Leo Marhsall with 1,718 votes and Abdi Hashised with 1,235 votes. Serving her fourth term in Ward 11, she says the municipal elections were different this time around. Nunziata met her supporters at the Army-Navy Veterans Hall after the ballots were counted.

“There were a lot of people that came out to vote, and a lot of people asking me questions on who to vote for,” she said. “I’m so happy that Rob Ford is mayor.”

As for Sullivan’s views about a recreation centre, Nunziata doesn’t necessary agree. She says city hall doesn’t build those facilities in every community.

“The recreation centre is part of Ward 11 and is part of Ward 12,” Nunziata said. “And the reason they chose that site is because it’s accessible for North York, Toronto and Etobicoke.”

She’s facing other challenges in Ward 11. Poverty and crime are important issues, with Mount Dennis labelled as one of 13 Toronto “priority neighbourhoods.” Transportation is a hot topic too, with plans for an express rail link from Union Station through Weston to Pearson International Airport.

As well, Nunziata says the former Kodak Canada factory lands should be used for a TTC streetcar garage.

“I’m the one who sent the letter to the TTC asking them to step in and show an interest to the property,” she said. “It’s my initiative that got TTC interested.”

Nunziata had these comments about being re-elected.

“The … landslide shows that my constituents appreciate the hard work (I have done) in the past 22 years,” she said. “It makes me feel so good to know that I’m appreciated.”

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By: Roger Tran
Posted: Oct 27 2010 10:21 am
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Filed under: News Toronto Votes 2010
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