Of the dozens of declared candidates for Toronto mayor, Michael Tramov is the only poet, professionally speaking. And not just the rhyming kind. He does it all. Here’s a guy that would speak eloquently at professional functions, and would have a real understanding of the importance of the arts as well as how to manage the books on very little income. We all have a pretty good idea how much money poets make, and it isn’t pretty. So he doesn’t have the business pedigree of John Tory, or the political experience of Olivia Chow. He speaks real pretty and has a fine grasp of the English language. And, as demonstrated during his interview, some of his ideas are quite reasonable.
What is the biggest problem facing the city of Toronto?
The biggest problem is that too many of our elected officials have treated their positions as a point of pageantry to ensure the continuation of their political power. Best example? Let's use the current Mayor for example. Rob Ford consistently votes against most proposals that would cost the city money. He looks at departments and sectors for places where he can slash the budget. This is all part of his “stopping the gravy train agenda.” That being said, under his watch a very large amount of money was spent on some chairs, the Pan Am games budget attracted some leeches and his “billion saved” turned out to be a gross misrepresentation…. The reality is that waste still happens under his watch. Pagentry.
How would I fix this? By first ensuring that I am at least peripherally aware of all of the city’s activities, followed up with a good support staff who will monitor things more closely. When confronted with something that doesn’t seen kosher, instead of waiting for the press to dig it up (as with the chairs and the Pan Am Games), the Mayor’s office would inform the public of it immediately along with the steps being taken to rectify the problem, and, in cases that warrant it, a request to TPS to investigate to see if charges could be laid. Keep it open, keep it honest, keep it accountable. Practice, not pageantry.
Are you for or against jets at Toronto Island Airport?
At this moment I am against jets for the Toronto Island Airport. With the current situation in Toronto, it is in the best interest of the people to preserve the waterfront. However, if and when the pendulum sways and the people and the city will be better served by allowing jets to land there, then obviously the situation should be readdressed.
And would you cancel the subway to Scarborough and revert to the LRT plan?
I lean towards building an LRT. It’s fiscally responsible and reaches a larger potential ridership. That being said, we have just had a rather rubbish winter and experts are saying that the next one will be just as bad and so forth. It is because of this that I think the LRT plans for Toronto need to heavily be re-examined. Despite what proponents of LRTs say about the vehicles being able to run in winter weather conditions, the transit systems cited operate either Siemens or State Built rolling stock. Toronto will be operating Bombardier rolling stock which I have yet to see operate in conditions similar to our weather.
How has being a poet prepared you to become mayor?
To be completely honest? It hasn’t much. Although I do hope it has afforded me the ability to speak publicly without relying on “Uhms” to space my thoughts. (Editor’s note: Oh snap.)
If the polling was close and you had to throw your support to another candidate, who would it be and why?
David Soknacki. He’s experienced, and he’s not a career politician.
How would you bring jobs to Toronto?
By embracing emerging technologies and providing tax breaks for foreign businesses so long as they employ a certain percentage of city residents.
And what is your elevator pitch?
If you want a mayor who is in it for the people, not the politics or the power, you should vote for me.
