As Mayor Tory’s first year winds up, the general consensus is that he and the city council are doing a good job. His approval rating is high, he works hard, and Toronto City Council is generally united on the major issues that come before the chamber for approval.

I also have another method of judging success that is less scientific but accurate nine times out of 10. Things are going well for a mayor when people are not talking about city hall at the water cooler, dog park or at dinner parties, as they were when both Miller and Ford were mayor.  

The reason that people aren’t talking about city hall is because the general view is that it is functioning normally. 

People believe that Tory cares about the welfare of the city and those that live within it. When politicians have the trust of those they serve, they are doing a good job. However there are some issues that I believe Tory should pay close attention to during the remainder of his term.  

A key issue facing the administration is policing. It is not just the cost that is now over $1 billion, it is also the way people, particularly in North Toronto, feel about the police response. 

Although our city is safe by any standard, North Toronto is more heavily impacted by break-ins than other neighbourhoods. Break-ins are serious because it is not easy to feel secure once your home has been invaded, your privacy violated and your possessions stolen. What is also concerning is the response by the police during and after a burglary. The response is slow and rarely are thieves caught or possessions returned. People begin to wonder what $1 billion is buying.

It has often been considered political suicide to take on the police and their budget, but now might be the time to take action that would not have been possible a few years ago. Particularly when the cost of policing is compared to other services. 

Tory was elected on a pledge to improve transit and transportation within the city. The TTC receives less than half of the funding that the police receive, and fares have gone up each year he has been in office. 

I also think Tory would be well advised to focus on the transit projects that have been approved but not yet built instead of promoting SmartTrack. The focus and pressure should really be on the approved and funded transit plans. Other controversial issues are being resolved: the island airport will not expand, and garbage collection east of Yonge will likely not be outsourced.

All in all, I think the mayor should celebrate a good first year.