Jennifer Smith

I was very pleased to see the Milton race profiled on page 2 of the GTA section of today's Star - and even more pleased to see my photo so prominently displayed.

Milton council candidate Jennifer Smith is running in Ward 2. STEVE RUSSELL/TORONTO STAR

The issues? Transit, gridlock, apathy and, of course, taxes Phinjo Gombu Urban Affairs Reporter More public transit, less gridlock, the preservation of precious farmland and rising property taxes are some of the issues that are resonating with voters in the 905 municipalities that surround Toronto. The Oct. 25 election is also one where several incumbent mayors, from Oshawa to Vaughan to Burlington, face tough challenges from opponents who say they don’t have what it takes to remake their towns and cities that are starting to see development dollars fade and provincial pressure to build up, not out. The change in the air that is being sought is fuelled by political rancour, voter discontent and the ambitions of first-time candidates. Consider:  • In the fast-growing town of Milton, the resignation of three longtime incumbents, Rick Day, Barry Lee and Wendy Schau, and the creation of three new wards, to accommodate the influx of tens of thousands of new residents, mean half of council will be replaced.

Not too bad, despite the error about the number of new wards (there are 4). The print version has a different photo and the following quote underneath:

"We are facing real problems here - what interests me is finding real, practical solutions. I am running for council because I want to make a real difference for my town, my family and for my neighbours."

Read the rest of the article here.