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sc: Re: 'Local meeting rips strong mayor plans,' News, June 4

The mayor's plan to gain more power and to override the council's decision is absurd.

If we do not have public involvement in decision-making on an issue, then how are we democratic? If we let one person (the mayor) make all the decisions for us, then isn't that an autocratic rule?

If Mayor David Miller had the power to override the council's decision, then there are no reasons to have local representatives; without local representatives, our voices won't be heard.

There was a time (and still is) when immigrants came to Canada for a better future. Not only in education and employment, but they also wanted their voices to be heard. They wanted to have the right to make decisions alongside the government since it impacts them.

We must not forget that this nation is seen as a country of freedom. Having come from a country undergoing a civil war, I personally understand the necessity for our voices to be heard through our local representatives. It's a fundamental right that we all have, and it's the only tie between Torontonians and the government. If we let go of that tie, then we're back at point zero - we might as well go back to our home country.

We cannot change our system in favour of the mayor since it takes away our rights of being an active citizen involved in decision-making. We need to consider all the pros and cons before coming to a decision, and I'd say the mayor hasn't looked at the cons of his proposed system.

Suba Thambirasa