Conversation two

From: Anastasios Baxevanidis

Mayoral Candidate for Richmond Hill

To: CUPE Local 905

My explanatory responses to your  inquiries

 Truth is the most difficult part in a conversation. (Aithrios)

Question 1: What kind of issues / campaigns have you participated in your local

community?

A1) Fairness and strengthening of democratic principles.

Question 2: If successful, what would be your priorities after the elections?

A2) Affordable, transparent, fair and democratic.

Question 3: What measures do you think that your municipality should be taking to ensure it is a leader in climate change adaptation and environmental projects? 

A3) Do it, not say it.

Question 4: How do you view the role of public services in your municipality? What value do you place on the people who provide these public services?

A4) We have to pull all together for a fair and democratic municipality.

Question 5: Where do you stand on alternative financing, contracting out, or privatization of public services?  What services are currently being privatized in your municipality?

A5) When a community adopts the “price mentality” and marginalizes the value system, we have a price tag for human dignity instead of a priceless value of a community of friends. However, it is not what you are teaching, but what you are preaching with your life. Unionism was in essence the new social contract between the “haves” and the people. It was a social adjustment period that was compromised by the interpreters of the ideals; later believed to be the only social power for the “middle class” to survive and prosper.  The slogan “divide and conquer” is still valid where the “united we stand” is only a reflection of a poetic metaphor, and that is because, to be a hero, you must be a good person…

Economics is the faculty of executing the best possible utilization of resources benefiting the welfare of the people.

In economics, the strategic industries, what I call “essential economic sectors”, are the protocol of the government’s executive profile.

Question 6: Please give us your views on taxes and the cost of delivering public services.

A6) Taxes are the tool for the government to correct the externalities of the economic system. Taxes must be fair and equitable.

Question 7: What is your view on the sale of public assets?

A7) The following is true when “public assets” are outsourced: the government is lazy, incapable and sold to the highest bidder unless the opportunity cost dictates otherwise.

Question 8: What is your view of transit expansion, privatization, and the role of Metrolinx?

A8) See “Step Six” in my blog.

Question 9: What work have you done on equity and human rights?  How would you promote the equity agenda?

A9) A democratic system where power is distributed equally, is fair, responsible and effective.

Question 10: If elected, what would you do to improve the lives of seniors in your municipality?

A10) The civilization (humanism, ethics, etc) of any society is measured by the degree of caring for the disabled, sick, elderly and disadvantaged members of its society.

Question 11: What are your thoughts on Long Term Care?  Do you support the “Time to Care” campaign of 4 hours of care, per resident, per day?

A11)  I said that, the institution of Nossocomic Needs became “Health Industry” with heavy duplication of professional services, tremendous drug and capital waste, and unacceptable labor productivity, due to shift arrangements and training restrictions. Just tailor the protocols for verifications.

Question 12: If elected, what would you do to improve the lives of individuals living below the poverty line, and/or homelessness in your ward/municipality?

A12) See #10.

   Question 13: What role do you think public libraries play in your community? Are you an advocate for the public library system?

A13) Libraries should be more than storage for books and reading halls. They should be places for public education through lectures, presentations on politics, on partisan planning, defining partisan philosophies, public speaking, etc... It is very sad that, Universities became technical and agricultural training Colleges.

Question 14: Do you think that all boards of the municipality should consist of elected officials and members of the community?  Or do you think they should all be appointed?  Why?

A14) Either you have a “democratic system” or oligarchy    (tyranny).

Question 15: Do you feel the head of regional council should be an elected position?  Why?

A15) See #14

Question 16: Do you feel the system used in your municipality should be “Strong Mayor” or “Powerful Executive Committee”? Why?

A16) Strong people involvement. Restructure the whole system which became dangerously undemocratic.

Question 17: What role do you see for the municipality and Municipal Councilors around economic development and protecting or creating good jobs? How would you support pro-active measures to assist workers to achieve unionization?

A17) In any social issue, the problem is lack of communication. The parties have an isolationist attitude and many reasons of suspicion, mistrust, and fear.

Paradoxically, many "Academics" support the antagonistic spirit (war for growth) of our system and not the synagonistic spirit of (peace and prosperity). I do not believe that a mayor’s job is to fix the holes on the road pavement,  attend tea parties and photo sessions.

The council of the Town is the first line of defense on any wrong doing against the people.

The value of the Council is: the non-partisan fundamentals , the definition of social political spirit and the accessibility factor of the council and the people.

The Council should be more energetic in resolving or influencing solutions for social and economic issues. Otherwise, the structure should be overhauled.

Question 18: What role do you think unions have in your community?

A18) Unions should be the example of social cooperation, achieving desirable and possible levels of social happiness.

Question 19: If you are endorsed how will you be accountable on key issues? Would you be willing to meet on a regular basis?

A19)  Synergy implies total, continuous, honest interaction of the

      social groups aiming for equitable, fair maximization of social

      welfare. (Inclusive to Question 20)

With great respect and expectations

Have a hopeful day

Anastasios Baxevanidis (BA, MA) Economist

Richmond Hill mayoral Candidate

E-mail: anastasiosbaxevanidis@gmail.com

E-mail: aithrios@gmail.com

Blog:http:anastasiosbaxevanidis.blogspot.ca