This blog is not updated regularly. I just use it for things that don't quite fit on my website or need something longer than a status update or Twitter post.
To keep most up-to-date, check out my Twitter account: http://twitter.com/ericksonfor14
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Some quotes from the Parkdale meeting on recent violence
Tonight, the Parkdale Community Crisis Response and Recovery Network held a special meeting for the community to come out and share their views on the recent shootings and violence in our area as well as ask any questions they might have.
I attended and spent my energy listening and thinking. As someone who has worked with vulnerable, poor and sometimes gang-involved youth for almost 20 years, I do have some thoughts on what strategies work for young people but tonight was a night to really listen to the pain and insight of the people of Parkdale.
Below I have typed out quotes I heard tonight. I think, as a group, they give you some idea as to how passionate and diverse the group’s views are.
We need more lights on Close Ave. – it’s too dark there.
The parkette between Jameson Ave and Close Ave is very dangerous at night.
If you see dirty needles around, don’t pick them up. Call the Parkdale Health Centre at 416-537-2455 and someone will clean it up for you. There are people on staff who do this as part of their job.
Nothing has changed in this neighbourhood since I was 13. I am 20 now and nothing has gotten better.
Where are we living? Isn’t this Toronto?
It’s important to realize there isn’t a good relationship between police and our young people and our poor people.....but we are trying to build bridges.
Maybe we should have a community clean-up and bring pride back to our community.
When I lived on MacDonell, I phoned the police late at night because someone was being badly beaten up on the street. In fact, 6 of us called. The police arrived the next morning.
You tell us these were targeted shootings but anyone could have gotten hit. What if the shooter has bad aim?
As each of my children have grown up, there has been less and less for them to do over the years. Where have all these services and programs gone?
Sometimes we feel like the police don’t care. After the shooting of my brother and sister’s friends, as soon as we got subsidized housing, my mom moved us out of Parkdale. We left. And now I come back and can’t believe I once thought all this was normal.
Even since my friend got killed last week, I am scared to death. When night comes, I get inside.
I am worried about walking from King St. to my place on Jameson. I work shift work. There are kids out at all hours. There is gambling all over the street. I was robbed and now I am scared to walk home at night.
I work with people who are street-involved, including some drug dealers. One of the main problems is there are no decent jobs for these people. We spend money on the police, on the courts, on jail but we can’t afford to pay people $15 an hour to help them get out of this lifestyle?
I am concerned about the influx of police in our area. I see random young men of colour being stopped and questioned without cause. I work with youth and many of the young men of colour say they’ve been stopped and asked for their I.D. without being detained or arrested. Why are we collecting information on young black men in our community? What options do they have of they don’t want to give any information?
Prostitutes and drug users are also members of our community. They are also mothers with children. I want us to balance our need for safety with tolerance.
We go through hell. When I come home at 12:30 from working, I am greeted by these young guys who tell me ‘this is my turf’. They tell me they are the prince here. I tell them if they are the prince, then I am the queen! My building is a community. Parkdale is ours! We should take it back.
I’ve lived here for 37 years. But now, it’s a sin to bring up my granddaughter up in this neighbourhood the way it is now.
When I was younger, I was involved with lots of activities at the community centre. I haven’t been seeing many activities on the bulletin board lately.
I called the police and the officer was so terrible to me. I think it is because my English isn’t so good. He yelled at me and was rude. I said I would never call the police again. When my daughter calls the police, her English is very good, and she gets treated very well. I would ask the police, please, when we call, speak with us gently and be patient with us.
Maybe it’s time we had a town hall meeting with the superintendents of both police divisions and let them know what we think and what’s going on.
Maybe there should be different types of policing. Not just squad cars that come in.
Lots of our kids are hungry. Lots of our kids want something to do. We need a youth space. What about OV’s? It’s been empty for a long time. We could turn it into a youth centre or lounge.
Action that we were encouraged to take:
Join the Parkdale Community Crisis Response and Recovery Network mailing list and find out about any upcoming meetings and events:
Shirley Hepditch
416-537-0275 ext 302
shirley.hepditch@pchc.on.ca
Call the police if you witness a crime
911
If you don’t want an officer to come to your door, tell them clearly you don’t want to speak with an officer in person and they will call you back instead of coming in person.
Call the police to get involved in the Community Police Liaison Committee
416-808-2222
You can report crimes or tips anonymously at:
222-TIPS
You can find out more about your rights at:
Parkdale Community Legal Services
416-531-2411
I attended and spent my energy listening and thinking. As someone who has worked with vulnerable, poor and sometimes gang-involved youth for almost 20 years, I do have some thoughts on what strategies work for young people but tonight was a night to really listen to the pain and insight of the people of Parkdale.
Below I have typed out quotes I heard tonight. I think, as a group, they give you some idea as to how passionate and diverse the group’s views are.
We need more lights on Close Ave. – it’s too dark there.
The parkette between Jameson Ave and Close Ave is very dangerous at night.
If you see dirty needles around, don’t pick them up. Call the Parkdale Health Centre at 416-537-2455 and someone will clean it up for you. There are people on staff who do this as part of their job.
Nothing has changed in this neighbourhood since I was 13. I am 20 now and nothing has gotten better.
Where are we living? Isn’t this Toronto?
It’s important to realize there isn’t a good relationship between police and our young people and our poor people.....but we are trying to build bridges.
Maybe we should have a community clean-up and bring pride back to our community.
When I lived on MacDonell, I phoned the police late at night because someone was being badly beaten up on the street. In fact, 6 of us called. The police arrived the next morning.
You tell us these were targeted shootings but anyone could have gotten hit. What if the shooter has bad aim?
As each of my children have grown up, there has been less and less for them to do over the years. Where have all these services and programs gone?
Sometimes we feel like the police don’t care. After the shooting of my brother and sister’s friends, as soon as we got subsidized housing, my mom moved us out of Parkdale. We left. And now I come back and can’t believe I once thought all this was normal.
Even since my friend got killed last week, I am scared to death. When night comes, I get inside.
I am worried about walking from King St. to my place on Jameson. I work shift work. There are kids out at all hours. There is gambling all over the street. I was robbed and now I am scared to walk home at night.
I work with people who are street-involved, including some drug dealers. One of the main problems is there are no decent jobs for these people. We spend money on the police, on the courts, on jail but we can’t afford to pay people $15 an hour to help them get out of this lifestyle?
I am concerned about the influx of police in our area. I see random young men of colour being stopped and questioned without cause. I work with youth and many of the young men of colour say they’ve been stopped and asked for their I.D. without being detained or arrested. Why are we collecting information on young black men in our community? What options do they have of they don’t want to give any information?
Prostitutes and drug users are also members of our community. They are also mothers with children. I want us to balance our need for safety with tolerance.
We go through hell. When I come home at 12:30 from working, I am greeted by these young guys who tell me ‘this is my turf’. They tell me they are the prince here. I tell them if they are the prince, then I am the queen! My building is a community. Parkdale is ours! We should take it back.
I’ve lived here for 37 years. But now, it’s a sin to bring up my granddaughter up in this neighbourhood the way it is now.
When I was younger, I was involved with lots of activities at the community centre. I haven’t been seeing many activities on the bulletin board lately.
I called the police and the officer was so terrible to me. I think it is because my English isn’t so good. He yelled at me and was rude. I said I would never call the police again. When my daughter calls the police, her English is very good, and she gets treated very well. I would ask the police, please, when we call, speak with us gently and be patient with us.
Maybe it’s time we had a town hall meeting with the superintendents of both police divisions and let them know what we think and what’s going on.
Maybe there should be different types of policing. Not just squad cars that come in.
Lots of our kids are hungry. Lots of our kids want something to do. We need a youth space. What about OV’s? It’s been empty for a long time. We could turn it into a youth centre or lounge.
Action that we were encouraged to take:
Join the Parkdale Community Crisis Response and Recovery Network mailing list and find out about any upcoming meetings and events:
Shirley Hepditch
416-537-0275 ext 302
shirley.hepditch@pchc.on.ca
Call the police if you witness a crime
911
If you don’t want an officer to come to your door, tell them clearly you don’t want to speak with an officer in person and they will call you back instead of coming in person.
Call the police to get involved in the Community Police Liaison Committee
416-808-2222
You can report crimes or tips anonymously at:
222-TIPS
You can find out more about your rights at:
Parkdale Community Legal Services
416-531-2411
Friday, September 24, 2010
The state of the Blog
Hi all. So, as it turns out, I have been very active on Twitter and on my website with daily updates....but not so much on the Blog.
There is a chance I might use this blog again but for now, you should check these out for regular updates:
Website: www.michaelerickson.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ericksonfor14
There is a chance I might use this blog again but for now, you should check these out for regular updates:
Website: www.michaelerickson.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ericksonfor14
Sunday, July 18, 2010
MEDIA ADVISORY
MICHAEL ERICKSON LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR
CITY COUNCILLOR, WARD 14 (PARKDALE – HIGH PARK)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18 2010
Contact: Michael Erickson
416 531 9540
info@michaelerickson.org
TORONTO, ONTARIO – Local teacher, activist and poet Michael Erickson launches his campaign for City Councillor in Parkdale – High Park, Ward 14. Less than 3 weeks after declaring his candidacy, Erickson introduces his platform and vision and invites his supporters to celebrate his decision which is already sparking a new interest in municipal politics.
DATE:
Thursday July 22 2010
TIME:
7pm start
8:15pm speech
LOCATION:
1378 Queen St. West, Toronto
Blondie’s Cafe/Bar
The evening will start with short live performances, followed by a speech from Erickson then there will be DJs the rest of the night. This event is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
For more information on Michael Erickson’ Four Areas of Focus and his experience, please see the campaign website: www.michaelerickson.org
# # #
MICHAEL ERICKSON LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR
CITY COUNCILLOR, WARD 14 (PARKDALE – HIGH PARK)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18 2010
Contact: Michael Erickson
416 531 9540
info@michaelerickson.org
TORONTO, ONTARIO – Local teacher, activist and poet Michael Erickson launches his campaign for City Councillor in Parkdale – High Park, Ward 14. Less than 3 weeks after declaring his candidacy, Erickson introduces his platform and vision and invites his supporters to celebrate his decision which is already sparking a new interest in municipal politics.
DATE:
Thursday July 22 2010
TIME:
7pm start
8:15pm speech
LOCATION:
1378 Queen St. West, Toronto
Blondie’s Cafe/Bar
The evening will start with short live performances, followed by a speech from Erickson then there will be DJs the rest of the night. This event is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
For more information on Michael Erickson’ Four Areas of Focus and his experience, please see the campaign website: www.michaelerickson.org
# # #
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Toronto Open Budget Initiative
Last night I attended the Toronto Open Budget Initiative’s public launch and candidate information session. The night began with the some impassioned and honest speeches as to why the City Budget should follow the 6 TOBI principles of: Inclusiveness; Accessibility; Integrity & Transparency; Influence; Accountability; and Flexibility & Transformation. It ended with a review of their Recommended Actions.
Because TOBI doesn’t have a website and I couldn’t find this all easily online, I have copied all the key TOBI information at the end of this message.
The Principles and Values of TOBI pretty much match my own value system so I am obvious supporter. The trick is, with a city the size of Toronto and a machine the size of the budget it’s going to be a long time before resident’s voices have any significant impact on how budget priorities and process are set. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying. Just because something is going to be complicated or messy doesn’t mean we should give up (if we did, how many of us would bother dating!). And there might not be immediate effects. In a world increasingly full of instant gratification, maybe this is a good exercise in change as a process.
I could go on about this, but instead I am going to share with you some of my favourite quotes from the speakers last night about the current state of the Toronto budget process and their hopes for the future.
On why we need to open up the budget to public feedback...
At this point, we don’t even get the chance to tell people what our dreams are
On why youth don’t feel invested in the budget process.....
Youth know the truth. They know the truth that their voices aren’t heard here.
Keegan Henry-Mathieu
On the lack of public consultation
The staff work on the budget for 9 months of the year. With their heads down and their doors closed.
Jane Mercer
On what’s changed under Miller.....
In the last few years, our opportunities for input have diminished
Jane Mercer
On a budget that doesn’t adapt to the changing needs of Toronto
Where is the growth? Where is the learning?
We are asking for a transformation of what democracy looks like in Toronto......we need a process that fits Toronto.
Melissa Wong
Responding to the idea that citizens won’t be able to cut from budgets
We can, as citizens, make hard decisions if they need to be made.....We need to have honest conversations with residents where it’s all on the table.
Melissa Wong
It’s not enough to be critical of what exists but to be constructive.
Winston Tinglin
I endorse the principles and values below. I am going to spend some time thinking about the recommended actions and I welcome your feedback as I reflect on my decision.
To find out more about the Budget and Civic Engagement, this site might be a good place to start: http://www.toronto.ca/civic-engagement/civics101/index.htm
Because TOBI doesn’t have a website and I couldn’t find this all easily online, I have copied all the key TOBI information at the end of this message.
The Principles and Values of TOBI pretty much match my own value system so I am obvious supporter. The trick is, with a city the size of Toronto and a machine the size of the budget it’s going to be a long time before resident’s voices have any significant impact on how budget priorities and process are set. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying. Just because something is going to be complicated or messy doesn’t mean we should give up (if we did, how many of us would bother dating!). And there might not be immediate effects. In a world increasingly full of instant gratification, maybe this is a good exercise in change as a process.
I could go on about this, but instead I am going to share with you some of my favourite quotes from the speakers last night about the current state of the Toronto budget process and their hopes for the future.
On why we need to open up the budget to public feedback...
At this point, we don’t even get the chance to tell people what our dreams are
On why youth don’t feel invested in the budget process.....
Youth know the truth. They know the truth that their voices aren’t heard here.
Keegan Henry-Mathieu
On the lack of public consultation
The staff work on the budget for 9 months of the year. With their heads down and their doors closed.
Jane Mercer
On what’s changed under Miller.....
In the last few years, our opportunities for input have diminished
Jane Mercer
On a budget that doesn’t adapt to the changing needs of Toronto
Where is the growth? Where is the learning?
We are asking for a transformation of what democracy looks like in Toronto......we need a process that fits Toronto.
Melissa Wong
Responding to the idea that citizens won’t be able to cut from budgets
We can, as citizens, make hard decisions if they need to be made.....We need to have honest conversations with residents where it’s all on the table.
Melissa Wong
It’s not enough to be critical of what exists but to be constructive.
Winston Tinglin
I endorse the principles and values below. I am going to spend some time thinking about the recommended actions and I welcome your feedback as I reflect on my decision.
Toronto Open Budget Initiative: Declaration
Principles and Values
Given that a city’s budget reflects its priorities and aspirations, Toronto Open Budget Initiative (TOBI) believes a more open budget process will result in greater mutual understanding and a stronger commitment to our city among all residents. Therefore TOBI believes that the City of Toronto, including the Mayor and all City Councillors, should embrace and uphold a more open budget process that reflects all of the following principles and values.
Inclusiveness
• Equity-seeking groups and those not traditionally engaged are empowered to be an integral part of the budget process
• Opportunities for a diverse range of values and perspectives
Accessibility
• Process is accessible to residents of Toronto across the city, and throughout the entire budget process from beginning to end
• Barriers to participation are reduced
• Residents to have access and input into the entire budget cycle
Integrity and Transparency
• Openness and full disclosure in all aspects of the budget process including:
documentation, participation, communication, and decision-making
Influence
• Meaningful and timely input and participation of residents affects priorities, budget processes and decisions
• Provide space and time to weigh options and develop common understandings through an open public process
Accountability
• City to create accountability mechanisms and measurements that are accessible to residents
Flexibility and Transformation
• Openness to consider new ideas, existing and new budget process models
• Results lead to a democratic, resident-centred, open budget process
2010/11 Recommended Actions
Working within the above principles, the Toronto Open Budget Initiative recommends the following actions to be taken to make immediate improvements to the budget process:
Beginning in April of every year, public meetings to be held with City staff at Division level; with Agencies, Boards, Commissions, and Corporations; and on a city-wide basis. Where:
o City to present priorities and issues
o Residents to present their priorities and issues
o City staff to document residents’ input and incorporate into budget decisions
o City to hold meetings in wards and locally
TOBI proposes that a mechanism be set up that will allow the Budget Committee to hold initial public deputations by October on budget recommendations and priorities.
Since capital expenditures affect resources in the current Operating Budget it is
important that the City releases both the Capital and Operating Budgets closer
together so that residents can consider the implications on each other.
o Both Capital and Operating recommended budgets be released before decisions are finalised on either
Recommended budgets are sent to standing committees for review and public deputations
The City should provide more detailed information about its financial position, and help the public access budget information by:
o Establishing a process to enable residents to request budget information from
staff
o Making an inventory of budget documents available to the public
The Civic Engagement Office in conjunction with the community and the Diversity Management and Community Engagement Office develop, resource and facilitate a Residents’ Budget Academy
The audit be tied to public outreach, including:
o More understandable budget materials in process and audit
o Make the audit more user-friendly
Apply the City of Toronto Equity Lens to the City budget and report on the resulting equity analysis
To find out more about the Budget and Civic Engagement, this site might be a good place to start: http://www.toronto.ca/civic-engagement/civics101/index.htm
Sunday, July 11, 2010
A Hint of Things To Come
I made my campaign Facebook group public today. You can check it out HERE. You can see my Four Areas of Focus and my experience before the rest of the world does on my website.
My website will be launched at the end of next week. The official campaign launch party will be Thursday July 22nd....more details coming soon!
My website will be launched at the end of next week. The official campaign launch party will be Thursday July 22nd....more details coming soon!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Prologue
Prologue
On Friday July 2nd I got off the streetcar in front of Nathan Phillips Square. I bought some fries from the chip wagon, doused it in more salt and vinegar than is probably healthy and then I sat down. I took my time eating my fries, looking at all the people, sneaking a few glances at the building and paying attention to my emotions.
And everything felt just right.
Once I was done eating, I put on my ipod and searched for just the right song for the moment. Then I found it - “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” by Cat Stevens. Feeling no doubt or fear, I slowly walking in the building and signed a few papers that would change my life.
At 12:55 pm on July 22nd 2010 I became a candidate for City Councillor in Ward 14, Parkdale – High Park.
I walked out and sent a few texts messages. And I was a little surprised. I didn’t feel excited, giddy or a rush of adrenaline. I just felt very, very calm. And then I knew for certain that I had made one of the best decisions in my life.
Thanks for reading this blog. I can’t promise I will post consistently because the next 3 months are going to be filled with wonder and unpredictability. But if you and I both do our best, I’m sure it’ll all work out alright.
On Friday July 2nd I got off the streetcar in front of Nathan Phillips Square. I bought some fries from the chip wagon, doused it in more salt and vinegar than is probably healthy and then I sat down. I took my time eating my fries, looking at all the people, sneaking a few glances at the building and paying attention to my emotions.
And everything felt just right.
Once I was done eating, I put on my ipod and searched for just the right song for the moment. Then I found it - “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” by Cat Stevens. Feeling no doubt or fear, I slowly walking in the building and signed a few papers that would change my life.
At 12:55 pm on July 22nd 2010 I became a candidate for City Councillor in Ward 14, Parkdale – High Park.
I walked out and sent a few texts messages. And I was a little surprised. I didn’t feel excited, giddy or a rush of adrenaline. I just felt very, very calm. And then I knew for certain that I had made one of the best decisions in my life.
Thanks for reading this blog. I can’t promise I will post consistently because the next 3 months are going to be filled with wonder and unpredictability. But if you and I both do our best, I’m sure it’ll all work out alright.
test....
I spent some wonderful time today at the Civil Liberties Day of Action and then later at Afrofest.
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