Tuesday, November 4, 2003
Letter to the Editor / Toronto’s Next Mayor
METRONOME supporters know of our long and winding road with the City of Toronto. Councillors consistently supported the project while their staff attempted to derail it. Mayor Lastman wrote letters of support while his staff recommended the project be abandoned. Seven days after announcing Panasonic as the $5 million Lead Sponsor, senior City staff requested that we vacate the property. Six months after being locked out, the City presented me with the Canada Day Achievement Award for "outstanding contributions to the community".
Rumours that our city is troubled are all too true. We experienced it. An award-winning cultural initiative that has achieved unprecedented support from across Canada should not be getting mixed messages from the city it will benefit. Fortunately, many Councillors continue to be strong supporters and we will soon announce some exciting new developments.
Through all our highs and lows with the City, we witnessed a remarkable individual. A moderate, steadfast person who consistently demonstrated a level of intelligence and integrity at odds with his surroundings. A man with vision and a sense of purpose and the persuasive ability to rally support. METRONOME supporters should also know that he advocated successfully on our behalf and he went out of his way to encourage me personally.
On November 10th, please join me with a vote for an exceptional candidate for Mayor . . . David Miller.
John Harris
President
METRONOME CANADA FOUNDATION
Harris Institute for the Arts
416-367-0178
johnharris@metronomecanada.com