Underlying Politics: Kristyn Wong-Tam

Toronto

Last weekend, while wandering Pride, I met three people who really wanted to talk AT me. You guessed it: hopeful politicians all vying for my vote.

Today: Kristyn Wong-Tam

As we push through the throngs of people during the Pride celebrations on Church Street, a smiley faced woman waves a pamphlet in my over-stimulated field of view. I look down and it has a familiar face on it. Kristyn!

About ten years ago I was painting as a hobby. Massive canvases of single panel outtakes from comics. One day, on a whim, I asked the manager, Kristyn, of Timothy’s at Church and Alexander (the outlet affectionately known as “The Bear Store”) if they had space to hang and sell. She had me showing work within a month. I went on to show stuff there 3 times over the years and would sell out every time (except for the AstroBoy vs Pinocchio – I still have that one).

I told the woman that I knew Kristyn and was happy she was doing something different. The volunteer called Kristyn over and I’m the recipient of warm hugs and huge smiles. She remembered my paintings and complimented me on how successful each showing was. High praise coming from someone who has managed a couple galleries. I turned the love-fest around and said if I wasn’t working two jobs, I would seriously be volunteering for her campaign.

I’m not an overly political person; I’m such a fence sitter I have splinters in my private areas. But with Kristyn I have a good feeling that she would actually work for you. She has that kind of manner that suggests that she’s connected to you when you speak to her, a quality the other two politicians (Joel Dick and George Smitherman) I had met earlier were completely devoid of.  She’s well spoken and knows her neighbourhood, having grown up in Regent Park and also sits on the Church/Wellesley BIA board.

Her campaign slogan should be a simple:  “Connected”.

Follow Kristyn on Twitter

And on her site here.

If you are in her riding, I urge you to vote for her. I wish I lived in it so I could but I’m bloody 3 blocks too far east and have to deal with a lazy manatee of a councilor who thinks it’s ok for fireworks to be shot off within old historic Cabbagetown.

2 thoughts on “Underlying Politics: Kristyn Wong-Tam

  1. Dead Robot

    Thanks Mark-O. See comment here. I have a history with Kristyn, built on business and trust. While I liked Joel and his attitude, I learned nothing from him other than he has a great sense of humour.

    Which all city counselors need, I suppose.

  2. Mark-O

    guess-i should have posted on this thread-oopsHey all-love the blog-found it by happenstance on stuff related to pride 2010.

    just wanted to let y’alls know that as a friend and supporter of joel, i find him to be an cudly, caring, interesting and empathetic guy. sorry you felt he was talking at you, but gotta vouch for the guy-he’s a smart cookie with great experience and so ridiculously passionate about key issues around the neighbourhood that i personally think he also should be considered in addition to kristyn !!

    my two cents, anyway!

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