Candidate for City Councillor
Stella Kargiannakis
Ward 21 Scarborough Centre
Candidate details
Issue answers
No tax hike. I will not support a property tax increase or any stormwater charge. Note that tax on commercial property is passed on to consumers. Residential tenants of private property pay the property tax indirectly through their rent which may increase by AGI when tax increases. I understand budgets – household budgets, business budgets, and municipal budgets. The City must focus on its municipal responsibilities and stop usurping the rights and responsibilities of others thereby burdening the City with extra costs.
The subsidies for subsidised housing, which represent the shortfall in the operating budgets of public housing affected by the proportion of rent-geared-to-income units in a project, were traditionally provided by the federal and provincial governments. The only municipal contribution was the property tax exemption. The prerequisite to housing is a job. Governments must ensure the employability of the unhoused and underhoused and must address the root causes of homelessness.
No tax hike. Taxes represent the largest outlay for most households. I will not support new or higher taxes, charges, or levies.
Work with the provincial and federal governments to: provide immediate treatment for substance addiction; make the misuse of substances and the trade and possession of toxic substances for misuse illegal; and enforce same with severe penalties. Work with the school board trustees and the province to instill a culture of respect, courtesy, and abstinence beginning in elementary school. Insist on amendments to pertinent legislation affecting minors over the age of sixteen who have withdrawn from parental control, etc.
Time the lights on arterial roads for the posted speeds. Richmond St is a good example. Construction contracts affecting lane closures must have penalty clauses for delayed completions. Work 24/7 to finish projects faster. No lane closures where there is nobody actively working. Bumpy, potholed roads are frustrating for everyone. Re-pave the roads. Do not narrow the intersections. Schedule more TTC vehicles during rush periods. Get illegal vehicles off the roads. All motorised vehicles & drivers must be licensed and insured.
Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour
Many Torontonians are concerned about hateful and hostile behaviour, which can disproportionately affect newcomers and members of racialized, marginalized, and equity-deserving communities. What would you prioritize on the next City Council to respond and keep Toronto safe and welcoming for everyone?Hate?! Why ask politicians? Politicians generate plenty of hate among Torontonians. While campaigning, I have heard, “I don’t vote. Politicians are buffoons.” “I don’t vote. Politicians only care about lining their pockets.” “I don’t vote. Politicians make all kinds of promises just to get elected.” “I don’t like politicians on the left.” “I don’t like politicians on the right.” “I don’t vote. Politicians are all the same.” Ask how City Council can gain the confidence and respect of the electorate. Let’s fix City Council first.
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