“My cause, my vision is community building, making this a safer, better place for our families”
Hratch Aynedjian is running as candidate for the Ward 42 by-election which takes place Monday February 13, 2017. Advance voting is on February 4 and February 5, 2017.
TorontoHye had a chance to speak to Mr. Aynedjian:
TH: We know you have been involved with municipal politics for a long time. What made you decide to run for Ward 42?
HA: For me, it’s about our families and this community, the community we call home. We need to continue to take care of our community and build on the successes of the former City Councillor, Raymond Cho.
This community needs someone who can look after it and ensure it continues to thrive. I am no stranger to Ward 42: I bring a demonstrated track record of successful accomplishments within the Ward and Toronto City Council, an intimate understanding of the issues in Ward 42, and the understanding of how things get done in Toronto.
I’m passionate about the community that I live in, that I am raising my children in and I want to ensure it has a viable future.
TH: What is your vision for Ward 42?
HA: Just over 40 years ago my family immigrated to Canada, like many families here in Ward 42. We are all immigrants. We came to this beautiful country to build a better life [which] we all have done or in the process of doing so. I grew up in Scarborough and Scarborough Rouge River has played an important part in my life. We are all responsible for this great city, it’s economy and we should applaud ourselves for that accomplishment. This Ward has more immigrants than most other wards. We have people from every parts of the world – truly a multicultural place. And I want to have the privilege of continuing to work with each and every one of you to shape this ward, to continue to enhance this ward, and to ensure its prosperity. My cause, my vision is community building, making this a safer, better place for our families.
TH: There are a number of other candidates running in this by-election, what makes you the candidate of choice?
HA: That’s a great question, I think each candidate brings something to the table, and voters need to decide what kind of individual they want representing them as their City Councilor.
I pride myself on my track record in working with the community, my ability to get things done at the municipal and provincial levels, and that I have the understanding and experience of working between both levels of government. I have worked with every ethnicity, religion and political party. And most importantly, I’ve been involved in municipal and provincial politics for over 25 years. I think I can hit the ground running.
TH: How can someone help your campaign?
HA: There are two ways to help my campaign, come spend some time with me and knock doors, volunteer and join the fun. Drop by my campaign office at Sheppard Avenue East.
I’m looking for people to make phone calls, canvass, drop off candidate information cards, and put up signs. Most importantly, we need everyone for advanced voting and election day to ensure we pull the vote. We have about 6 weeks before the by-election – you decide how often you want to come and help, but this can’t be won without your support. The other way is through financial contribution. Every donation of up to $300.00 will receive a 75% refund from the city.
Hratch Aynedjian is an active member of the Toronto Armenian Community. He has been a member and has served as chair of the Armenian National Committee of Toronto. He is married and has three children.
Aynedjian has been Constituency assistant to MPP David Warner and Executive Assistant to councilors Brad Duguid, David Soknacki, Raymond Cho, and Norm Kelly.
Boundaries of Ward 42:
Steeles Ave, between Markham Road and Pickering Town Line, South to the 401 and the neighbourhood between Sheppard to McCowan Rd.
