TORONTO - Brian Shifman, Executive Director of Smart Commute - North Toronto, Vaughan (NTV), has declared his candidacy for Toronto City Council in Ward 10, York Centre. 

"'Toronto the Good' has become a 'Toronto that Should'- a world class city with potential for a world class transportation system. Our city is a vibrant place to live and work and we can rise above unsustainable debt and distrust of our municipal leaders," said Shifman. "We can work together to empower communities to realize their potential. We need to make our local leaders more accessible and strike a balance between transportation and economic growth. Let's get Toronto moving again."

Accountability, transparency and inclusiveness are hallmarks of Shifman's leadership style. He is running to bring his energy, results-oriented approach and unique understanding of the transportation challenges facing York Centre and Toronto to City Hall.

While a comprehensive platform will be released before Election Day, Shifman has already made the following commitments:

• To push for a clearly articulated, integrated transportation plan that prioritizes rapid transit to help get our people and goods moving again
• To maximize citizens' hard-earned tax dollars by working with City Hall to more wisely invest in our people and infrastructure
• To proactively engage citizens on local issues, especially early and often in the planning and development process, through quarterly town hall meetings in Ward 10
• Heightened measures to increase local safety working with the community

"Having grown up in Armour Heights and Bathurst Manor, I have a connection to and a passion for the people and issues of Ward 10, York Centre," said Shifman. "I also have 10 years of progressive senior management experience, built on a foundation of partnership-building and innovative program creation. I have worked closely with various levels of government throughout my career and believe this will prove invaluable when representing constituents' issues to City Hall."

Under Shifman's leadership, Smart Commute NTV has transformed from a small non-governmental organization to one that connected with over 15,000 people and averted 300,000 single occupancy vehicle round trips last year alone. The grassroots organization has been honoured with various awards and now represents over 90,000 employees and students - working together to clear our roads and clean our air.

"Brian is an exceptional individual, who I know will aspire through his work ethic, integrity, focus, drive, energy and intelligence to reset the bar for performance and achievement," said Lawrence Bouchard, Chair, Smart Commute NTV and Facilities Manager for Knoll North America Corp. "I cannot think of a better person to serve the people of Toronto."

For more information or to schedule an interview with Brian Shifman, please contact him at:
Phone: 416-888-1137
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: VoteShifman.ca
Twitter: @BrianShifman; Facebook Fan Page: http://voteshifman.ca/fb

Headshot available upon request.

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