Adam Vaughn is a Rockstar

March 29, 2007 03:16 +0000 | Homelessness Toronto 2

On our way out of Metro Hall tonight after a long TEV meeting, Melanie and I stopped in on a rather large town hall-style gathering in the rotunda. Apparently, the city wants to build a homeless shelter in the Entertainment District and they were getting an earfull from the residence and business owners of the area.

It was maddening to listen to these people try to mask their prejudices with claims of property value decreases and (a favourite) "hooliganism" from the homeless. Some people even tried to claim that there were no homeless there, and that this centre would "draw them in". I got so mad that I shouted out at one idiot: "Why don't we just put 'em all in a truck and ship them up to North Bay?", only to have one woman respond: "Why not?"

Seriously, these are the kinds of people who would prefer to build a wall and moat around their neighbourhoods if they could.

But despite all of the chaos and stupidity, Adam Vaughn was up there, fielding questions on top of accusations and slander... and he took it. Not only did he stand there and take it, but he responded with eloquence, civility and a solid understanding of the situation along with what needed to be done. He was amazing.

He may be a fan of CCTV, but even despite that, I'd still vote for him if I lived in his ward.

Comments

Roy
29 Mar 2007, 3:53 p.m. |

There is no lack of people that want to build barriers....look at all of the "Gated" communities "Other side of the Tracks" .......One ......and this is just One of the main components that perpetuate homelessness is the MHA ( Mental Health Act ) .... resources are so scarce that people with illness are booted out on the streets. Law Enforcement Officers often become front line "Gorilla Social Workers" trying to mediate the social ills that follow this problem. The cruel irony is that the much treasured "human rights" we have in our society work againest us...when some individuals choose not to be helped. Having ranted on that......everyone of us should have a right to have a roof over our heads...should that roof be the alcove in front of a storefront? Tough Questions.......

Melanie
29 Mar 2007, 7:51 p.m. |

You should email this to him.

I love that you call him a rockstar. :) On my way downtown to the TEV meeting I was thinking about David Suzuki, and how he was an environmental rockstar.

rockstar is the new awesome.