VAUGHAN VOTES: Mayoral candidate profile for Steven Del Duca

Thestar.com
Sept. 21, 2022
Brian Capitao

NAME: Steven Del Duca

OCCUPATION: Until recently, I was the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party. But the most important job I will ever have is as the father of the two young daughters my wife and I are raising.

ADDRESS/WARD: I am proud to have lived in Vaughan for 35 years. Currently, I live in Woodbridge (Ward 2) along with my wife and our daughters.

POSITION YOU ARE RUNNING FOR: Mayor of Vaughan

PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I previously represented the riding of Vaughan as an MPP from 2012-2018 and during that time, I was one of Ontario's longest-serving Ministers of Transportation. Most recently, I served as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.

WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED TO RUN?

Vaughan has some of the busiest and most gridlocked roads in Canada. Every day we’re spending more time commuting and less time with our loved ones. With your help, I want to fix that and get Vaughan moving.

HOW WILL YOU EMBRACE AND CHAMPION DIVERSITY?

My parents and grandparents immigrated to Canada because of the opportunity available to them. They had the chance at a fair shot at a better life, as long as they were prepared to sacrifice and work hard. They did their part and they prospered.

Vaughan has always been a place that has welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, but across Ontario and all of Canada, we are seeing an unacceptable rise in hatred, racism, and targeted attacks against minority groups -- especially Jewish and Muslim communities -- compromising their right to dignity and safety.

This is not the kind of world I want my daughters, and all of our children, to grow up in.

As mayor, I will work tirelessly to ensure that all of us are afforded the same opportunities our parents and grandparents had, and that everyone -- no matter their background or who they are -- will feel welcome to call Vaughan home.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE ISSUES?

1. Eliminate gridlock.

2. Save families time and money.

3. Deliver world-class customer service at city hall for our residents.

 

IF ELECTED, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN YOUR FIRST 100 DAYS?

I will take real action to get Vaughan moving, starting on day one.

This includes focusing on building new east-west road connections on Teston and Kirby to reduce gridlock on Major Mackenzie and Rutherford, moving truck traffic from Highway 7 to Highway 407, and ensuring better co-ordination of road construction and traffic light signalling.

A FUN FACT ABOUT THE MAYORAL CANDIDATE

I'm left-handed and the proud owner of two dogs named Hunter (an Australian shepherd) and Sammy (a yellow lab).

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL DATE SPOT?

Going for walks on the Humber Trail and through Boyd Park

WHAT IS FAVOURITE BOOK/MOVIE/SOCIAL MEDIA SITE?

"The Shawshank Redemption"

WHAT'S YOUR GO-TO KARAOKE SONG?

"Don't Stop Believin' " by Journey

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, who has worked tirelessly to make our city a better place for the past 12 years. And Lorenzo Insigne!

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU ATTENDED?

Rolling Stones for their Steel Wheels Tour in 1989

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO?

My father, Benny, who worked his whole life in construction management to give me and my brothers and sister incredible opportunities.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN AND BY WHOM?

"A dream delayed is not necessarily a dream denied" (not sure of its origin, but it was shared with me by Maurizio Bevilacqua)

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO TAKEOUT ORDER?

Pizza -- we are truly blessed to have many incredible pizza places in Vaughan!