Lifelong Vaughan resident looks to bring new approach to municipal politics

Vaughan Weekly
March 26, 2014

Election candidate Daniel Salvatore wants to rejuvenate municipal politics in Vaughan.

If elected Ward 2 councillor, the lifelong Woodbridge West resident says he will bring a different approach and perspective to the council table. He hopes to provide voters with a different option for representation.

“My last campaign was about bringing a new point of view to a community that hasn’t seen change for many years,” said Salvatore. “The community is tired of the same old policies from the same old politicians. Voters are telling me every day that we can do better. I’ve put my name forward again because I know I can, and must, do better for Ward 2 and all of Vaughan.”

Salvatore is no stranger to politics. In the 2010 election he was the youngest municipal candidate to run for council. He knocked on 20,000 doors, nearly every door in Ward 2, and his hard work paid off as he garnered 22 per cent of the vote but lost the seat to incumbent Tony Carella.

His political experience goes beyond the election. Salvatore spent over three years as a constituency assistant to Vaughan MP Julian Fantino, managing stakeholder relations, meeting with residents and helping citizens with applications for federal support.

“I’ve spent the last four years continuing to work on the front lines in Vaughan through my position with Julian Fantino,” explained Salvatore. “I’ve seen and heard first-hand what Vaughan residents care about most, and I’m ready work tirelessly to deliver results for them.”

Part of his job with Fantino’s team was working with community groups, seniors and charities.

“It was a really rewarding experience,” Salvatore said.

One of his campaign priorities is a regionalized fire service, which would result in improved services and cost savings, he said.

“Pooling resources means more efficient service and it saves taxpayers dollars,” said Salvatore. “It just makes sense.”

He also plans to address traffic congestion in the city by fighting for an expedited 427 extension, the expansion of Major Mackenzie Drive and the extension of Langstaff Road. He would also like to see more GO Train service and would advocate for a station in Woodbridge.

“More infrastructure is needed in Vaughan,” said Salvatore. “We have had a lot of growth and our infrastructure needs to catch up.”

If elected he would make constituents his top priority, responding to concerns and engaging the community.

“It’s like customer service for residents,” said Salvatore. “It’s a new approach to the job.”

Recognizing that constituents are busy and don’t always have time to attend council meetings, Salvatore suggested using social media to reach out to the public.

“There are so many different ways to engage with the taxpayers that are not being utilized,” Salvatore explained.

As a Vaughan resident, business owner and taxpayer, Salvatore has deep roots in the community. His goal is to improve how taxpayers, families and community organizations are represented at Vaughan council and he believes he is the right person for the job.

“It’s about combining the old and the new and bringing that new perspective to the table,” said Salvatore.

Salvatore volunteers with a number of local community groups including the Moving Forward Foundation, the National Congress of Italian Canadians, the Children’s Aid Foundation of York Region and St. Margaret Mary Parish.

The municipal election is Oct. 27.