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Bloor West Toonin' 7

My latest cartoon for the Bloor West Journal.

Ahhh...what to say, except, it's about time! For the last few days, the weather has been amazing. So amazing, in fact, that I've been neglecting my blog, choosing to be outside whenever I can – digging flower beds, painting that hideous garden shed and yes, even doing a little planting (I may be jumping the gun here, but I just could not hold off any longer). I promise to show pictures of my progress very soon.

A little news about the Bloor West Journal – it's been bought by a larger organization, The Town Crier, which publishes newspapers for seven local Toronto communities, and now with the BWJ, that makes eight. Hopefully my new editors will enjoy my cartoons, because I really do get a kick out of doing this monthly gig.

Bloor West Toonin' 6

My cartoon for April's Bloor West Journal. Not much explanation needed, I think. Especially if you live in Toronto.

I gotta say, I like the way I draw Mayor Miller. Heh heh.

Bloor West Toonin' 5

Oops! I forgot to post my latest cartoon in the Bloor West Journal for the month of March. And it's an interesting story, too. Did you know that the Bloor West Village BIA is the first neighbourhood  in this country to install solar panels which will power the decorative lights that go on in the evening? You can find out more about this story here.

I know the obvious comment would be, well, why not just not bother with decorative lights at all, and then you'll save a bundle! And part of me does feel that way, but I know that making this neighbourhood look attractive is definitely good for the businesses in the community. And hopefully, just like the cartoon states, this idea will creep into other areas of lighting, and in the long run, save the city lots of money, so then they won't have to hike up those damn property taxes yet again. But I digress.

Bloor West Toonin' 4

I'm a little surprised at myself that I actually drew a somewhat negative cartoon of our Mayor Miller. When David Miller first ran for mayor of Toronto in 2003, I was right behind him. He was the antithesis of our previous joke, his Melness (a name coined by veteran city hall columnist Don Wanagas, who is now Miller's media relations director). Miller is educated, articulate, tall, blond and blue-eyed – the squeaky clean boy scout of mayors that our city has desperately needed for a long time. And he ran on a campaign of openness and honesty for our city (remember the whole broom thing?) "Together, we will open up the front doors of City Hall to the people of Toronto" was his promise to us Torontonians. So it comes as a disappointment that in his 2nd term in office, those doors are not so open. From the editorial that follows this cartoon:

Normally at this time of year, the corridors would be buzzing and the ink would be flowing with talk of the City budget and how to close the gap on the annual half-billion dollor or so shortfall...This year that process of public input and oversight has been dramatically reduced. Now it goes something like this: on Mar. 19, the completed budget is presented by the budget committee – perhaps balanced, perhaps not; on Mar. 20, the rest of the City Council – the people we elected to represent us when we can't speak ourselves – gets one day to comment; on Mar 21, interest groups like the Board of Trade get a day to squawk; and on Mar. 22, the public – all 2.5 million of you – get a single day to say what they think about it.

The reason for all this, according to the mayor, is to present the budget in "a more responsible way," rather than with the crisis mentality that has surrounded the process in recent years. This year, Miller is trying to circumvent the usual two months of mass panic and portray the City as a more "mature" level of government – a difficult thing when you can't even get your councillors to agree on a seating arrangement for a photo shoot – that can live up to its new powers under the City of Toronto Act.

So yes, I'm a bit disillusioned. This is the term where Miller really has to impress us (he didn't exactly wow us in his first term, but we gave him the benefit of the doubt), and so far, it ain't looking too good. But it's early days, and I'm still holding out hope for now. I mean, let's face it – he'd have to really screw up bigtime for us to forget ol' monkey man Mel, wouldn't he?

Bloor West Toonin' 3

This one is straight from the heart. Yup, this is what the Christmas Season is like in The Bloor West Village. There's an abundance of joy in air – at least, that's how I see it. I'm so lucky to be able to express my love of this neighbourhood, and share it with all the readers of The Bloor West Journal. Hope they  like it!

Note that I couldn't help but put in a real character from The Village in my toon – wonder if he'll see it!

Bloor West Toonin' 2

The latest Bloor West Journal cartoon. The guy on the sign is supposed to be Bill Saundercook, the incumbent for ward 13 in the city of Toronto. You see, election fever isn't over yet in North America; today's the Municipal Elections – the day we vote for the folks who really matter. Sadly a lot of people don't bother with voting on the municipal level, which is a real shame, because those are the folks who can really make changes in your local community (that is, of course, if you vote for someone who cares). Unfortunately there will always be those councillors who will rest on the meagre laurels of their past, and just coast through their campaign, because they know they've got it in the bag. That's what this election has been like for the most part. Pretty darn dull. But, I'm still going to vote for David Miller as our mayor. Overall I'm pleased with how he's run this city, and let's face it – he's a damn sight better than the monkey man we had before, so let's try to remember that, ok?

Now get out there and vote, dammit!

Bloor West Toonin'

Bloor West Toonin' is a new category, not to be confused with one of my fun faves, Seen in the Village.

About a week or so ago, I was offered the opportunity to be the cartoonist for a relatively new monthly community newspaper, called The Bloor West Journal. How could I say no? Granted I'm really gonna have to bone up on my knowledge of local politics, because for the most part, it's an editorial cartooning gig. I'm very passionate about the Bloor West neighbourhood, but am a bit rusty when it comes to local political happenings. Thankfully the editor is very helpful.

So what's this toon about? Well, even if you don't know the people involved, it's pretty self-explanatory. But for those not in the know, recently there was a bi-election in the Parkdale/High Park ward, in Toronto. The spot for a new MPP was left vacant after the adorable Gerard Kennedy tendered his resignation so he could take a shot at the Liberal leadership campaign. (I sure hope you win, Gerry! But so far Iggy's still on top, in spite of all his numerous gaffes). Anyhoohow, so began the battle between Liberal candidate Sylvia Watson, and NDP candidate Cheri DiNovo. In a nutshell, Watson royally screwed up, believing that trashing the much liked and respected DiNovo was the way to go. Rather than focus on key issues, Watson put her energies into accusations like DiNovo (who before entering politics was a United Church minister) being in favour of ordaining "pedophiles and axe-murderers." Right. Guess who won the election? When will those idiot Liberals ever learn? Feh. They all annoy me, anyway. I'm seriously considering voting Green next time 'round. The hubby will be thrilled, no doubt. He's wanted me to go Green for a while.

Anyway, congrats to Ms. DiNovo, and best of luck in your new job. And many thanks to editor Gene Shannon for giving me a chance to stretch my cartooning muscles. Let's hope I don't pull a tendon too soon.