By Ashley Fagan
Somerset Ward candidate and former Marijuana Party strategist Sotos Petrides says he’s tired of all talk and no action at City Council, and that he’s ready to get things done.
Petrides says he’s willing to push the boundaries, as he did in 2000 as a co-founder and party strategist for the Marijuana Party. He says he doesn’t shy away from controversial issues and if he’s elected, he will encourage the gay pride festival to have a larger presence.
Petrides says he’ll concentrate on a pro-environment platform, including initiatives like rooftop gardens and tree planting. His major focus is creating affordable housing as an investment opportunity for targeted groups like seniors and single parent households.
“The bricks are clean but these people aren’t happy,” says Petrides, pointing to a senior housing building across the street from his office on the corner of Bank and Gilmour. “These people are waiting to die.”
Petrides says his plan will change that, bringing an overall sense of respect for the community through home ownership and investment.
Born in Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, Petrides moved to Canada at age three. He later received a journalism diploma from Humber College in Toronto and a bachelor of social science from the University of Ottawa. He now owns a management firm in Centretown.
At age 40, Petrides says he’s willing to commit himself to Somerset Ward for as long as it takes. It’s an asset he says is lacking from the other candidates, mainly Diane Holmes, who is 64.
“We need someone younger,” says Petrides. “How many more terms is she able to commit to?”
He says if he’s elected, he’ll be the kind of fresh face the council needs.
“The ward is very wrapped up with the same old players, the usual suspects,” he says. “I provide a fresh, new, long-term mission. I have the energy and the experience and the desire.”