TORONTO, August 25, 2026 – Maria Saras-Voutsinas, Executive Director of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, recently said affordability, community safety and how the City uses taxpayers’ money have become key concerns for many Toronto residents. She also announced that she is running for city councillor in Toronto-Danforth, Ward 14, hoping to bring more community voices to City Hall.
Saras-Voutsinas said she was born and raised in Toronto and has lived in the local community for about 30 years. As the cost of living continues to rise, both homeowners and renters are facing greater day-to-day financial pressure, while public safety has also become an issue many residents are discussing.
She said residents who pay taxes and fees also have the right to understand how public money is being used. In her view, City Hall needs to be more careful when making spending decisions and ensure taxpayers’ money is directed toward areas that residents truly need.
Speaking about why she is running, Saras-Voutsinas said she wants to listen more closely to residents instead of making decisions on their behalf. She believes one of the most important responsibilities of a city councillor is to understand the real issues facing the community and bring those concerns into City Hall.
She said that, if elected, she hopes to hear more from local residents on issues such as housing affordability, community safety and municipal spending, while strengthening communication between residents and the City government.（LJI by Yuanyuan）
