Meet Fitz-Roy Gordon, Candidate Ward 1 City of Vaughan

BY: SHERNETT MARTIN – Executive Director for the Vaughan African Canadian Association

His students call him Mr. Gordon, his friends call him Fitz, he’s known widely as Fitz-Roy Gordon, but this election, he is campaigning for the title, Councillor, Ward 1.

Fitz-Roy Gordon is one of many new candidates in the upcoming Municipal Election. He is running in the City of Vaughan against a 2-term incumbent and four other candidates. The City of Vaughan has been plagued with multiple issues over the past few years. Most recently, a Caribbean event headlined by Machel Montano had its permit revoked hours before the event leaving ticket holders, promoters and artists upset at the City and those in charge. In 2017, a Vaughan parent, Charline Grant was called the N-Word by a school trustee who was forced to apologize after a strong and decisive campaign organized by community organizations in Vaughan. “We have some serious issues,” says Fitz-Roy. “We need to address them. The City has become a cultural mosaic within the last ten years. Like many Cities, voters want to see diversity at City Hall.”

When asked what his vision for Vaughan is, and what he intends to do if elected, Fitz-Roy discusses the challenges residents face with the traffic congestion in Vaughan which he attributes to the growing development in the City. The other issues include pushing for no tax increases and better service standards at City Hall. “My full platform is on my website where I go into detail and cover other issues like a Senior’s Hub in the City and lowering the charge for students and seniors who use the City fitness centres, libraries, events and transit. With the election a few weeks away, Fitz-Roy is busy canvassing door-to-door to meet residents and push the votes his way. With eye-catching T-shirts, dozens of volunteers and canvassing campaigns like “Blitz 4 Fitz,” and “Pitch for Fitz,” he is ready to tell voters why he is the best choice in this election.

For the many students who call him Mr. Gordon, this election is exciting. He has spent his career working in the Rexdale, Albion and Jane & Finch area first as a teacher, then as a Vice Principal. He credits his experience as an administrator in helping to shape his decision to run for Public office. “I work with a diverse student body with unique needs. I work to make sure I am meeting the needs of not just my students and teachers but our parents and broader