[00:00:10] Ellington Brown: gas. Welcome to SpeakUP International with Rita Burke and Elton Brown! 

[00:00:16] Rita Burke: On SpeakUP! International, we traverse the globe to find people we consider to be community builders. Today is no exception. We have with us Mr. Neil Simon. Mr. Simon is a community leader, small business owner, pastor, and longtime advocate for families, youth, sen- and seniors.

He believes that leadership starts with listening, showing up, and finding practical solutions to everyday challenges. Neil is now running for Toronto City Councillor in Ward 9. His goal [00:01:00] is to be very straightforward, and he plans to bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure that every resident in his ward has a voice.

I would like for us all to welcome Neil Simon to SpeakUP! International. Welcome, welcome, welcome! 

[00:01:21] Neil Simon: Thank you

[00:01:26] Ellington Brown: What inspired you, Neil, to transition from being a community advocate- 

[00:01:37] Neil Simon: Yes ... 

[00:01:38] Ellington Brown: into municipal policies, now that you're running for Ward 9- 

[00:01:46] Neil Simon: Sure ... 

[00:01:46] Ellington Brown: over in, Davenport? 

[00:01:49] Neil Simon: Great. B- great, thanks. That's a great question, and good morning, um, listening audience. Good morning, um, uh, Rita and Elton. I appreciate this [00:02:00] time that you guys have given me to talk about such matters.

What inspired me to run for this, um, election? I, I do believe, um- Um, that we need, uh, visibility, we need, um, to be heard. The, the residents, um, need to be heard. And one thing as my opening, opening bio say, um, I am a person love to listen. I don't assume stuff. I love to make sure that I hear the entire story before I made a, a decision.

Um, so that being said, um, what, what actually inspired me is, is the, is the, um, is, is the people. The people, um, inspire me. I, you know... I've, I've always loved, um, um, community. Always loved community. I always work in the community. My, my job as a pastor, I'm not a full-time pastor, I do have a business as well, but yes, my job as a pastor [00:03:00] is community.

And you know, you see the need, you see we're, we're, we're... How much more can you help people? And I believe that, um, being, uh, a part of this regime, um, and having access to help others is something great. So you know, I, I do believe something that inspired me is the love for, for people and really seeing things get done, um, in the community.

Because sometime, you know, we hear at election times the politicians, a- and which, which I am, you know, unfortunately to some it may seem, "Well, why does a pastor is running for, for such office?" But I believe that, um, in, in, um, fairness, and that is something that, as I said, I would be straight up, I'm very transparent, um, and when it comes to, when it comes to what is happening, I think people need to know.

Sometime the biggest thing, um, that I find, and this is the next reason why I'm running, that communication is broken. You [00:04:00] know, you, and you in the, you know, um, um, you, you, you reach out to your, to your, um, MPs or counselor and you do not hear back from them, you know? And it's sad, you know? It's sad because, um, that person need is also important.

So one of the things that I will be doing as a counselor is that 48 hours, so I'm actually, I don't promise things, but this one I'm promising, Elton. 48 hours. 48 hours respond time. So, uh, my reason for running is, is, is pretty, is pretty to get, um, um, access, um, for, for, for those who do not have the access, um, to help, to help the community out.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you for asking. 

[00:04:43] Rita Burke: Yes. That's amazing. Yes. You're promising 48, 48 hours. Um- 48 hours ... I will hold your foot to the fire. Uh, 

[00:04:50] Neil Simon: yeah, you can. You can, Rita. We, we, we have that re- It's still 48 hours ... we have that recorded so we can get 

[00:04:53] Rita Burke: back to 

[00:04:55] Neil Simon: you. Yes, ma'am. 48 hours. Now, 

[00:04:58] Rita Burke: in your [00:05:00] bio- Yes ... you say that you are a community leader Yes I'm asking that you share three specific projects- 

[00:05:11] Neil Simon: Yes

[00:05:11] Rita Burke: that you have been involved with that have, that, that, that have enriched our community- Yes ... so to speak. 

[00:05:20] Neil Simon: Yes, yes. And, and that, and, and that, um, is something that, um, I did more than three, but I'm just gonna list the three to be obedient to, to the listening audience. Uh, so, you know, one of the things that I pride myself on is, um, during COVID, um, we- I did, was able to, um, create a, a self-made food bank.

So what, what I did, I went and pick up, um, items, um, um, that I had contacts with people in the neighborhood. Um, I went and pick up, um, items, and I was able to assist, um, you know, those who was going through financial hardship. As we know, COVID was, was really hard for [00:06:00] everyone. Um, and this work actually taught me, uh, it, it actually, um, you know, taught me to, to, to, um, that helping people, helping people begins with, with, um, treating them with dignity, you see?

So as having the food bank, it just, it just opened my horizon to, to know that there is a need. As we know that, um, many, many folks, um, it doesn't matter, um, if you are- You have, you know, um, you have a job or not. The food bank, um, it shows, um, society's, um, s- um, statistic shows that there was an increase in people going to food banks.

So that was something that I did, um, for the community. It wasn't, it wasn't on social media, it wasn't in the news because it was something, a project that I took on for the community. Um, so that, uh, really is community building to me. It wasn't meant for, for a political agenda. It was based on [00:07:00] helping the community.

And next thing that, you know, that I, that I pride myself in is, you know, 18 years ministry, um, and, you know, um, community leadership. Uh, um, um, so, um, from mentoring, mentoring, um, young people, supporting families and, and even helping individuals, um, through, um, grieving and difficult transition. Um, you know, being, being a, um, having pastoral care is something that, um, helps, um, the community as well.

And, you know, um, I founded, I founded this organization called, uh, um, Restore Purpose Network. And, and, and what, and what is that? Um, uh, Restore Purpose Network is a healing, um, hearts, uh, and renewing minds and restoring purpose. Um, this is what the agenda of the, um, the organization is. Um, and this happened through, um, um, prayer, through, [00:08:00] through coaching, through, um, community care, you see.

Um, and we help- we do help people rediscover who they are through this organization called Restore Purpose Network. Uh, um, um, a- again, um, these are just, um, three things that I list, but there is many more that I could speak on

Thank you 

[00:08:22] Ellington Brown: You are a politician And you are also a pastor. 

[00:08:31] Neil Simon: Yes. 

[00:08:33] Ellington Brown: The question is, how are you gonna- Go ahead, sir ... you know, how are you gonna balance the, the, the- The- ... the two? Where one doesn't, you know, overtake the other- Yes, sir ... or outweigh the other? 

[00:08:46] Neil Simon: Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. And that, and that is a good question, you know.

And really and truly, I, I think the church, um, somewhat, uh, um, [00:09:00] shun on such, um, being, being in the, uh, political settings. But, um, history show in, in scripture, you know, it show that we are... They were, they were politician. Daniel was a politician, you know, Joseph was a politician, and these are great men that we read about, right?

In the scripture. They were also politician. So, um, you know, I believe that, you know, God always give you the grace to balance stuff and, and, and, um, um, it's how you prioritize, you see. I, I do, I do believe that, um, it's gonna be not hard, but it's all about prioritizing what is important and, and, and, and the, the job that needs to get done.

So as a pastor, you know, um, I'm not the main pastor, so that is a good thing. That may be a good thing that I'm not the main pastor. Yeah. Yes. You know? So there is a main pastor. I, I am, I'm one of the pastors in the church. Um, so, so, um, and, and my pastor, um, does, does [00:10:00] understand, um, the work behind it, and he is somewhat, um, supportive of that.

So, um, once I have the support of, of, um, you know, uh, those around me, I believe that, um, I can balance, you know. Because I do have a family, I do have, you know, a young, a young daughter as well, you know, a young marriage. Uh, so, so I believe that, you know, balancing is somewhat, is somewhat something that, um, I can, I can basically do because it's also mindset and, and, um, and, um, pri- prioritizing what, what, what needs to get done and when.

So yeah. Yeah, prioritizing is important. Yeah. 

[00:10:40] Rita Burke: Yeah. Well, Elton stole that question from me. But I'll have you know. 

[00:10:46] Neil Simon: I... No, that's the number one question. 

[00:10:48] Rita Burke: Being, being a pastor and a potential or s- or aspiring politician- 

[00:10:55] Neil Simon: Yes, ma'am ... 

[00:10:56] Rita Burke: is I, I think they, they're okay and [00:11:00] they could align- Yeah ... depending on the person.

[00:11:02] Neil Simon: Yes. 

[00:11:03] Rita Burke: But you're also a business owner. Yes. So I'd like for you to expand on that for us a little bit, please. 

[00:11:10] Neil Simon: Yes, yes. Business, business, um... And, and this is why I am also passionate about, about, um, you know, this role. Um, because I think- Sometime, um, businesses are somewhat, um, overlooked in communities. Um, they are, they are things that businesses...

Because if a businesses, a business is thriving in a community, then that community also is will thrive because there is employment. Um, that business can in turn, um... Because not everything, not every finance or, or fin- financial, um, um, um, thing- things that needs to get done is from, um, City Hall. Some things, you know, we have to turn to locals, you know?

The businesses, um, some [00:12:00] activities, um, that we may want to, um, have in that community, it may not be on a budget. It may comes from, you know, um, the BIA or, or, or, or such, or a private person, right? So, so businesses to me is important, and having the mindset of such, it cause me to know, um, um, how to distinguish.

Distinguish, as you said, you know, from a pastor, from a businessman. Um, and, and I have been doing that. And, you know, um, it's been successful. So, so I, I wanna take what I know on a larger scale in being, in being a, a, a councilor, um, to show that, you know, there, there are needs that, um, and we must listen to, um, the, you know, the businesses and we must listen to the, the hearts of the residents, right?

Uh, um, like, like for instance, um, whilst we were doing a, a listening tour, we [00:13:00] call it a listening tour. We went from business to business to find out, you know, what is most important for them in this community. And, and the one thing that keep, um... And, and this is just my, um, um, one segment of Davenport, and I know that, um, we are getting to every other segment of Davenport.

Um, but the one thing that keep reoccurring is parking And, and that's because, uh, most businesses, um, if there's no parking, then people don't wanna come to their place, right? Um, so, so we have to... Like, once I get into office, it's gonna be, um, um, to do a independent, um, um, review of how we can, how we can get the parking congestion, um, um, um, under control, right?

Um, because that is, that is very important to a business. And, and, and without having the right, the right... And even residents are crying out that, you know, um, you know, uh, the [00:14:00] parking is a real, is a real problem, a real pain. Um, so I know that, um, one of my, one of my, um, agenda is to deal with the parking in Davenport, because that has been the number one cry.

Both residents and, um, businesses, parking, parking. Everywhere I go, parking. Um, there, there are other issues like, um, snow removal, but the number one problem so far, albeit, um, housing for some reason. I was, I was hoping to hear maybe affordability housing, which is a general thing, but it seems like parking becomes, like, an annoyance, um, in that community.

So that is something that I, I really would be looking into. So yeah, as, as business, as knowing, knowing that businesses, a, a, a thriving businesses, business would also mean a thriving community. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. 

[00:14:58] Ellington Brown: So you [00:15:00] talk about most important and you prioritize- 

[00:15:06] Neil Simon: Yes, sir ... 

[00:15:06] Ellington Brown: shuffling things around. 

[00:15:08] Neil Simon: Yes, sir.

[00:15:09] Ellington Brown: Yeah. Don't know what tomorrow's gonna bring. 

[00:15:13] Neil Simon: No. 

[00:15:14] Ellington Brown: But, but he's, but you're there What do you do? When you're not shuffling, what are you, what are you doing?

[00:15:30] Neil Simon: I do believe, um, in, in long drives. It helps. It helps. Um, long drives, it really helps. Um, I do, I, I do believe that, um, you know, um, having, having that moment for myself, I call it a, a break. Because things can be so hectic, we need, we need a break.

And you know, uh, it [00:16:00] is, it is proven that, you know, um, sometimes, sometime you need to take that moment for yourself. Uh, and something you need to just breathe, you know? Um, don't, don't really, um, overwork. There must be, there must be a balance. There must be a balance. And I ... Th- this is one thing that I preach, so I, I don't just preach it, I also do it.

All right? Um, most folks that know me know that, you know, I, I do not have sleepless nights. I do not. I don't have a sleepless night. Why? Because I've learned to, when something, when, when one project is over, not to take it home, you see? So, so, so, so I balance my life like that, not taking things home. Um, leave work at work.

Um, even in the counselor office, everybody's gonna have a concern, but I've learned that I cannot burn out myself because then I'm gonna be a grumpy [00:17:00] counselor, and you don't wanna see a grumpy counselor. You don't, you don't wanna see a grumpy counselor, you know? That's, that would not be good for anyone!

So I, I try, I try to, um, have a balance by, by doing long drives. I love to, I love to go on long drives. And as well, just take a little time out for myself. But I li- I like to watch, um, cartoon, to be honest. Um, that take my mind off of things. I, I watch some cartoon and, you know, I'm good, you know? So something you just need to

A- a- as someone said, um, um, "Pastor, how do you think nothing?" Right? That, that's a question one of the, the, the person asked in my congregation. "How do you think nothing?" I really, I really just think nothing. Just watch cartoon. Watch ... Do, do something that you know is not gonna take up space in your mind. So that's kind of how I basically do it.

What's, what's your fa- What's y- Yeah ... what's your 

[00:17:53] Ellington Brown: favorite, what's your favorite cartoon? 

[00:17:56] Neil Simon: What's my favorite cartoon? Well, you know what? I have, [00:18:00] I have many, but I do, I, I, I do love, um, like more animation. Um, um, uh, just, just, just, um, you know, a- anything would actually work for me. It's just a matter of to relax.

So I don't have a favorite. It's just to relax my mind. Yes. Yes. Thank you. That's a good question, you know, what do I do to relax? Thank you, sir. 

[00:18:27] Rita Burke: So we're having a conversation on SpeakUP! International with, uh, Neil Simon, who has thrown his hat in the ring to be councillor for Ward 9. 

[00:18:39] Neil Simon: Yes, ma'am. 

[00:18:39] Rita Burke: I, I like how you said that you don't have sleepless nights.

I think that's a good protection for anybody's soul and mind, and ultimately for your body. Many of the people that we have had conversations with on SpeakUP International, they, d- many of them advocate on behalf [00:19:00] of youth in our community. 

[00:19:01] Neil Simon: Yes. 

And at the top of the show, you referenced a food bank that you got started during, uh, the pandemic.

Yep. 

[00:19:10] Rita Burke: But also in your bio, you talk about advocating on behalf of seniors. I wanna see what that, wanna hear what that looks like, what it feels like, what it sounds like advocating for seniors- Yeah ... given the fact that I've got a few gray hairs now.

[00:19:28] Neil Simon: Don't worry, I dyed! Uh, why? You know, I, I do, I do believe, um, on a serious note, um, seniors plays a very important role in a, in a community. And this, and this is something that, um, whilst, whilst having a patient transfer business, it really helped me to see, um, um, what needs to get done for the seniors. [00:20:00] Um, so, so advocating, advocating, um, for, for seniors, um, it has, has to be...

It, it has been personal and somewhat practical in the sense, um, through my, through my medical transport work or, um, business that I, that I, um, have. Um, it have, it have been, you know... It helped me to really see the difficulties that seniors face when it comes to, um, attending their medical appointments or, um, for instance, accessing, um, essential services, right?

Um, um, it, it really have opened my eyes to, to, to see these things. So, um, you know, um, as, as a minister, you know, my ministry and, and the community work that I do also allow me to provide, you know, seniors with prayer and encouragement and, and visits and, you know, um, emotional, um, support. Um, the, you know, the, the, the one thing that is, [00:21:00] um, prevalent among the senior, I would say is, um, isolation.

You know, isolation has become something that is so, um, prevalent among seniors. Um, so I have also promoted, um, a, a fraud prevention education, um, because I believe that, you know, um, it helps seniors to, um, recognize scams, scams and protect their personal information, um, you see? Um, because, um, there, there, there is, um, statistics show that there's a, you know, a, um, a wide range of seniors being fraud.

So, um, this is something that I, I, I, you know, got behind, um, promoting with an organization called One Love. Um, this is something that I got behind promoting. So as, as a councilor, you know, I would advocate for accessible, um, uh, uh, um, [00:22:00] accessibility, more accessibility for our seniors, um, transportation that is.

And as well, you know, safer streets for our seniors. Um, uh, uh, dependable snow removal. T- uh, things like that plays a very important role on if a senior can leave their home or not, if that snow is removed. And some seniors live by themself, so, um, they need the help. So, um, this is something that I talked to one, one of the constituency in the community and we were talking about snow removal And I said it would be a good, a good program, especially for the young people in Davenport.

We create a program from the councilor office, and this is something that I, that I would try to work on once I get in, um, to create a program from the councilor office for the youth. Um, meaning that, um, when it comes wintertime, you know, give them a stipend to come and, and, um, you know, create that program where they, they can come and shovel the snow [00:23:00] for us.

You know? If, if the city hasn't done it as yet, but my main, my main objection is to turn to the city. But if the city is delayed, then, you know, it's, you know, um, um, get, get that, those young people. Um, give them the incentive, you know? I, I believe that that would also give them, you know, um, something to do.

Um, those, those who are not, um, busy at the moment, give them something to do, and help out, help out the community as well, you know, to show that we are moving in the right direction. So, um, the seniors, um, has been very important to me and, and, and, you know, I wanna really have, you know, better support for them.

Um, um, especially those who are experiencing, um, loneliness or isolation. You know? Um, there's some programs that was cut because of budget, right? And we do understand that, you know, um, sometime, you know, the first thing, the first thing we cut is the thing [00:24:00] that we think we don't need. So I, I think that we need the seniors, um, in a community.

I think we need the seniors. We need to still give them, you know, um, hope because some of them could even be mentors, you see? Um, so have programs whereby they can also help out in the community I think would be a great asset to, um, Davenport, um, Ward 9. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. Thank you for that question.

[00:24:24] Ellington Brown: We talked only about seniors 

[00:24:28] Neil Simon: Yes ... 

[00:24:29] Ellington Brown: and regardless of where, where we are in terms of age, sooner or later all of us are gonna wind up in that- 

[00:24:38] Neil Simon: Yes, sir ... 

[00:24:40] Ellington Brown: in one of those, in one of those homes Psychologically, how does that affect seniors when they are in these homes? Mm. A lot of them, I think, may not want to be there.[00:25:00] 

[00:25:00] Neil Simon: Yeah. 

[00:25:00] Ellington Brown: But they are. So how do you deal with their mental health? 

[00:25:08] Neil Simon: Yeah. 

[00:25:09] Ellington Brown: So that they l- live a long and happy life? 

[00:25:13] Neil Simon: Yeah. Yeah. Great, great, um, question. And what I find, one of the things that work is, is, um, having, having a community that will celebrate them, one, and simple things like having, you know, um, a games, especially in the, in the, um, in, in those facility, you know?

Um, I, I believe that, you know, the workers do a good job with interaction. Um, um, uh, like for instance, um, me being in this industry, I'm able to see both side of the scope. I, I was able to... I remember this one lady who, um, Miss Nancy is what I call her, Miss Nancy. [00:26:00] Um, she was... Yeah, she was out, you know, uh, um, um, bed, bed, um, she was confined to a bed and a wheelchair, but she was the most happiest person.

I am telling you, man. She bring... Every time I go to pick her up to go to her appointment, we have conversation. I'm from, um, Guyana, uh, so she's also from Guyana. So we had, we had conversation, and she share information with me, a- and this, and this was important. So I think, um, giving, giving seniors a reason, like hearing their stories, you know?

Having that, maybe that once a month, you know, um, storytelling, uh, um, program, you know? A- and I, I mean, I won't tell a, a, um, a house or a, a, um, a, a resident how to, how to organize their programs, but I would suggest, I would suggest, you know, more programs for the seniors is gonna help [00:27:00] them live a long and healthy life.

When, um, isolation, as we talk about loneliness and isolation, it is, it is something that, that, um, that ha- it's a reality. It's a reality. So, um, having, having, for instance, the, having the, um, the, the, the community centers, right, in Ward 9 also jump on board with supporting, you know, seniors, um, with events then, you know, sometimes, sometime these, these things is, is, um, is it helps them.

It helps them think that they are not forgotten. Right? So, uh, so that, that, that, that is a very important, um, point of view. A very important point of view. Yes, sir

 Thank you!

[00:27:47] Rita Burke: What about Mr. Who is running for Ward 9 as a councilor? You are an advocate. You are a [00:28:00] pastor. 

[00:28:01] Neil Simon: Yeah. 

[00:28:01] Rita Burke: You are a business owner. Yeah. And you are a community leader. 

[00:28:06] Neil Simon: Yes. 

[00:28:06] Rita Burke: So who or what would you say is responsible for the person you are today?

[00:28:14] Neil Simon: Who or what? That's a good, that's a good question. Who or what is responsible for who I am today? You know, um First, first I wanna really, um, speak to my faith. Uh, why, why is the faith responsible for who I am? You know, my faith has taught me how to, you know, serve others. It has really taught me to remain hopeful.

It has really taught me to keep going during difficult, um, um, um, seasons in my life. Um, my family. My family also, uh, my upbringing in Guyana. As I said, I'm from Guyana. My experience in coming to Canada also, you know, shaped [00:29:00] me. Um, my, my, um, years as a pastor, uh, community leader and, you know, a small business owner has also taught me, um, responsibility and compassion.

Um, that's, that is what that has taught me. Um, so, um, you know, I have, I have experienced, um, victories and disappointments and, you know, um, uh, you know, financial, um, pressures and personal setbacks. Um, but you know, those experience also did not destroy me. It actually, um, strengthened me, you know? Um, it actually strengthened me to, to, to, to, to help to understand what the ordinary person, the ordinary man and woman is facing in, you know, Ward 9 and beyond.

You know? So I do believe that, um, my, my, [00:30:00] my experience as, as a, you know, a person, as a human has really helped me as well to, to see beyond what, what a person might be, what might be saying and what actually is going on with them, right? So, so, um, um, my... You know, I gotta thank, you know, everything, every, you know, everyone that played a role.

You know, my, my, my, my past pastors, my, you know, my mom, my, my father, right? Everyone, everyone that played a role, you know? So I am, I'm grateful. Those, those, those experiences what make me who I am today. And I think, um, the passion, the passion that I have comes from, um, wanting to see justice, justice for, you know, people, right?

Um, that, that is where my passion, my passion lies a- as well, to see justice for, for people. Yes. Yes, yes. Thank you. [00:31:00] Thank you so much. This is important question. Thank you.

[00:31:08] Ellington Brown: You are, uh, one individual that I find, uh, interesting because- 

[00:31:17] Neil Simon: Yes, sir ... 

[00:31:17] Ellington Brown: I, I, I'm still stuck on that pastor- 

[00:31:21] Neil Simon: Mm ... 

[00:31:23] Ellington Brown: uh, politician- 

[00:31:25] Neil Simon: Ah ... 

[00:31:26] Ellington Brown: kind of a thing. You, you know, uh, if, when you have a, a, a not, not-for-profit organization, you, you- Yeah ... don't, uh, mix your money into the, the organization's money. It's, you keep it- Right

you know, separate because- 

[00:31:45] Neil Simon: Right ... 

[00:31:45] Ellington Brown: well, that's the way it is. So how do you plan, how do you plan on keeping things separate? I know we talked about balance, but now I wanna know about, okay, how do you, how are you gonna separate these? [00:32:00] 

[00:32:01] Neil Simon: To huge 

[00:32:02] Ellington Brown: responsibilities Great, great. 

[00:32:04] Neil Simon: One word, one word. One word I have.

One word I have, and that word is transparency. That word is transparency. I, I don't believe in mixing, um, you know, especially when it comes to money, I am hands-off. That's why as, especially when it comes to not-not-for-profit and organization as such, um, it's not healthy for the, for the s- the owner or the, the president, you know, to get involved with, with, um, counting the money- Yes

as you would say because then y- you know, y- you, you, you might become, um, smarter than everyone else. And you don't, you don't want that. You don't want that. So, so transparency, uh, and accountability. Accountability, um, other than having a balance and, and, and, and it's funny that you said, um, the, the thing that you [00:33:00] said that it's unique, but I...

If, if we look back at, like for instance, Martin Luther King, he was, he was a pastor, you know? Yeah. And he was also an activist, you know? So I, I believe that it's not so much unique, but maybe it's unique in this timing because we don't see a lot of leaders like myself stepping up into, into these offices where, where I believe that, um, leaders like myself...

I would love to see leaders like myself step up because, because you are balanced, um, in the sense of, um, your moral, that the things that you stand for. You're not, you're, you're, you're not gonna dip your hand into the, um, piggy jar, you know, and, and, and pull out whatever you can , you know? Um, so, so yes, um, having that transparency and accountability that, you know, showing, um, like anyone should be able to come and ask, you know, what was, was spent on a project, [00:34:00] and I should be able to give an answer.

It should not be something that is hidden. It should not be something that is, is, is only a- um, a- amongst a few because I am, I am, um, you know, representing a, a community. Yeah. And I believe community is gonna have concern, right? And it's my, it's my job to share those concern with them and make sure that, um, you know, they can see, you know, precept upon s- precept, line upon line, that where, where the money's being spent.

You know? Where the money's being spent. So, um, the, the, the, you know, the, the, the question about, you know, being, you know, with a pastor and also being, being a politician, how would that work financially? Um, it, it's, it's... I, I am not, I'm not, um, the person to, to, um- To mix the two. I'm not a person to mix the two.

I, I'm the person to make sure that [00:35:00] everything is clearly to, to, uh, make everything be done by the books. A third party having, having... Um, um, I won't be the, the one counting the money. I'm gonna make sure that I have that, um, you know, that CFO, um, to make sure that everything is accountable, um, to the books.

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you for asking that 

[00:35:23] Rita Burke: Two interesting question, uh, 

[00:35:26] Neil Simon: comments 

[00:35:26] Rita Burke: Yeah. Or two interesting words were accountability and transparency. 

[00:35:30] Neil Simon: Yes. 

[00:35:31] Rita Burke: Which sometimes, as, as you're fully aware, uh, Mr. Simon, that sometimes our politicians sometimes don't- Mm ... don't raise that bar, don't live up to those expectations.

[00:35:43] Neil Simon: Yeah. 

[00:35:44] Rita Burke: But, um, we have someone who's an incumbent currently in Ward 9. 

[00:35:50] Neil Simon: Yes, ma'am. 

[00:35:50] Rita Burke: How do you see your leadership differing from that of the current councillor in Ward 9? 

[00:35:59] Neil Simon: Yeah. [00:36:00] Yeah. Um, it, it is night and day. You know, I, I do, I do respect, I do respect, um, I do respect, um, anyone who choose to do public service work.

I, I tip my hat off. I respect you and your respectful, um, um, um, running. Um, you know, my, my campaign is not about, um, personal, personal attacks to a person. I will not ever do that. I told everyone in my campaign we're running a, a campaign whereby, you know, even if someone do not, don't agree with us, that doesn't give us the need to basically go back and forth with such a person, right?

You thank them, and you, and you, you keep it moving to the next house. Um, so I am, I'm running a campaign not to personally attack, um, um, anyone. Um, it, it's about offering Ward 9, um, a different [00:37:00] style of leadership. A different style of leadership. Um, and this, and this is based on, you know, um, having more, um, open communication, being more visible, being more accessible, being more responsive.

We go back to our 48 hours. Being more responsive. You know, um, residents should feel and know that their, that their councillor is, you know, somewhat, somewhat, uh, um, um, there for them. It should not, it should not be decisions are, are being told to them after it's already made. I do believe in keeping everyone abreast as to, as to what, um, um, my office, once I get in, what the office will be doing, and that is from having newsletters, um, to having a, a easily understandable or readable website, [00:38:00] um, that folks can actually go and see.

And, and this is from having a, a, um, a, um, dashboard with each issues and where that, where that problem is being, um, um, the, the, um, the, um, where that problem is right now. Um, so giving it a timeline, giving it a marker. Uh, so, so, so these are things that I believe that, um, how do I differ from, from, um, the incumbent?

Um, from what I heard, this is what I heard. I, I personally do not know, um, Bravo, um, Councilor Bravo. I personally do not know her. I, I believe that, you know, she may have done amazing work, but from what-- going into the community, what I have heard from the constituency is that, um, communication breakdown has been a major setback, whereby they would call the councilor office and no one respond.

I'm talking about six months and no [00:39:00] respond. You know, that is not a good thing for, for, um, Ward 9, because there are so many, um, things that needs to be, needs to be addressed in Ward 9. So, you know, I would hold And you can hold me accountable to this, to this. Y- I would hold, you know, um, community meetings, you know, because I love to make sure that I'm transparent.

Um, um, uh, um, establish a, a mobile office in, um, different neighborhood because in Ward, in Ward 9, there are, um, 12 different neighborhoods. So I want to make sure that I establish a mobile office hours, that is. So knowing that, okay, every Wednesday I would be in this ward. So for the month, I should be able to, um, see every ward, every ward, every, um, sorry, neighborhood within the ward.[00:40:00] 

Um, so that is something that I believe that is needed. Um, clear updates. Clear updates on local projects, right? Like for instance, um, we, we talk about the, the parking, the parking issue off of, um, Blackthorne, 21 Blackthorne. That project has been there. Um, it's barred up now. There is still delayed. People are asking question.

I am asking question, you know, why, why the park was taken away. Um, I, I am still waiting on an, on an answer. I've did, did some research on, on, on, um, on um, you know, reasons, and they're, you know, it's more, um, to build green space, to build green space. So I do, I do believe that these are concern that the community is frustrated, and it's not like, um, that, uh, um, you know, the incumbent, um, did not do anything, [00:41:00] but the frustration is too high, and that's why we need a change of leadership.

And I believe, as the next councilor, because of my leadership style, um, being transparent and accountability, and, and having, and having making the community accountable as well. Because I will be, you know, making sure that I address issues within the community and asking them to come to the office to address these problems, whatever it may be, right?

No problem, I believe, is too small that we cannot, we should not... You know? Some might be priorities, and some might not be a priority at that time. So, uh, uh, you know, in the councilor office is where, you know, I would let you know, like, we are, what we gonna be, where we gonna be headed with this, this, um, this issue that you have brought to the office.

So, so that, so that is something, um, that I believe that, uh, when it comes to, um, [00:42:00] leadership, um, skill or, or, or, um, having, having, um, you know, somewhat of a difference, um, um, where we stand. We stand on two different side of the coin. We really stand on two different side of the coin Um, you know, and, and, and, and one of the things that I will be stressing is having open communication, open communication.

So residents and, you know, businesses, um, could, could, could be, could, could have meaningful, um, you know, consultation about issues that is happening them, happening with them. So my leadership would be rooted in, one, listening. Listening. Two, um, accountability, as you're gonna hear me saying the word accountability many times over because I believe in accountability.

And as I make... You make me accountable, I would also make the community accountable, um, um, uh, uh, [00:43:00] um, to, um, whatever is it that we need to get done. Um, and results. Not just results, but practical results. Because results can be anything that we, you know, we pull from the air and call it a result. You know?

Anything that looks like and we call it an, a result. No, we want it, we want it to be measurable. The, the, the residents or the businesses must be able to say, "Yes, this was actually done." And not just, "Oh, we're gonna do this," or, "We're gonna do that," and then nothing is done. So, so I will, I will be fighting on that, on that very hard, um, for Davenport 9, um, once I get elected.

So yes, I, I do believe, um, you know, that we, me and Bravo do have a different style of leadership, um, Councillor Bravo and, and, you know, um, e- everyone, everyone to their own order. Um, she's comfortable leading from that perspective. I am comfortable leading from this [00:44:00] perspective, which is listening, accountability, and having practical results.

Thank you.

[00:44:09] Ellington Brown: The time is just flying by, and the more you talk, the more questions keep po- keep popping up in my, in my head. 

[00:44:17] Neil Simon: Great!

[00:44:18] Ellington Brown: Absolutely,

Amazing, this conversation! You talk about balance, and how are you going to take, which I would think would be in high, you know, top two constantly- Yeah

and that's your family. 

[00:44:40] Neil Simon: Yeah. 

[00:44:40] Ellington Brown: How are you going to be a, politician, and then as soon as you get home and you close the door behind you, that you can leave all of that outside, the politician part, and just be- Yeah ... dad? 

[00:44:59] Neil Simon: Yeah. [00:45:00] 

[00:45:00] Ellington Brown: Do you see any problem in making that transition? 

[00:45:06] Neil Simon: No.

Actually, I actually does that right now as a pastor. Um, I do—a- as you know, you know, a pastor's community-based. Um, you know, people come and, you know, you gotta deal with, with, with, um, major problems. You know, people losing their homes and, and such. You know, you gotta get involved, you know? Um, so, so when I, wh- when I come home, I'm not pastor.

When I come home, I'm simply Neil. So when I'm, when I'm, when I'm Councillor Neil, that is for the office. When I'm home, 'cause I'm a family man, when I'm home, I'm gonna be making sure that, you know ... And, and communication is very important. Communication is very important. So, um, you know, having constant communication, you know, um, with the family, letting them know, [00:46:00] "Hey, how you guys doing?"

You know, just a call to check in, you know, makes a, a lot of difference. So i- it's not, it's not like I'm out the country. Sometime I may be, but, um, even if we, we do have, you know, um, technology now that, like this. This is amazing, right? That we could see each other. So, so I do believe that, um, um, the transition has already been, um, um, done because of my role as a pastor.

Um, uh, um, roughly 18 years as a pastor. Um, that transition was already done. I've learned, and this is the thing, um, you know, um, there, there, there is a, you know, a part of the Bible that said, "Experience teacheth wisdom." So I've learned to experience some, some, sometime the hard way. And that's why I said when I've learned to have a balance, it's because of some experience that I went through and I've been like, you know, "Okay, I gotta change this."

[00:47:00] So I think that being said, I'm ready for this office. I'm ready to show, um, um, um, Toronto, um, um, and collaborate with, with leaders so that we can, we can make a difference for, um, Ward 9, Wa-

Thank you ... 

[00:47:19] Rita Burke: shared a quote with us. It's one of my favorite quotes. 

[00:47:21] Neil Simon: Great. 

[00:47:22] Rita Burke: Uh, experience teaches wisdom. There's no question that that is a sound and robust quotation, and we should learn from experiences. 

[00:47:32] Neil Simon: Yes. 

[00:47:33] Rita Burke: Now, what would you say is your most eye-opening experience as you navigated the world that you're living in?

[00:47:42] Neil Simon: Yeah. Yeah. 

[00:47:44] Rita Burke: What would you say is your most eye-opening experience? 

[00:47:47] Neil Simon: Yes. Yes. I, I, I'm, I'm gonna use the next, um, quotation, not biblical, but I'm gon- I'm gonna use this, that I've learned along the way of life. And someone said this to me, well, my uncle. He, um, God rest [00:48:00] his soul, he's gone now. Um, um, um, he have, he have said this.

He said these, these words, you know? Never allow, never allow ... This is, this is what he said. Um, and he, and, and I'm gonna say it in the, because he said it in more of our dialect, which is, um, you know, um, the, uh, s- um, Creolese, right? Um, dialect which is from Guyana, so we speak, um, Creolese. Um, um, so, so, so, uh, but what he said in Creolese, he said, you know, um- I, I, and I'm gonna say it for the, f- for the sake of saying it, right?

So he said, you know, "Take what you get until you get what you want." That's what, that's what his word was. So, so in actuality, Isua said, "Never allow where you are today to determine where you're gonna be tomorrow." 

[00:48:54] Ellington Brown: Tomorrow. 

[00:48:56] Neil Simon: Yeah, yeah. So, so, so that is something that [00:49:00] really stood with me as a, as a young man when there is failures, when there is a difficult season in life, when there is setback.

I, you know, like that word, take what you get until you get what you want, continue to, you know, um, um, ricochet in my mind that, you know, it, it, it, it, it, it does not allow me to be permanently, um, um, um, um, at, at a place, uh, for so long that, um, I cannot see a way out. You know? Um, in, in situation, you know, an eye-opening...

And, and that was eye-opening to me, right? Because, um, it, it really, it really taught me. It really taught me, um, um, that we, we learn, we grow, we rebuild, and we move forward, you know? And, and this... If, if I had to say a message to anyone who is going through maybe something difficult, maybe you're losing your home, you know?

Maybe [00:50:00] you're losing your home, maybe it looks like, you know, the end. You know, uh, today do not determine your tomorrow. It may look bad now, but you never know what is gonna happen a moment from, from now. And sometime we, we give up mentally and, and we, we go back to, you know, mental, mental, um, health, right?

Um, because sometime we give up, we, we, we, um, give up on ourself mentally. But so, so as a, as a counselor, um, you, you would see me really, um, um, um, trying to, um, um, champion, um, mental health because I do believe sometime that, um, we, we can, we can mentally, um, be troubled, and we give up on life. But, you know, my, my job, um, is not, is not to...

I can't give you life, but I can give [00:51:00] you hope, right? I can give you hope. So, so that is how, you know, I believe that as, as, um, you know, one of the, the best piece of advice and an eye-opener experience that, uh, really changed my life, um, um, was that. And I, you know, I... One thing else I wanna talk about, um, and I know, I know, um, we, we our hour end, but one thing I wanna talk about is, you know, discovering- How quickly, how quickly life can change for ordinary people.

Yeah. Discovering this fact that, you know, uh, you, you can- a hardworking person, life can change so fast. So, uh, you know, so through... And, and this is, you know, what I see with my own eyes. So through, you know, ministry and business and community service, I have, you know, met, I have met people that who, who appear [00:52:00] that they are doing well but are privately struggling, you see, with grief and illness and, and financial hardship and housing insecurity and loneliness, you know?

Uh, um, um, even in my own, um, experience, um, I re- I got financial setback before and, and, but, but this taught me all these, uh, uh, um, has taught me how to be human. It taught me humility really and truly. It taught me humility. So these experience, um, taught me not to judge anyone, not to judge anyone, and not to judge anyone appearance, right?

But to, but, but to really, um, treat everyone as equal, as equal. Yeah, so that, that was eye-opening for me as, as well, you know, how things can change for ordinary people. Yes, sir. Thank you.

[00:52:57] Ellington Brown: Ordinary people 

[00:52:59] Neil Simon: Yes, [00:53:00] sir 

[00:53:00] Ellington Brown: It's amazing because You could barely have two pennies to rub together and hit the lottery- 

[00:53:09] Neil Simon: Yeah ... 

[00:53:10] Ellington Brown: and your life changes i- in, in an instant. You've gone from zero- Yep ... to a million kilometers an hour within seconds. 

[00:53:21] Neil Simon: Yes, sir. 

[00:53:22] Ellington Brown: That type of transformation is spectacular

What type of transformation are you expecting to see, let's say, by the middle of your term as councilor in Ward 9? 

[00:53:46] Neil Simon: Yep, yep, yep, yep. So transformation. This, th- this is what I wanna say to, to everyone that's listening and who is, is a part of Ward 9, um, on this platform. This [00:54:00] is what I wanna say, that I, I said at the beginning, I do not believe in promises.

I believe in policies. I believe in, in a plan. So I believe that every policy must have a plan. You know, if, if I give you a promises, it's only to, to, to, um, to, um, get you, you know, off my, my back in that, in that sense, in, in that layman term, you know? But if I have a policy which, which I will be, um, thriving to, to implement, um, I already have things that I want to see, um, implemented in, um, um, um, um, Davenport.

So, um, policy on, on... Let- let- let's, let's talk about the parking because that is something major, right? Um, um, um, making, making, um, developers accountable to the community. Like, if we're gonna do development in the community, then we should see better [00:55:00] roads. We should see parks that, that the children can play.

We should see schools, you know, in the community. New, uh... You know, because, like, right now there's a, there's a high, like, I noticed about couple high-rises now in Davenport- In Davenport, and Davenport is not a, is not a large community by the way. There is already congestion, right? We, we don't have that much land space.

So, so, so you know, um, when it comes to, um, um, um, um, seeing transformation, um, it's through, you know, making those who are investing in the community accountable. Um, so, so one, I, I, I do, I do believe in, in, in, in, um, creating policies and, and, and making plans, um, out of those policies. Um, we make plans. And not just making plans but [00:56:00] having, um, actionable solutions.

Actionable solutions mean that, you know, you and I could see, okay, it is actually working, you know? And we can't just make a plan and then it is just sitting there for years. Like for instance, um, I, I, I get to understand that the city has had legislated, um, Dufferin, Dufferin Corridor, um, that they would have do a parking study Uh, um, they, they said this is a pilot.

It's gonna be the first, um, um, ward, um, so that they started Ward 9, Dufferin Corridor. That was 2025. There was no update so far on, on this, on these problems. So I'm saying that I need to make as- o- once I get in as a counselor, I will make, I will bring up back these things that we said was, was supposedly had to be done.

I, I would have [00:57:00] bring it up back, I would bring it up back in, in s- in, in, in council and so that, you know, collaborating with the right person who's supposed to get this work done, and make them accountable to this work, right? So, so, so, so, so these are the things that it's not just, you know, um, I'm coming up with plans, but it's seeing where we are as a ward and putting in that work to now make, if it's, if it's, um, transit, if it's, um, um, um, um, um, parks, um, whoever we have to, um, go hit at their door.

Because my job as a counselor is to fight for the community. Like, Davenport was thriving at one point. When I, I lived in Davenport in '04 when I came to Canada. My parents used to live in Davenport, and we moved, like, I lived for, like, a year. There was, I remember having, having, um, the, the, um, [00:58:00] we call it now, and I, I, I thought was maybe the first, the first, um, flea market.

I don't know if you guys familiar with Davenport that much, but there was a flea market right off of Old Weston Road. I remember those flea market. There was a butcher shop. I remember those things . You know? This is what was, you know, make Davenport, um, a, a thriving community. Now, you know, uh, I'm not saying that Davenport is not, is not, um, thriving, but I think it could do more.

I think we can do more for Davenport, right? Um, and this, this is where I stand. So transformation is gonna come through me having, me having the right, um, collaboration, the right back active for this community, and talking to the right people, um, the right stakeholders in the community, right? So, so yeah.

Yes, sir.

[00:58:52] Rita Burke: Is that okay?

[00:58:54] Neil Simon: Great. All right. So- Well- Sorry about that, guys. Well, that- We got knocked off [00:59:00] here ... 

[00:59:00] Ellington Brown: I think that was the universe, telling us- "Okay, guys. That's enough!" 

[00:59:07] Neil Simon: That's 

[00:59:08] Ellington Brown: it. You know, and, you know, "Let's... Can you wrap this thing up so, you know, so, so we can do the-" We 

[00:59:12] Neil Simon: can always have a next interview.

You know, after I win, we can have one. 

[00:59:16] Ellington Brown: I know, because then, you know, we- We can 

[00:59:17] Neil Simon: have 

[00:59:17] Ellington Brown: a 

[00:59:18] Neil Simon: next interview, sir. 

[00:59:19] Ellington Brown: We have to talk, we'll have to talk about, you know, how does it feel now to be a councilor? Yeah. 

[00:59:24] Neil Simon: A mayor councilor. That's right. That is right. Yes. So 

[00:59:29] Ellington Brown: I'm gonna wish you the very best of l- Thank you

of luck, and, uh, I know you're gonna work hard between now and election day- 

[00:59:38] Neil Simon: Yeah ... 

[00:59:38] Ellington Brown: To get what you want. Rita, before we say, say goodbye, any last words, ma'am? 

[00:59:46] Rita Burke: Yes. Uh, I certainly want to thank, um, Neil Simon- 

[00:59:52] Neil Simon: Thank 

[00:59:53] Rita Burke: you ... who has his hat in the ring for councilor of Ward 9. I wanna thank him for joining us on [01:00:00] SpeakUP! International.

I wanna say that I'm impressed with your boldness- 

[01:00:09] Neil Simon: Thank you ... 

[01:00:10] Rita Burke: to go out there and say you want to represent the people, the community, the youth, the seniors, and that you want to advocate on our behalf. Thank you. And I trust that the opportunity to speak with us today will somehow propel your campaign and help you to, to get out and win what you want.

So thank you for joining us. Thank you. Thank you. 

[01:00:40] Neil Simon: Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it!

[01:01:00] [01:02:00] 

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