North York City Controller, 1982-1985
Greene returned to municipal politics in 1982, winning election to the second position on North York's Board of Control and receiving an automatic position on Metro's executive committee. She argued for cutbacks to the Toronto Transit Commission's budget, arguing that it had become "out of control" by 1984. Greene supported the direct election of Metro Councillors, on the grounds that indirectly elected council members were not sufficiently accountable.
She resumed her previous role as a prominent critic of Mel Lastman, arguing that his style of politics favoured backroom deals and often removed councillors from the decision-making process. Greene also called for the resignation of city planning commissioner Bruce Davidson in August 1983, arguing that his $265,000 debt to a major developer created a serious conflict-of-interest situation. She was one of only four councillors to oppose significant cutbacks to North York's public health department in June 1984, and was subsequently the only City Controller to support an affirmative action program for city.
Greene accused North York Councillor Andrew Borins of improper behaviour in 1983-84, arguing that his family's property holdings put him in an undeclared conflict of interest over the proposed North York Civic Centre. Borins sued Greene for slander and Greene responded by charging Borins with Conflict of Interest. Borins was successful in the lower courts on 20 March 1984, but this decision was overturned on appeal. A Divisional Court judge subsequently upheld Greene's accusation, and stripped Borins of his council seat on 16 April 1985.
She was offered the Progressive Conservative Party's nomination for Eglinton—Lawrence in the 1984 federal election, but declined.
Greene challenged Mel Lastman for Mayor of North York in 1985, promising a more open government and arguing that Lastman had "den North York residents the right to participate in planning their neighborhoods". She was defeated by a significant margin, in a contest marked by undisguised animosity between the candidates. Greene returned to teaching after the election, teaching Media Studies, English and Dramatic Arts with the North York Board of Education.
Read more about this topic: Barbara Greene, Municipal Politician
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