If you had to pick, would it be a meal with Margaret Atwood or a lunch date with Doug Ford?

You have a chance at both thanks to duelling essay contests being hosted by Toronto’s library union and now the Toronto Taxpayers Coalition.

Hoping to drum up support against deep cuts, the Toronto Public Library Workers Union last week unveiled the “Why My Library Matters to Me” essay contest. The prize: quality time with Margaret Atwood or one of 10 other notable Canadian authors.

Not to be outdone, the coalition, a right-wing advocacy group, launched a mirror-image essay challenge, complete with its own roster of prize right-wing celebrity dates.

The full list won’t be revealed until later this week, but conservative columnist and former provincial candidate Sue-Ann Levy has signed on.

To enter, write an essay that begins: “Lower taxes are good for Toronto because. . . .” In a news release, the coalition said it hopes the challenge will “raise awareness of the benefits of lower taxes.”

Alternatively, as in the library’s contest, contestants can submit a two-minute video entry.

Matthew McGuire, taxpayer coalition president, would not comment on the library’s contest, but said he encourages people to enter both.

“Doug was as excited as we were about the contest. We’re providing a chance for taxpayers who believe in lower taxes to have their say,” said McGuire.

“We are excited about the opportunity to hear from the silent majority of Torontonians who know that lower taxes are better for Toronto’s economy.”

Union president Maureen O’Reilly said while “imitation is the best form of flattery,” the tone of the coalition’s contest highlights the divide in Toronto.

“Our contest is a positive action in the midst of Ford’s doom and gloom agenda. With this contest they’re trying to make a mockery of us. It really shows how out of touch they are with Torontonians who have taken the time to express their opinions.”

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You can submit your entry at www.torontotaxpayer.ca. An advisory group with the coalition will review the entries and pick a short list. The winners will be drawn at random.

To enter the library union’s contest visit http://ourpubliclibrary.to/contest/enter.php.

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