RAMBLINGS OF A RACONTEUR

30 minutes, or it's war!

In east Toronto, the election battle of the incumbents, between Tom Jakobek and Sandra Bussin is already heating up. The two ward mates are arguing over whether no parking zones on Queen Street East should be extended from 4-6 p.m. to 4-6:30 p.m. (Jakobek, for; Bussin, against). It all began when pamphlets were distributed on the Queen Street streetcar, put out by the Beach transit users (whoever they are), urging riders to phone Bussin and say that they will not vote for her in the upcoming election. Bussin immediately accused Jakobek of distributing the pamphlet and Tommy said "Prove it". There is no indication on the pamphlet that Jakobek was behind it.

Bussin also accused Jakobek of making "personal comments" about her. A quick perusal of the document indicates that the only statement that could be considered personal is the fact that she drives to work.

Driving to work! It's going to be a long campaign--get a grip, Sandra.

And speaking of Jakobek

Tom Jakobek got into a tiff with outgoing police chief David Boothby over the high cost to the city of police overtime (according to Jakobek, the figure is $33 million). While Boothby defended the amount, stating that it was spent on court time and demonstrations, Jako said that it was police mismanagement.

Jakobek is quoted as saying: "And I wasn't the only one who asked for the audit. It was a city council decision, and I didn't write the report--so don't shoot the messenger".

Don't shoot the messenger. Guess that's how Tom should be referred to now; the City of Toronto's "Budget Messenger". We bet Sandra likes this one.

Avery Haines--she's everywhere

After being fired by CTV for making improper comments (as well as not being able to tell if a camera is on or off), Avery Haines wrote an article in the National Post where she mentioned that Marv Albert had a job and she didn't. Well, Avery got another job and started at Citytv on February 21. Despite her comparison to Albert, she got another job a lot quicker than he did; but then Avery probably looks a lot better in a dress than Marv does.

According to Stephen Hurlburt, City's News Director, Haines was hired, in part, because of the way she handled her incident at CTV; with grace, integrity and intelligence.

What was it that Haines said after being fired? Something like: it's, not my husband, it's not my son, it's only f#@*&%!g television.

Intelligence? integrity? grace? Someone should get Stephen a dictionary.

Love them limos

By the time this issue hits the streets, council should have voted on whether or not to keep their limousine fleet that allows style challenged councillors to ride around like they have some. The limos will probably get scrapped because it's an election year and they can always be brought back next year.

Coun. Howard Moscoe wants to keep the limos. He feels that limousines may be cheaper than taxis because meetings run late and cabs will be sitting there waiting with the meters on.

Waiting? Perhaps Howie needs some lessons on how to order a cab. First, you call the cab company AFTER the meeting finishes. Or, if you don't like that idea, you walk out the front door of City Hall and walk out to Queen Street and hail a cab (that means if you see a cab with its roof light on, you raise your arm and the cab will stop). If you really feel energetic, you can walk all the way across Queen Street to the cab stand at the Sheraton Centre Hotel and get into the first one in line.

OR, if the meeting ends early enough you may try the TTC. Call the office of the TTC Chairman if you need more info. (416-392-4027).