Saturday January 14, 2001

Courses films and road salt

CLIMATE CHANGE: THE SCIENCE, THE POLITICS (free course), Mondays Jan 15 - Apr 9, 6-8pm, Toronto. Global warming is a daunting but fascinating problem. It's a concentrate of the world's environmental, social, political, cultural & economic issues -- and a laboratory for such fundamental concepts as environmental justice, sustainable development and global governance. Course includes: the science of global warming: what is happening exactly? (4 classes); the history & forces at play in climate change negotiations & the Kyoto protocol (4 classes); solutions: efficient transportation, renewable energy, carbon sinks, taxes and subsidy shifts, etc. (5 classes). Lectures, open discussions, videos, guest speakers, outings. All welcome - beginners, experienced, activists, ordinary citizens. Free - presented by the Free University of Toronto. Register if possible; attend one class or all. U of T Physics Dept., 60 St George, room 713. More info: Loic Jounot loic@atmosp.physics.utoronto.ca 416-532-9483 http://www.utoronto.ca/acc/freeu/

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PEOPLE OF THE REEFS, Tues Jan 16, 9pm, Vision TV. Indonesia battles the loss of its coral reefs and marine life - an ecological crisis that intimately affects 140 million lives. http://www.visiontv.ca 416-368-3194

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THE GREEN ECONOMY, Tuesdays Jan 16 - Mar 20, 7-10pm, Toronto. Practical strategies to create community-based eco- economies. Agriculture & the food system; urban eco-design; the soft energy path; feminist economic alternatives; community financial systems; green industry. Literature & expert guest speakers - Toronto's cutting edge innovators in each sector. $100 for 10 classes. Metro Labour Education Centre, 1207 King W. (at Dufferin). More info: http://www.greeneconomics.net Brian Milani 416-968-1282 Register: 416-537-6532

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* LIFE UNDER MIKE, Fri Jan 19, 7pm, film. A madcap, David & Goliath tale... Mike Harris & the Common Sense Revolution. Homelessness, foodbanks, weakening of the labour movement, sweatshops. Interviews with John Kenneth Galbraith, Charles Kernaghan and Jack Layton. Music by Dylan & Springsteen. $3/$4/$7. Bloor Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W. (Bathurst subway). 416-516-2330 http://www.bloorcinema.com http://www.guerrillafilms.org [ see also http://www.mikeharrispc.com ]

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STOP THE FTAA - General Assembly, Sat Jan 20, Toronto. General assembly of all the groups that are organizing around stopping the Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement. On April 20-22, 2001, heads of state from every country in the western hemisphere (except Cuba) will meet in Quebec City at the "Summit of the Americas" to finalize a hemispheric "free" trade agreement known as the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Think NAFTA on steroids. The FTAA will create the largest free trade market in the world, and further the corporate agenda at the expense of workers, communities, and the environment. Meeting time & location to follow. Toronto Moblization for Global Justice 416-516-7535 mob4glob@tao.ca http://www.mob4glob.ca [related: http://www.cmaq.net http://www.oqp2001.org http://www.tradewatch.org/FTAA/ftaahome.html Sierra Club's Responsible Trade Program - Environmental Action kit on the FTAA: Dan Seligman 202-675-2387 ]

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These events were posted on the People and Planet-Friendly Events email newsletter. To subscribe, e-mail to subscribe@planetfriendly.net or check out his website: ~~~> www.planetfriendly.net <~~~

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WHAT'S UP WITH ALL THE SALT?
by Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists (ARC)

It seems that Toronto city workers are dumping more salt than ever before on the streets. As the ARCer gearheads pointed out, cyclists either need to ride a junker all winter or do their best to stay ahead of the corrosive effects of all that salt eating away at our bicycles.

That's not the only problem with the salt. The Water Information Network, a local environmental group has found out the harm that salt causes to the groundwater.

"We are now in possession of the Environment Canada CEPA Priority Substances List Assessment Report for Road Salts (calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride and potassium chloride) not to mention ferrocynanide salts (an anti clumping agent added to salt and other mixtures which has been determined to be a persistent toxin).

Despite the report's findings that road salt is an environmental toxin, the City is still not taking action to eliminate road salt use in sensitive areas such as the Don River. At last count the Don River was estimated to suffer a winter season chloride rating of almost 1,000 mg/L. Drinking water limits are 250 mg/L. More than the acute lethal toxicity of road salt is its long term impact on ground waters and soils."

The Water Information Network has started a petition requesting the city reduce the amount of salt it uses. For more information contact: input@riversides.org

Friday November 24, 2000

"Your's was the most valuable campaign in Toronto city's history and an inspiration to cities everywhere." From a phone message left on our machine by Susan.

Why not gloat? After all, we changed this city. Remember earlier in the campaign we predicted "rocking this town"? Well indeed we did!

When I say "we", I mean Tooker, Angela, and you -- each of you. You had the faith in us to send $50 grand, to sport a Gomberg for Mayor bike flag, to volunteer your time delivering the 360,000 leaflets, to circulate our emails to your friends and colleagues, to wear a button or t-shirt, to put up a lawn sign, to spread the word. What a feat -- what a team!

We accomplished what we set out to do: have fun, and raise the issues. And 51,063 people were inspired and motivated vote for a healthy, sustainable, ecological and just city. Now that's something!

Election night stirred up a range of emotions for us. We were relieved that the day was finally upon us. We were excited with the seeds we had planted, yet disappointed that not enough people heard our message through the noise: fringe candidate, nobody credible, coronation. Ya call that democracy?

A friend Mark called on election night to offer both condolences and congratulations. Condolences because if the planet is going down, then 8.5% of the vote isn't gonna save it. And neither is 35% voter turnout very encouraging.

But then again, 51,063 people saw through the media murk. Despite the pathetic mainstream media coverage of our campaign, 51,063 caught wind of our campaign and went on public record affirming that the vision we outlined represented their vision for a just and sustainable city. We could have filled the skydome! That's a whole lot of us that are working in our communities for more just and sustainable communities, planting seeds, working for change. That's a hopeful thought...

So congratulations gang!

And of course, this is just the beginning. One of the great successes of this campaign was that it brought together the social justice, environmental and labour communities in a united front. That base will create the framework for longer term, strategic actions for progressive change at the municipal level.

Another success of the campaign was that despite the hollow criticisms from the mainstream media, we somehow managed to get our message out through our own means. We distributed our own literature, organized with email, and put up our own video and platforms on our website (which received 900,000 hits!).

She who owns the presses prints the news. Why grumble when we can tell our own stories? And one of the legacies of the campaign is that we have set up a tv station. Stay tuned for more details.

So now it's off into the eye of the storm. Tooker, and our ace videographer Kelly are off to Den Haag in the Netherlands, to question the powerful elite, document the activism, and explore the opportunities (like biogas and bicycles) for resolving the climate crisis that we face. Check out our website to catch an exclusive photo Tooker took of the US rep getting pied! (www.greenspiration.org) More recently, Tooker and Kelly burned their passports in outrage at Canada's active resistance of any meaningful solutions towards the climate crisis.

Back in Toronto we glory in the fact that Tooker is now Mayor of Toronto Island (with over 60% of the vote!), the largest urban car-free territory in all of North America (so they say).

What next? Who knows but serendipity. Join us on Tues. Dec. 5 at 9:30 am at City Hall for the new Council's Swearing In Ceremony. Let's fill the chambers and make it clear that we'll be watching them closely this coming term.

Thanks to everyone who helped us accomplish so much in so short a time. We are heartened by the good feeling that people have towards our campaign. When we're cycling on the street or stopping in a corner grocery store, people smile and congratulate us on what we've done. Our campaign touched people in countless ways.

Still, it's cold outside, and 2000 Torontonians are sleeping outside each night. What about that abandoned (yet heated and electrified) Princess Margaret Hospital that the province gave to the city for a shelter? Tooker, Kelly and Jean spent election day locked inside to pressure the authorities to open the building up as a shelter for the homeless. The next day they got a call from the John Howard Society suggesting that the building could also serve as transition housing for people coming out of prison. Maybe it could be set up as a co-op, and an ecological community? Grow food, cook meals, share skills. Anyone interested in joining the Green Margaret Action Committee? Let us know if you are.

And do stay in touch with us. We'll continue sending dispatches to you and letting you know what we're up to and what's going on in the community. We think these are exciting times in Toronto, and we're up to the challenge of continuing to rock this town...

Thanks for your continued support... Angela and Tooker

Playing With Democracy - a Video of the Campaign

We produced an incredible video of the campaign that's as entertaining as it is informational. Those who have viewed it have raved about its humor and punch. We still have about 100 VHS copies (from 1000). Get your campaign souvenir while stocks last. Every donation will receive a copy in the mail (but you must mention this exclusive email offer)! How's that for an offer.

Can You Spare Some Change?

Incredibly, we've raised $50,000 in mostly small donations. We are ever grateful to each of you who trusted in our abilities to spend that money wisely. The bad news is that we spent $60,000. We can, however, continue to collect donations for the campaign and access the city's generous rebate program until Jan. 2, 2001. We humbly request that if you haven't yet given, now's the time! And if you have given, thanks so much! If you could give just a little more, remember that donations from $50 to $300 get 75% back (that is, a $300 donation receives a cheque back from the city for $225). (Donations over $300 receive a slightly smaller percentage rebate.) Cheques can be written to Gomberg for Mayor, and sent to 244 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, M5A 2G2. Merci beaucoup...

Here's what some of you had to say about the campaign:

----- Congratulations on running the most intelligent, decent, fun and socially-conscious campaign ever. Martin & Wendy

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To all friends and companeros y companeras, As the NOW magazine pointed out "we desesperately needed this mayoralty campaign". I congratulate us all for the efforts, for resisting and believing that things can be possible... We should do this more often!!! Ana

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Your campaign has made a great impact on the city. You generated a mountain of media attention for some very important issues that otherwise wouldn't have gotten any. Thanks for making this an election instead of a coronation - Toronto needed your campaign, and we could use a mayor like you. Dave

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Never give up, never surender. Jennifer

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Thank you for standing up for our city, our home... I believe you are a person who has the vision, foresight and plans to build us the greatest city in the world. Your pro-active approach to building a future for our children in this city is most welcomed. Please endeavor to challenge and change our lives. William

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Mel won't forget you (even though he said" debate with whom?"). They tried to ignore you but they could not in the end. You have made great progress for the people. Kay

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The conscious 8.5% voted for you. It is the 80% of the confused and unconscious we will work on for the next time. Allan

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I, for one, will be watching Toronto council alot closer, thanks to your efforts. Terri

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Stick around and fight the good fight... your kind of thinking is critical to the future of the planet... squid

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Congratualtions on an excellent grass-roots campaign with impressive and effective communication and publicity techniques. Jim Robb for Friends of the Rouge Watershed

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Congratulations on ennobling the democratic and environmental process... Douglas Jack, Montreal

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Other issue updates:

With a federal election on Monday, make your voice heard by calling/faxing your MP (and election candidates) and express your concern that Canada has taken laothsome negotiating positions at the Climate Change Conference in Den Haag.

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Toronto will soon complete its six-month police helicopter pilot project. Council will vote to decide whether the City should pay up to $5.3 million per year (or more) for a permanent fleet of up to five helicopters. Why not spend that money instead on crime prevention, such as social housing, and eliminating recreational user fees? Helicopters are creating new social problems such as stress from noise-induced sleep loss. And many people find the Big Brother presence of police overhead as a form of unwanted surveillance. Please call, write and email your Councillor now and let them know you do not support the police helicopters. Also, contact the City Auditor, who is keeping track of complaints and is writing a full report for City Council. Tony Venezia can be reached at 392-3712 or tvenezia@city.toronto.on.ca. Join our "Stop the Police Choppers" group by emailing helena@web.ca

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Thanks to every one of you who helped us articulate an alternative vision for Toronto -- a vision of a just and sustainable city. 51,063 people voted for this vision! That's a lot of people working for change and planting seeds in their own neighbourhoods. Congratulations to all who helped the campaign flourish...

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Sunday November 12, 2000

Of Lightbulbs, Leaflets and Squats

With all this intensity, we're wondering how life will ever seem normal again!

After giving out energy efficient light bulbs at City Hall today to illustrate the simple fact that investing in conservation makes both economic and environmental sense, we made our way over to the Old Princess Margaret Hospital. You may have heard about this old abandoned building in the heart of downtown (Sherbourne and Wellesley). The province handed the keys over to the city just weeks ago with the proviso that the city house the homeless. The City refused the offer, and is proposing a longer term solution. But while the guys in suits haggle, it's reaching near zero degrees outside at night, and 2000 people are sleeping on the streets of Toronto. Advocates for the homeless are outraged that such a viable short-term solution is being disregarded by the City.

So what's a mayoral candidate -- who's concerned about the homeless -- to do except break into the building and squat it? That's what Tooker and Kelly and Jean did this afternoon. They broke in and u-locked their necks to pipes in the building -- believe it or not. It drew lots of media attention to the plight of the homeless, and the cops have chosen to leave the guys alone rather than cause a ruckus on the eve of the election. Let's hope they all have a good night sleep inside the heated shelter.

Last Chance to Leaflet - and Party Hardy

With just one day to go to put Tooker over the top, we're encouraging people to distribute all their leftover leaflets at subway stations any time Monday. And if you need leaflets, you can pick them up at the office (244 Gerard St. East) or call them (968-7626) and they'll get some over to you.

Remind all your friends and family to vote (and of course slip in Tooker's name). This is the one day that a homeless single mother has as much power as Jean Cretien: one vote. If the two-thirds of the people who don't intend to vote tomorrow actually were inspired to vote, we'd win! Savour that thought... Visualize Tooker in the Mayor's Chair!

If you don't know where you vote, call 338-1111. Polling stations are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Then drop by our Victory Party at 189 Church Street (just south of Dundas) and celebrate with us our campaign successes.

Check out these endorsements:

In this week's NOW: "...Gomberg is our man. It was this newcomer to Toronto who gave us the mayoralty campaign we so desperately needed, who didn't allow Mel to just hand over matters to his main bagmen while he waited for his certain coronation. Mel has been taking us for granted, but Gomberg has been offering up environmental, housing and social policy. He gave us a great campaign, and in return we offer him our endorsement."

Also in NOW: "Activist Angela Bischoff, mayoral candidate Tooker Gomberg's partner, has the strong social conscience and a commitment to a greener city." This just in from Ruth Greer, former NDP Minister of Health and Environment: "Everything a city the size of Toronto does affects our environment -- Tooker Gomberg understands this. We need him as Mayor."

And from Clayton Ruby, one of Canada's foremost Constitutional Lawyers: "Mel doesn't talk about any of the things I care about. Tooker does."

Letters Galore, but Ignored

We want to thank each of you (dozens of you) who have been writing letters to the editor of various rags in town (many are up on our website). Amazingly, none of these letters are being printed! What's going on? There's been a media black out this past week on our campaign. It's all about Mel glad handing, or pounding in stakes; you know, the big issues of the day.

Our Most Humble Thanks...

Special thanks this week go to Miriam for design/research, Matt for desktopping, Kathy for bookeeping, Mez and David for signs, Chris for canvass, Peter for email distribution, Andrew and Benjamin for website, Doug for computer support, Alana for food prep, John for running around, and all the musicians/artists for entertaining at our 4 fun-draisers (which by the way if you missed them you missed some awesome parties).

Now is the time to make this miracle happen.We have done the legwork, and planted many seeds of hope and enthusiasm.

Let us now reap the harvest!

Be sure to tell EVERYBODY you know how important it is to vote. Typically, most people don't bother. That means that EVERY vote will matter.

Thanks for helping spread the word! If you can spare a few hours to help leaflet, call or drop by the office.

-tooker and Angela

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Friday November 10, 2000

Water logged

While on the campaign trail someone told Tooker to go jump in a lake. Since we had planned to release our Cool Clear Water platform today, we thought it apropo to go for a dip in Lake Ontario -- in the rain no less.

After doing a news conference at the constructed wetland on the lake at the south end of Spadina, we hopped aboard a water taxi over to Hanlan's Point where Tooker, Angela and Jean stripped down to our Gomberg for Mayor t-shirts and took a dive. Very invigorating indeed. Check out our Cool Clear Water Platform at www.GombergForMayor.org

Good news of the day: our www.GombergForMayor website has received 700,000 hits! Everyone -- pat yourselved on the back.

Victory Parteeeee

Celebrate with us our Campaign successes -- pre-election! Cabaret style: music, dance, political theatre.

Sat. Nov. 11
8:30 p.m. - midnight
BarCode, 549 College Street
$10 or pay what you can

An Elder Speaks

We just received these kind words of endorsement from Dan Heap, former MP, former City Councillor, Anglican Priest: "I endorse Tooker Gomberg's campaign in defense of poor and ordinary people, and his very creative meeting and recruiting of the public."

Just 2 Days to Gooooooo!

This is our last ditch effort to pull off a miracle. Do you wanna see Tooker as Mayor or not? Help us distribute leaflets, put up signs, give out buttons, pass on a campaign video to your neighbour, and proudly show off your new Gomberg for Mayor t-shirt. Drop by the office for leaflets etc. (244 Gerard St. East, ph. 968-7626)

Office hours:

Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Monday we're focussing our efforts at subway stations. Please distribute all your leftover leaflets (or pick up more from the office) at your nearest subway station. People are thrilled to get the leaflets; there's a buzz in the air about our campaign, so enjoy it.

Don't forget to vote on Monday. And then join us Election night after 7 p.m. at the NOW lounge, 189 Church St., as the election results come in over the big screen.

Tome to Donate

If you haven't contributed financially yet, it's not too late. Remember that all contributions between $50 and $300 receive a 75% rebate cheque from the City. (Contributions of over $300 receive a slightly smaller percentage rebate.) So $300 just costs you $75. Best deal in town. Cheques can be made out to Gomberg for Mayor and sent to: 244 Gerard St. East, TO, M5A 2G2. We're very appreciative of all contributions, even small ones. So far we've raised about $45,000 and spent about $50,000. Thanks to you all...

How to Vote in the Toronto Municipal Election, 2000

Lots of people have been asking about election day voting, so here's a summary: How to Vote in the Toronto Municipal Election, 2000

It's Election Day on Monday, November 13, 2000 -- the day when the homeless woman has as much power as Conrad Black! One person, one vote (actually 3 votes: one for City Councillor, one for Mayor, and one for School Board Trustee).

Advance voting

There is no more advance voting.

You can vote if:

1) You will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day, November 13, 2000;

2) You are a Canadian citizen; and

3) You or your spouse live in, rent or own property in the City of Toronto, anytime between September 5, 2000 and November 13, 2000

How and Where

If you are on the voters' list, you will have received a vote-at-card in the mail which tells you where to vote on election day. Bring your vote-at-card and/or at least one piece of personal identification showing your name and current address. If you have not received a card, call (416) 338-1111 for information on where to vote. Even if you don't have I.D., and even if your home is a park bench, you can show up at your nearest polling station, sign a form and vote.

Proxy voting

If you are eligible to vote, but are, for any reason, unable to vote on any of the voting days, you can ask a friend or family member who is eligible to vote in this election to vote for you. Call (416) 338-1111 to find out how to get a proxy voting application.

Check out these websites for more info

The City's official election website is www.toronto.on.ca/vote2000. View a map of the new ward boundaries and a current list of candidates. For more information on the candidates themselves, you must call them directly. You'll also get lots of info on particular candidates from this well known lefty's site: www.megacityelection.com Highly recommended and entertaining.

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Thursday November 9, 2000

It has been a fun few days, phew! The campaign is cooking. People we meet on the streets are asking for signs and bike flags and buttons. When we get on the subway people's eyes light up -- they are realizing there is a choice, and they're excited about what we're doing!

Sorry we haven't been in touch for a few days. We've had email problems. What a horror to not have email access the week prior to the election! It's all up and running now, (thanks to exceptional help from Allan at WEB Networks) but catching up with all the email is difficult. Please be patient.

We've released several platforms this week that we haven't sent you. They're all up on the website (www.gombergformayor.org), so check them out:

- the Olympics
- Recreational User Fees
- Youth
and - Women's issues.

Besides the fact that we're going crazy with all that needs to be done these days, tons is getting done! We're rocking this town! This campaign has launched into the mainstream. Tooker's been doing lots of media and getting great feedback. Please call your favorite media outlet now and suggest that they get Tooker on their show. And please do write a letter to the editor of your favorite rag as well. Make a special effort to call talk radio -- CFRB.

The highlight of our day yesterday was the Street Poll that we did just outside Mel's campaign headquarters at Carlton and Yonge. A team of six polled passersby with the question: Should Lastman Debate Gomberg: Yes or No? Of those with a position on the question (617), 5 out of 6 said Yes. People get it that Mel is dissing the public, and democracy, by not participating in the process. No doubt he'll pay for it at the polls. Today we released our Olympics platform outside Mel's office. We invited him to join us and debate the issue, but in his stead we got Chicken Mel (life sized chicken man). He didn't say much, but neither does Mel.

Upcoming Events -- You're Invited!

- Friday Nov. 10 - Whose Toronto? Public Forum (With Tooker Gomberg and Mel Lastman - invited) 7 - 9 p.m. 454 College St. United Church
- Saturday Nov. 11 - Victory Party! Cabaret - 8:30 p.m. Barcode, 549 College, $10 or pay what you can - music, dance, theatre
- Sunday Nov. 12 - Night of the Green Ribbons - 6 p.m. onwards - help us distribute 100,000 Remember to Vote fliers
- Monday Nov. 13 - Election Day - help us distribute the remainder of our campaign leaflets at transit stations around town, and don't forget to vote! And remind all your friends to vote for the little green giant.
- Monday Nov. 13 - Election night party - 7 p.m. onwards - NOW Lounge - 189 Church St.

Let's Make This Miracle Happen!

Imagine Tooker as Mayor of Toronto! And then imagine yourself helping pull it off!

You can pick up your lawn/balcony sign from the office (244 Gerard St. East, phone 968-7626). While you're there you can pick up a few Gomberg for Mayor buttons and a t-shirt (choose from 2 stylish designs printed on unbleached cotton).

And then grab a stack of leaflets and blitz the mailboxes in your neighbourhood. The office staff will give you a map to ensure you're doing a district that hasn't already been leafletted.

While you're at it, grab a small poster to hang in the office coffee room.

And please drop off a cheque at the same time. We want to buy newspaper ads this weekend, and airtime for our video, but unless the cash rolls in in the next few days -- we're broke.

Check out our website, download a poster or leaflet, and DONATE ONLINE!

We'd like to thank all of the donors who have contributed more than $45,000 in recent weeks. We are honored by your faith in us to pull off a campaign with spunk and integrity.

Mass Phoning

Do you have access to a few phone lines? We want to do some mass phoning in the last few days. Call Ange at 532-3939 a.s.a.p. if you can allow us use of 5, 10, 20 phone lines. HELP!!

Night of the Green Ribbons

We think it outrageous that 2 out of 3 Torontonians may not bother to vote on Monday. So we want to invite them to vote for us! But we need your help.

On Sunday, Nov. 12, on the eve of Election Day, we are aiming to distribute 100,000 Green Ribbons in apartment buildings in targetted areas. We'll tape them to doors, and when people leave their homes Monday morning they'll grab the green ribbons and be reminded to vote for the green guy.

Can you, your friends, kids, contribute just 2 hours on Sunday night to help us pull this off? We need 140 people to each spend 2 hours. Please pick up your Green Ribbons at the office on Sat. or Sunday, or at the Victory Party Cabaret on Sat. night.

Riddle: How do you turn $25 into 100 bucks?

We've set our sites on a $75,000 campaign bugdet. So far we've spent over $50,000 and raised $45,000. Please help us reach our fundraising goal by writing a cheque to the Gomberg for Mayor Campaign today, and send it to 244 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, M5A 2G2.

Remember: donations under $300 get a rebate of 75% from the city (donations over $300 receive a slightly smaller percentage rebate).

That means that a hundred bucks only costs you $25 (the city writes you a rebate cheque for $75). A cheque for $300 will only cost you $75. Please, please, write that cheque today!

A few hundred will buy us air time on tv. Help us get over the top!!!

Special thanks to Michael, Marty, Bridget, Doug, Kelly, Tressa, Geoff, Andrew and David...

-tooker and angela

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Saturday November 4, 2000

Of Streetcars and Rubber Chickens Sat. Nov. 4, 2000

We released our Transportation Platform yesterday during our Gauranteed Bike Lane event. Frustrated with cars parking in bike lanes, a dozen cyclists took the law into our own hands and enforced the 'no parking' bylaw ourselves. We placed a few dozen orange cones along the bike lane from Spadina to Huron on College St. and ensured safe passage for all the cyclists along the bike lane -- for a change.

Too bad no media showed up for the event. Big surprise.

Tooker hasn't been getting much sleep these nights. Seems as though the only full nights of sleep he gets are when he sleeps out in solidarity with the 60,000 homeless people in Toronto. Last night he slept in Allan Gardens again, froze a bit, and awoke renewed (again, not newsworthy).

Today after a tip from a friend, Tooker bumped into Mel glad handing at a North York mall. Tooker had barely pulled out his rubber chicken, a couple of security goons violently tackled him and dragged him off, as if he was a threat. Acually, Tooker was being very nice, and offered his hand to Mel before being tackled. (Mel refused to shake it.) We're considering pressing assault charges. Nooooo-body deserves that sort of treatment. It certainly isn't very nice, which was Mel's big press line the other day. So we'd like to ask you what you think: should we press charges?

The media loved seeing Tooker getting hauled off, and covered it on tonight's tv news with gusto. Buy why is it that they didn't show up at our Police press event on Wednesday, our Arts and Culture press event on Thursday, or our Transportation press event on Friday? Whenever the other candidate is out shaking hands THAT is a news story. Go Figure.

Streetcar Partiers Welcome

Join us for our last (for real!) party on the original Red Rocket 1940's streetcar. We'll gather at Sussex and Spadina (1 block south of Bloor) at 11 a.m. and we'll ride the streetcar up and down Queen, inviting transit users to jump on board for a free ride. (If you can't make it at 11:00 but want to hop on board en route, call either 839-2453, to find out our whereabouts. Gourmet muffins, fruit and more will be served up courtesy of Fressen, an incredible vegetarian restaurant (478 Queen West). Live music too. Come one come all. We'll also be releasing our Green Book for the Mega City, (Part 1). (note: We had originally advertised an admission of $20 per person, but we've changed our minds and welcome everyone aboard for FREE!)

Bok Bok, Bok Bok

Bob the Chicken Mel has made a few appearance now. He's a person-sized yellow chicken who's tracking down Mel and challenging him to debate Tooker. Yesterday Chicken Mel first appeared at a black tie affair where Mel was the honored guest. It wasn't long before he got the boot. Chicken Mel spent today up on Yonge Street promoting his new book Melville, which pokes fun at Mayor Mel. Melville is not just a book of humor--it's a political campaign. Bob the Chicken, the leading candidate for Mayor of Melville, has graciously offered to sit in for Mel in a debate with Tooker whenever invited. Stay tuned...

Mayor Mel is the Real Chicken

What an insult to the citizens of this city that Mel refuses to debate other Mayoral candidates. Election debates are fundamental to democracy.

Join us for a mayoralty debate (withor without Mel) on Monday Nov. 7, 7-9 p.m. at OISE auditorium, Bloor and St. George Street. Let's pack the house, and show that even if HE doesn't care to show up, WE DO.

Words from the Outside

From the National Post, Nov. 4, Peter Kuitenbrouwer:

"Tooker Gomberg, 45, has the mayor and his people running scared. It is hard to imagine why they fear a short, harmonica-playing guy who arrived two years ago from Edmonton, wears used suit jackets, drinks cappuccino with honey, rides a bicycle and rents an apartment just of College Street.

The fact is, through, with the election for mayor of Toronto just nine days away, the Gomberg campaign is picking up steam.

Mr. Gomberg's success is a combination of luck, circumstance and shrewd grassroots organizing. He burst on the scene in the groundswell opposing a plan to haul Toronto's trash to Kirkland Lake. His role in Edmonton City council in the early '90s, when that city teamed up with the giant TransAlta to build the continent's largest composter, gave him credibility.

And since no well-known Toronto figure dared challenge the powerful Mr. Lastman at the polls this time, Mr Gomberg has become, by default, the only credible alterntive."

And this from Toronto Star City Columnist Royson James, Nov. 3:

"A 45-minute chat with mayoral candidate Tooker Gomberg proves he's articulate, well-studied, committed to improving civic life... Gomberg will get a lot of protest votes on election day. He's earned every one."

This from the Annex Gleaner, Editorial, Nov. 2000: "On the mayoral scene, Tooker Gomberg's position on progressive environmental changes are clouded by his radical (ha!) challenge to Mayor Mel Lastman to a debate. Clearly, Gomberg's campaign has been the strongest and he does win our endorsement."

This just in from on email:

"After reading the article on Mr. Gomberg in the Varsity, I decided to wander over to the website...And let me tell you, I am amazed! I applaud your stance on the environment, the plight of the homeless and the arts, and I feel like you have a vision that will be able to unite Toronto as a real community. As the greatest city in Canada, I feel that we should be the ones setting the example, and this is surely the way to do it! You most certainly have my vote!"

This also from email:

"...and I'm amazed to say that I agree with 100 per cent of your platform, from the arts to poverty, from bicycling to recycling, from waste management to transit, from the plight of the homeless to Toronto becoming its own province. And I've never agreed 100 per cent with anyone!

For what it's worth, you have my unqualified support on election day, and if I can be of any assistance to you in the brief time left in the campaign (short of giving you money, of which I have a negligible amount), please let me know. Meantime, I'll be urging everyone I know to Vote Tooker Gomberg."

Playing With Democracy -- Video

Our campaign video, Playing With Democracy, was aired in full tonight on a pirate tv station in the Beaches. At last -- real air time! We'd love to be airing it on late night tv as an infomercial, but we'd need to raise an additional $4000 to cover airing charges. If you're keen to help us get our stories on air, please contribute to the campaign and put "video" on the cheque. Remember that contributions to the Gomberg for Mayor campaign receive generous rebates (75% on the first $300, and slightly smaller for larger contributions). You give us $1 and the city gives us $3. Such a deal!

If you're not aware of our video, it's a 33 minute compilation of clips up on our website. Get your hot copy (or 2) at any of the Campaign events (see below) or pick up copies from the campaign headquarters. They're a real hoot to watch. Share them with your friends. Pop 'em in the lunch room VCR at work. Help spread the word that there is a real choice this election. $10 suggested donation per tape, or pay what you can.

Right Wing Talk Radio

Tooker's going into the bear pit on Sunday Nov. 5, 9:30 - 10 p.m. on the Mickael Koren show, CFRB, 1010 on the AM dial. We implore you to call in with your views and questions for Tooker. Be sure to call in: 872-1010

Don't miss our upcoming par-teeeeez!

Who ever said that politics was boring???

Tues. Nov. 7, 8:00 p.m. -- Grassroots -- An Election Cabaret with entertainment to amuse and inspire even the most ardent left brains in the bunch. At the NOW Lounge, 189 Church St. Admission: $10 (or pay what you can)

Sat. Nov. 11, 9 p.m. Celebrate Victory with us at our Victory Party (Pre Election!) Election Cabaret with surprise theatre, music and dance. Bar Code, 549 College, 9 p.m. Admission: $10 (or pay what you can)

Support the arts. Mark your calendars today.

Help Us Change the World...

We've reached the 250,000 mark on leaflet distribution. Yay -- well done folks. Our goal is 500,000. Can you spare a few more hours to get the word out that voters have a real choice on Nov. 13? Pick up your poll map to distribute leaflets to. Call 'your-man' (968-7636) or drop into the office (244 Gerrard St. E) to meet Natalie and/or Henry and pick up a map and enough leaflets to distribute in people's mailboxes. Or we could get a package off to you if that would help expedite things.

If leaflet distribution isn't your bag, please consider how else you might contribute. Can you help put up lawn signs? Can you spend time working the phones? Can you help out at the office? Please call Henry at 968-7626 to volunteer your skills/time to help us raise the issues in this election. The campaign is only as strong as the people who make it.

Signs of our Times

Order your beautiful Gomberg for Mayor LAWN (or balcony or window) SIGN today by emailing Henry at tookervolunteer@hushmail.com or dropping by or calling the office.

Let your neighbours know that you support our campaign for a new style of politics.

Buttons On the Way

We're printing up some beautiful buttons. Wear a button and help us pick up some more momentum as we head into to the home stretch!

Riddle: How do you turn $25 into 100 bucks?

We've set our sites on a $75,000 campaign bugdet. So far we've spent $40,000 and raised $35,000. Bills are coming in, and we still have to do another print run, pay for staff and more. Please help us reach our fundraising goal by writing a cheque to the Gomberg for Mayor Campaign today, and send it to 244 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, M5A 2G2.

Remember: donations under $300 get a rebate of 75% from the city (donations over $300 receive a slightly smaller percentage rebate).

That means that a hundred bucks only costs you $25 (the city writes you a rebate cheque for $75). A cheque for $300 will only cost you $75. Please, please, write that cheque today!

Give us a hundred dollars and we'll print some buttons. Another few hundred will buy us air time on tv. Help us get over the top!!!

The Petition

What would a campaign be without a petition? Sign on the email petition and join in the call that Mr. Lastman take part in a candidates debate -- at least one, before the election. Email: scam@ziplip.com if you'd like a copy.

Are you skilled at live internet link? We have the equipment but need someone to coordinate it who knows the biz. If you can help, call Kelly at UFO-KELL (836-5355).

Special thanks to Miriam, Sheila, and Mez...

-tooker and angela

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Thursday November 2, 2000

We released our Democracy platform yesterday at the soup kitchen at Osgoode Hall, and today we released our Arts and Culture platform. We're cranking out some good platforms, don't you think?

Things are taking a turn for the better. The media are taking us more seriously, and the buzz on the street is growing. Here are a few quotes from todays news:

"Gomberg has emerged as the only serious mayoralty candidate willing to put his beliefs and issues on the line and engage in public dialogue... I think he's the best candidate running." John Sewell, former Mayor of Toronto, columnist in EYE

"Tooker is a serious character with a remarkable track record and an excellent handle on the ecological crisis." Bob Hunter, co-founder of Greenpeace, columnist in EYE

From an Email Message

Just Received "I have kind of been in the dark for the past few weeks but now I'm awake. You seem to know exactly what is wrong with the city and I appreciate that you are actually goin gto try to change things. You have my vote. Good luck!"

We received another incredible endorsement to add to our honoured list:

"A vote for Tooker is a vote for a better Toronto. It is a vote for the new grassroots politics that is sweeping North America. It is a vote of our conscience for something better. When you are voting this election, think long and hard about the kind of world you want to see left for your children. Think about the kind of Toronto you want to live in and then ask yourself: who will support this vision of a new world? In a choice between Mel Lastman and Tooker Gomberg, I'd vote Tooker every time. On November 13th, vote Tooker." - John Robbins, Author, Diet for a New America and Reclaiming Our Health

Get Your Copy of the Playing With Democracy Video

Many of you cannot access the incredible video clips we've been putting up on the website, so we put the highlights (33 minutes) onto a VHS video tape for your viewing delight. Get your hot copy (or 2) at any of the Campaign events (see below) or pick up copies from the campaign headquarters. They're a real hoot to watch. Share them with your friends. Pop 'em in the lunch room VCR at work. Help spread the word that there is a real choice this election. $10 suggested donation per tape, or pay what you can.

Who's Calling the Shots?

Last night Mel was quoted on City TV as saying that he'd agree to a Mayoralty debate only if it was organized by the Toronto Star or the Globe and Mail. Well, don't you think that the Star and/or the Globe should take up Mel's challenge? If you do, why not take 2 minutes to call or email them: Toronto Star: 869-4300 email: lettertoed@thestar.ca Globe and Mail: 585-5225 email: newsroom@globeandmail.ca

Don't miss our upcoming par-teeeeez!

Who ever said that politics was boring???

Sat. Nov. 4, 2 - 3 p.m. Chris McKhool Kids' Concert - for the whole family, but especially for the kids Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick (just south of Bloor) Refreshments, door prizes, auction Admission: $5 per person or $15 per family

Sun. Nov. 5, 11 a.m. Streetcar Party and Veggie Brunch. Join us in style as we release our Green Book for the MegaCity. Pre-register by calling the office: 968-7626. Tickets: $20 per person or $50 per family

Tues. Nov. 7, 8:00 p.m. -- Grassroots -- An Election Cabaret with entertainment to amuse and inspire even the most ardent left brains in the bunch. At the NOW Lounge, 189 Church St. Admission: $10 (or pay what you can)

Sat. Nov. 11, 9 p.m. Celebrate Victory with us at our Victory Party (Pre Election!) Election Cabaret with surprise theatre, music and dance. Bar Code, 549 College, 9 p.m. Admission: $10 (or pay what you can) Support the arts. Mark your calendars today.

Help Us Change the World...

We've reached the 200,000 mark on leaflet distribution. Yay -- well done folks. Our goal is 500,000. Can you spare a few more hours to get the word out that voters have a real choice on Nov. 11? Pick up your poll map to distribute leaflets to. Call 'your-man' (968-7636) or drop into the office (244 Gerrard St. E) to meet Natalie and/or Henry and pick up a map and enough leaflets to distribute in people's mailboxes. Or we could get a package off to you if that would help expedite things.

If leaflet distribution isn't your bag, please consider how else you might contribute. Can you help put up lawn signs? Can you spend time working the phones? Can you help out at the office? Please call Henry at 968-7626 to volunteer your skills/time to help us raise the issues in this election. The campaign is only as strong as the people who make it.

Signs of our Times

Order your beautiful Gomberg for Mayor LAWN (or balcony or window) SIGN today by emailing Henry at tookervolunteer@hushmail.com Let your neighbours know that you support our campaign for a new style of politics.

Riddle: How could you turn $25 into 100 bucks?

We've set our sites on a $75,000 campaign bugdet. So far we've spent $40,000 and raised $35,000. Bills are coming in, and we still have to do another print run, pay for staff and more. Please help us reach our fundraising goal by writing a cheque to the Gomberg for Mayor Campaign today, and send it to 244 Gerrard St. East, Toronto, M5A 2G2.

Remember: donations under $300 get a rebate of 75% from the city (donations over $300 receive a slightly smaller percentage rebate).

That means that a hundred bucks only costs you $25 (the city writes you a rebate cheque for $75). A cheque for $300 will only cost you $75. Please, please, write that cheque today!

Give us a hundred dollars and we'll print some buttons. Another few hundred will buy us air time on tv. Help us get over the top!!!

The Petition

What would a campaign be without a petition? Sign on the email petition and join in the call that Mr. Lastman take part in a candidates debate -- at least one, before the election.

Email: scam@ziplip.com if you'd like a copy.

-tooker and angela

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Wednesday November 1, 2000

Things are getting interesting (as if they weren't before!). While Tooker's been having fun donning a Robin Hood outfit and speaking to the Bay Street boys about the growing income gap, Mel has been on the hotseat for not speaking out on any issues in this election, for taking the electorate for granted, and for refusing to debate Tooker. There have been several election debates that Mel has been invited to, each of which he has refused to attend.

In most cases those debates have been cancelled. With one exception: a coalition of student groups is holding fast to showcasing 5 mayoral candidates at:

OISE 252 Bloor West
Mon. Nov. 6,
7-9 p.m.

Mel is supposedly considering it. Just what do you suppose he's afraid of? Tooker for one is primed and anxious to debate Mr. Lastman on the issues. If you think Mel should debate Tooker, call his campaign office at 977-6670. And call your favorite local media -- the Star and City TV usually host a one-on-one between the top tow contenders. This time they seem reluctant to do it...

We released our boldest platform yet, entitled Police Trick or Treat, at a press conference yesterday. Since Mr. Lastman keeps talking about law and order issues, like cracking down on renegade graffitists, and boosting the police budget to carry on targetted policing throughout the year. We thought this might be a hot topic, to contrast the positions of the 2 main contenders for the top chair. But alas, just three media showed up, (though we can't complain -- CBC TV did a great piece).

Where were the other media? We tracked them down at Yorkdale Mall, where a dozen cameras jostled to get unimpeded views of Mel schmoozing shoppers, as he has been doing for days. Exciting story, no? Is that really a story? Tooker managed to evade Mr. Lastman's hired guns and walk directly up to him. Tooker tried to engage Mel in conversation, asking him to discuss the issues. Mel kept his mouth shut the entire 5 minutes that Tooker walked alongside him gently inviting him to conversation, but Tooker got no where. Do you think Mel's afraid of sounding like a goof next to Tooker?

Oy vey.

Upcoming fun events for your electoral pleasure:

Thursday Nov. 2, 8:00 p.m. -- Grassroots -- An Election Cabaret with entertainment to amuse and inspire the right brain in us all At the NOW Lounge, 189 Church St. Admission: $10 (pwyc - pay what you can)

Sat. Nov. 4, 2 - 3 p.m. Chris McKhool Kids' Concert - for the whole family, but especially for the kids Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick (just south of Bloor) Refreshments, door prizes, auction Admission: $5 per person or $15 per family

Sun. Nov. 5, 11 a.m. Streetcar Party and Veggie Brunch. Join us in style as we release our Green Book for the MegaCity. Pre-register by calling the office: 968-7626. Tickets: $20 per person or $50 per family

Tues. Nov. 7, 8:00 p.m. -- Grassroots -- An Election Cabaret with entertainment to amuse and inspire even the most ardent left brains in the bunch. At the NOW Lounge, 189 Church St. Admission: $10 (pay what you can)

Don't miss out on the fun. Mark your calendars today.

Give Us An Hour and We'll Change the World...

With less than 2 weeks to go till E-day, we're desperate to get our leaflets into people's homes. We think that people deserve a choice on election day. But we need your help. Have you picked up your poll to distribute leaflets to? We're hoping everyone on this list will spend an evening (or 2) delivering leaflets to the area in which they live. Call 'your-man' (968-7636) or drop into the office (244 Gerrard St. E) to meet Natalie and/or Henry and pick up a map and enough leaflets to distribute in people's mailboxes. Or we could get a package off to you if that would help expedite things.

If leaflet distribution isn't your bag, please consider how else you might contribute. Can you help put up lawn signs? Can you spend time working the phones? Can you help out at the office? Please call Henry at 968-7626 to volunteer your skills/time to help us raise the issues in this election. The campaign is only as strong as the people who make it.

Into the Home Stretch With A Dark Horse Emerging!

You can help us nose past the finish line with some time. That's all we want.

Can you help us:

- get buttons happening
- put up some lawn signs
- expand our email list
- post our dispatches and messages on websites and email lists
- walk around with the candidate
- write a letter to the editor
- phone CFRB talk radio and add your opinion (872-1010)
- show up when Mr. Lastman is in your neighbourhood and ask him about the debates
- hang posters in your work lunchroom
- spread the word, bouche-a-oreille -- mouth to ear. word of mouth. It's spreading, like a whisper!

A New City for $100?

Without an influx of cash in the next week the campaign will grind to a halt. We want to print another 200,000 leaflets (to bring us to 500,000 total!!!) and that will cost upwards of $4,000. And we have lots of other expenses. PLEASE HELP NOW!!!

Remember: donations under $300 get a rebate of 75% from the city (donations over $300 receive a slightly smaller percentage rebate).

A hundred bucks only costs you $25 (the city writes you a rebate cheque for $75). Please, please, write that cheque today!

Gracias

And thanks to all of you who are contributing time, money, skills and more to help make this municipal election one to remember! Special thanks to Anthony, Michael P, Craig and Jason. -tooker and angela on behalf of the team

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