Toronto – (November 13, 2000)

Gomberg and supporters continue to occupy the Old Princess Margaret Hospital (one block north and one block west of Sherbourne and Wellesley) since last night at 5 p.m. At 10 a.m. today, they will cut the ribbon on the New Princess Margaret Shelter, declaring it open for the homeless.

"It's outrageous that as temperatures reach near freezing, the Mayor won't open the doors to the 2000 homeless sleeping on the streets. Shelter is a fundamental human right. There's a shortage of shelter beds in this city, and people are dying in the streets. The only right thing to do is open the shelter and invite all who are concerned about the homeless crisis to join us" says Gomberg.

"This is the most important issue of the election, yet where's the action? If people want to see change on behalf of the homeless, they should vote for the man who takes action. I'm not just talking about the homeless; I'm doing something." "People have a choice today. The homeless single mother has as much power on this day as does Conrad Black -- one vote. So vote, and bring 2 friends. A vote for Gomberg is a vote for homes for all, for composting and recycling, for clean air, and for public transportation."

All are welcome to come down and celebrate with us the opening of the Princess Margaret Shelter.

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Toronto – (November 12, 2000)

News Release 5 p.m., Sunday Nov. 12 Concerned Citizens Open the Old Princess Margaret Hospital

Mayoral Candidate Tooker Gomberg and supporters have opened the Old Princess Margaret Hospital located 1 block north and 1 block west of Wellesley and Sherbourne. They have opened it to the 2000 homeless people sleeping on the street tonight as temperatures reach near freezing.

"The building is empty, and the heat is on. The province has given it to the city to house the homeless. So what are we waiting for? The only right thing for the Mayor to do is open the building!" says Gomberg.

Please come down now to join the group in the hospital, to sleep the night or to offer support.

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Toronto – (November 12, 2000)

At 1 p.m. today, by the Henry Moore sculpture "The Archer" by the front doors of City Hall, Mayoralty candidate Tooker Gomberg will take aim at the "Toronto Target".

"In 1988 Toronto hosted a major international climate conference. What came out of that gathering was the Toronto Target, a commitment to reduce greenhouse gases (20% by the year 2005), stabilize the world's climate system, and avert a global climate catastrophe."

"Tomorrow is election day, but it is also the day that world leaders gather in the Hague to discuss how to avert a climate catastrophe. For twenty years I have been exploring the answers to that question. As Mayor I will champion an innovative and aggressive program to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

At today's news conference Gomberg will give away energy saving light bulbs, thereby helping citizens save money and protect life on earth. "Every one of these $25 lightbulbs installed will save $45 in avoided electricity bills, and 1000 pounds of coal from being burned."

Gomberg will also unveil his goal of ensuring that the City of Toronto and Toronto Hydro pioneer, over the course of Mayor Gomberg's first term, the installation of 10,000 solar units, either for hot water or electricity generation. "We have the technology to avoid global climate catastrophe and protect our air. So what are we waiting for?"

Endorsements

The Gomberg for Mayor campaign continues to receive significant endorsements. Canadian writer and icon Farley Mowat has signed on, as has former MPP Ruth Grier. Clayton Ruby, one of Canada's foremost lawyers, had this to say: "Mel doesn't talk about any of the things I care about. Tooker does."

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Toronto – (November 11, 2000)

At 2 p.m. today, at the main door of Queen's Park, Mayoralty candidate Tooker Gomberg will release the campaign platform plank called: P416, the Province of Toronto. He will then nail a message to the front door.

"Our campaign has raised issues of importance to Torontonians. None is more important than how the Province of Ontario has been ripping off our city. Mike Harris has no love of this city. They are pulling out billions of dollars more than they are putting back in. Enough!"

"As Mayor I will work for a new province to be created in Canada, the Province of Toronto. We need to be masters of our own destiny. We need to be able to raise money for transit and housing. Ontario is not interested. Goodbye!"

At 3:30 p.m. Gomberg will join the picket line at York U in solidarity with striking workers. At 6:30 p.m. Gomberg will do a live interview with independent tv station UHF 15 which reaches the Beaches.

The Gomberg for Mayor 'Province of Ontario' platform plank

Victory Party, Tonight!

The Gomberg for Mayor campaign celebrates tonight with a cabaret at Barcode, 549 College St. "Two months ago a few friends were bemoaning how the election was looking like a coronation. We felt that democracy deserved better. Now, on the full moon cusp of Toronto's first election of the new millennium, we will celebrate what we have accomplished. The enthusiasm and passion of citizens can change the world."

Heading for A Million Hits

The Gomberg for Mayor website has exceeded all expectations. To date over 750,000 hits have been registered, with approximately 100,000 hits per day now being recorded.

"We're heading for the 'million hits' mark, and we're proud of the excitement that is building. People are awakening to realize that there is a choice for Mayor. They are excited to learn that they can choose a Mayor with a track record of standing up to injustice, and fighting for a healthy environment."

More Platform Planks Released

The Gomberg for Mayor platform continues to expand and take shape. The plank on: "Energy: A Bright Future" will be posted today.

The Gomberg for Mayor 'Energy' platform plank

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Toronto – (November 10, 2000)

At 1:30 p.m. today, at the foot of Spadina at the wetland on the waterfront, Mayoralty candidate Tooker Gomberg will release the campaign platform plank: Fresh Air, Pure Water. Afterwards, Gomberg and supporters will go for a swim in Lake Ontario.

"How do we clean up the environment? There is no magic to it. My 25 years of environmental work have prepared me for the job at hand. I am ready to become Mayor and dedicate all the resources of the office to clean the air and purify the water. I am the only candidate with the energy, enthusiasm, and experience to do the job."

"Nature has incredible resiliency, if we stop beating her up. To clean the water we need more marshes, like we have at the foot of Spadina. We must build Living Machines that clean sewage with plants and snails."

"Torontonians are literally sick of the toxic air that they have no choice but to breathe. As Mayor I will bring forward the alternatives: car free neighbourhoods for the Portlands; wind turbines in the lake, energy efficiency galore."

"Toronto will become a world leader in ecological restoration and innovation. All that is needed is commitment and experience. I look forward to bringing that forward."

The Gomberg for Mayor 'Water' platform plank

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Toronto – (November 9, 2000) 

From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mayoralty candidate Tooker Gomberg will release the campaign platform plank on the Olympics in front of Lastman's Headquarters (southeast corner of Yonge and Carleton). He will then invite public debate on the issue with passersby. Mr. Lastman has been invited to join in the street debate. In his absence Chicken Mel will make an appearance.

The Gomberg for Mayor 'Olympics' platform plank

Should Lastman Debate Gomberg? 85% Say Yes

Yesterday a public street poll was conduced on the question:: Should Lastman Debate Gomberg? Yes or No.

The final tally of the vote, displayed on a large scoreboard, was this:

526 Yes
91 No

"We were aware that public support for a debate between Mr. Lastman and myself during this election was high, but even we were surprised that 85% of those who had a position on the question voted in favor of a debate. The people have spoken. Five out of six want to see a debate. Why is Mr. Lastman afraid of the voters?"

Gomberg's Schedule

11:30 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. platform release and street debate
12:45 - 1:30 subway to Scarborough
1:30 - 3:30 guided tour of the Kingston Road Motels, temporary housing for homeless families
4:00 - 5:00 campaigning in Scarborough Town Centre with Angela Bischoff, Tooker's wife and candidate for Councillor in Ward 38
5:00 - 6:15 TTC
6:30 - 9:00 St. James Town Speak Out, beginning with kids commentary. Rose Ave. Recreation Centre, 675 Ontario St.

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Toronto – (November 7, 2000) 

At 12:30 p.m. Mayoralty candidate Tooker Gomberg will unveil the campaign platform plank on Garbage. It will take place on the SE corner of Yonge and Carlton, in front of Lastman's campaign headquarters. A man in a Bad Boy outfit will be present, as will the voice of Mr. Lastman.

"My view of garbage is worlds apart from that of Mr. Lastman. He says 'garbage' and I say 'resource'. He went to Edmonton for a photo op at the composting facility, the same facility that is my legacy as Edmonton City Councillor. I have been a recycling pioneer for over 20 years."

"Mr. Lastman suddenly believes in composting? His believability is suspect. Just a month ago he was the world's greatest cheerleader for the Adams Mine. He wanted to dump the garbage in a lake. Today he says it's "d-e-d". What will he say next week after the election?"

"Let's debate our different views of garbage. The voters deserve an open and honest Mayor who will discuss the issues publicly. Let the debates begin!"

The Gomberg for Mayor 'Garbage' platform plank

Women Hold Up Half the Sky

At 4:30 pm today, the Gomberg for Mayor platform plank on women will be released at Good for Her, a women's bookstore and sex shop located at 175 Harbord.

"Women do more than their share of the world's work but receive few of the financial rewards. Around the world women are on the front lines battling the devastating effects of government cutbacks. Massive cuts to services affect the whole community, and put a greater burden on women struggling to meet the needs of their families. Women on social assistance are the worst affected as benefits do not come close to meeting the spiraling costs of housing and basic food needs."

The Gomberg for Mayor 'Women' platform plank

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Toronto – (November 6, 2000) 

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