Don't We Have An Integrity Commissioner At Toronto Silly Hall...

...What Does he/she say about this matter in particular and the process of awarding contracts without competitive bids in general.

Boardwalk Pub suit haunts Ford


By JOE WARMINGTON, Toronto Sun

It’s time to put up, shut up or say you’re sorry. That is what this lawsuit by Boardwalk Pub owner George Foulidis against Councillor Rob Ford is really saying.

Showdown at the Boardwalk Café: Tuggs owner gets an earful from local candidate


There are many reasons readers might be familiar with Sandra Bussin, councillor for Beaches–East York. Some may remember the time she called in to John Tory‘s radio show and called him a “three-time loser.” Others will remember her part in getting the city to renew a monopoly agreement with the Boardwalk Café, the only business permitted to sell food and drinks on the beach in the city’s east end. The cushy deal made against the advice of city staff (where have we heard that before?) guarantees that the restaurant won’t face any competition until 2028. Well, yesterday, the issue blew up in the open as a local candidate challenging Bussin argued with the owner of the Boardwalk Café, George Foulidis.

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Hopefully Voters Won't Develope Short Term Memory Loss...

Bussin on hot seat at debate over pub deal


By CHRIS DOUCETTE, Toronto Sun

Last Updated: September 23, 2010 8:57pm

 Incumbent Councillor Sandra Bussin wasn’t able to Tuggs at any heartstrings at a candidates debate in the Beach Thursday night and she immediately found herself on the hot seat over the city’s controversial Boardwalk Cafe deal.

The sparks were flying inside St. John’s Norway Church — 470 Woodbine Ave., just north of Kingston Rd. — moments after the debate began when the first question put to the seven candidates on hand focused on the beach-front restaurant.

“The way (the city) did it was not right,” said Keith Begley, the first candidate to throw a match under the hot seat Bussin found herself perched on.

He alleged the city has lost money by signing the 20-year lease to Tuggs Inc, — which gives owner George Foulidis the exclusive rights he’s had since 1986 to sell food and beverages at the Boardwalk Cafe, Kew Beach, neighbouring Balmy Beach and D.D Summerville pool — without putting it out for tender.

Concillor Rob Ford, who appears poised to become the city’s next mayor, added fuel to the fire recently when he slammed the deal.

Bussin was quick to defend herself at the debate by pointing out Ford had no problems voting in favour of a similar 15-year sole-source lease in the western beaches.

Bruce Baker, who is also Vying for Bussin’s job, said it was the process that was “flawed.”

And he defended Foulidis saying the business owner wasn’t part of that process and all he did was secure the best deal he could for a family-run company.

A thundering applause filled the church each time a candidate slammed the deal and Bussin, who originally proposed entering into sole source negotiations with Tuggs.

The cheers were especially loud for Mary-Margaret McMahon, an obvious crowd favourite to win Beaches-East York when Torontonians go to the polls Oct. 25.

“The bottom Line, it should have gone out to tender,” McMahon said of the deal.

chris.doucette@sunmedia.ca

He Should Relocate To The Beaches...

Issa Ashtarieh is a Toronto a la Cart street vendor who sells Middle Eastern food near Queen's Park. After a problem-plagued first two years, he doesn't know if he will be back next year. (Sept. 17, 2010)

Putting the cart before the food

RENE JOHNSTON/TORONTO STAR

By David Rider Fri Sep 17 2010Meant to bring healthy ethnic food to Toronto streets, mismanaged à la Cart is instead bankrupting its vendors.

...silly me! I forgot this is a restricted area.

Come On Marcus...

...many people are making the same charges.

Marcus Gee


‘Straight shooter’ Ford off the mark on Tuggs deal

Candidate refuses to apologize to businessman for corruption comment

Holding Bussin's Feet To The Fire...

City's controversial lease deal heats up

By IAN ROBERTSON, Toronto Sun

A Toronto eatery’s operator dished out a double serving of butt-out Sunday after a council candidate branded his renewed city lease an unsavoury “sweetheart deal.”

Reichstag Members Win Again....

Beach locked up for 20 years: Levy

By SUE-ANN LEVY, Toronto Sun

There’s no doubt in my mind an 11th-hour legal opinion suggesting Tuggs Inc. could sue the city — even though no agreement has yet been signed — swayed enough councillors to opt not to re-open the controversial 20-year deal Wednesday.

A Hoot 'N Holler From Silly Hall...

...isn't Bussin the same councilor who fought against a Supercenter in her ward which would have provided employment but her contention was she would arrange higher paying jobs...how many jobs have been created?