David Soknacki: In the Media

In the media

Here is a selection of media reports on my activities.

Downsview Park finally sees action

Christopher Hume in the Toronto Star, 29 Mar 08

Toronto Star columnist Chris Hume asked for an update on the Downsview Park saga. Here is the article that came from subsequent conversations.

Mr Hume's opinion is that Downsview Park finally seems to be on the cusp of movement.

We all hope so.

"It may not be time to hold one's breath, but a few deep inhalations may be in order.

After years of inactivity, Downsview Park is showing signs of life. There still aren't any shovels in the ground, but the park's recently appointed chair, David Soknacki – yes, that David Soknacki – is making things happen. ...

"I know we can do it," Soknacki insists. "No excuses."

Last June, the land was transferred from the Department of National Defence to Parc Downsview Park, and in December, PDP got borrowing authority. Until now, either move would have been cause for concern, but with Soknacki at the helm, optimism doesn't seem so out of place.

Much remains undone, and there will be many opportunities for things to go wrong. But until now they haven't been going at all."

The full article can be found here.

Toronto vs The Columnists: The Correction Wars Heat Up

National Post, 22 Aug 07

I was aware that an occasional column of mine made it to the City of Toronto's clipping service for distribution to senior City staff and Members of Council. But was I surprised when my article suggesting there was no need for hyperbole or hysteria in reaction to a political embarrassment sparked a press release claiming it contained "erroneous information."

The spectacle of a former Budget Chief being chastised by the City was just too good to pass up in the slow news time of late summer.

First the National Post had fun with the story, suggesting an over sensitivity to criticism from columnists

"...the director of the city's strategic communications division, said he felt he had to put out the advisory in part to make sure Mr. Soknacki's alleged errors about capital vs. operating costs weren't picked up by other reporters. “If people are relying on previously published erroneous information, it’s incumbent on us to try to create a tactic, a tool, where the correct information is out there,” he told me.

Today's media advisory is the third of its kind the city has sent to reporters in the last week. Mr. Sack laughed off my suggestion that he and his team have set up a war room, and he said nobody from the political side has asked him to get more aggressive with columnists ..."

The National Post's full blog entry can be found here.

Not to be outdone, soon a number of other blogs and media outlets joined in the fun.

Like I said, it was a slow time for news ....

City eyeing Halton plan for garbage

National Post, 25 Aug 06

Halton Region considered establishing an incinerator for its garbage. When interviewed by the Post I suggested that Toronto ought to evaluate whether such an option is viable.

Halton Region's plan to dispose of garbage by using it as fuel to generate electricity is "encouraging news," according to Toronto budget chief David Soknacki.

He said yesterday that any possible solution to Ontario's trash troubles is worth consideration.

"It's very encouraging to hear an option opened rather than an option closed," he said.

"We hear people saying they don't want to accept various forms of waste. To have a municipality propose an option for waste is something that would reward further investigation."

The $700 million subway car deal must be suspended

Toronto Star, 12 Aug 06

Just prior to stepping down as a Councillor, I wrote an op-ed piece in the Star, arguing that Toronto's best interests would be met by at least finding out whether the City would pay a premium by not tendering procurement for its subway cars. It was distressing that Council had no interest to find out.

"The best step to take at this time is to suspend the sole sourcing discussions and allow the purchasing and management staff to issue a call for proposals. Prudence will not put any funding at risk. In recent weeks, city staff have received assurances from the provincial and federal negotiators that cost-shared programs would still be available if the city terminated its discussions for sole sourcing and held an open competition.

Once we get the facts from a fair and open process, council can decide how best to invest. Realistically, if fair and competitive proposals reveal that a premium is required to keep employment in Canada, then the provincial and federal governments will have ample opportunity to review their responsibilities."

The full article can be found here.