The media scan for July 29

So far we’ve had a sex scandal, a drug scandal, two major candidates drop out of the race, and now, a chicken scrum. Hear what the chicken had to say “In his own words: The chicken scrum.”

The rumour mill kicks into overdrive as media continues to speculate whether John Tory will, or won’t enter the mayoral race. Tell us what you think in today’s poll.

Also hear what Sarah Thomson and Joe Pantalone had to say this week on Metro Morning with Matt Galloway.

Tory could enter Toronto’s mayoral race late – and win Marcus Gee, Globe

Five reasons why Tory won’t run Rob Granatstein, Sun

A Tory family affair — on the Thomson campaign Robyn Doolittle and Robert Benzie, Star

Tory a threat to Ford Sun

Giambrone vows to push ahead with open-fare TTC concept John Lorinc, Globe

BIG IDEA: Thomson Drafts a Plan for Better Building Design

Who: Sarah Thomson

Her Idea: Design Review Panels

The media scan for July 28

Will he or won’t he? This week rumours that John Tory will add his name to the mayoral contest persist, with media speculating that he could join the fray as early as next week.

Another council race has opened up with the announcement that Councillor Mike Feldman has decided not to run for his Ward 10 seat. That leaves Councillors David Shiner and Mark Grimes as the only two incumbents who have yet to make their intentions known.

Mayor Tory rumours heat up Rob Granatstein, Sun

John Tory leaning toward run for mayor’s chair David Rider and Robert Benzie, Star

Veteran North York councillor announces retirement Jonathan Jenkins, Sun

More council turnover: Ward 10’s Feldman retires Kelly Grant, Globe

‘Open-fare’ technology not embraced elsewhere John Lorinc, Globe

GUEST BLOG: Childcare is an Election Priority

By Peter Frampton, Learning Enrichment Foundation

Child care is a deeply integral part of our community that has direct effects on individuals and their families as well as local businesses. Child care needs to be an election issue. The City of Toronto is responsible for managing the child-care system in Toronto. Without proper supports from the province, the system is slipping quickly into chaos.

The media scan for July 27

Last week George Smitherman challenged Rob Ford to a one-on-one debate on the Jerry Agar radio show. See today’s guest column in the Sun from Jerry Agar for more details.

You can also hear how George Smitherman plans to “de-congest” Toronto in a clip from Metro Morning with Matt Galloway.

Why Smitherman and Ford deserve some time alone Jerry Agar, Sun

Transit man takes Brazil Sue-Ann Levy, Sun

Our fare share: Comparing transit payment systems Tess Kalinowski and David Rider, Star

Province-TTC spat hurts GTA transit users Royson James, Star

A token effort to fix the TTC Chris Selley, Anthony Furey and Jonathan Goldsbie, Post

The media scan for July 26

The PRESTO/open payment debate continues. TTC Chair Adam Giambrone argues Why PRESTO won’t work for TTC in the Sun while the Star reports the Province demands TTC halt ‘confusing’ smart card work.

Tell us what you think in our policy poll.

Not for lame ducks Star Editorial

Man behind TTC’s push for “open payment” sticks to his guns David Rider, Star

Mayoral candidates differ on need for Presto pay system on the TTC Mike Adler, Inside Toronto

City Hall power shift? Sue-Ann Levy, Sun

Crazy, sexy, cool Star Editorial

BIG IDEA: Presto Plus

Who: Rocco Rossi

His Idea: Fully supporting the Presto smartcard system, PLUS!

THE WEEK THAT WAS: July 17 – July 23

NIAGARA FOLLIES

George Smitherman set out to walk across Toronto this week, along Eglinton from Centennial Park in Etobicoke to Kennedy Station in Scarborough. With journalists in tow, the stunt did succeed in drumming up mostly-positive coverage from the papers. (Even if some of it was slightly wary. The Toronto Star, somewhat pointedly, referred to the walk as “George Smitherman’s long, scripted march.”)

All seemed to be going well, until the Niagara Parks Commission got involved.

The media scan for July 23

The Toronto Board of Trade has come out in support of Metrolinx’s Presto fare payment system. See today’s story in the Toronto Star for more information.

Stick with Presto smart card, Board of Trade tells TTC David Rider, Star

Furious George jumps the gun Sun Editorial

Hope gives way to malaise in mayoral race Carol Goar, Star

Ford’s wrist slapped Sue-Ann Levy, Sun

Furious George vs. Runaway Ford Jonathan Jenkins, Sun

The media scan for July 22

Earlier this week Rocco Rossi announced his intention to promote Presto, Metrolinx’s new public transit fare payment card. Now, the TTC has announced it is looking at an open payment system as well. To learn more about the two systems see today’s top story.

Smart cards vs. open payment David Rider, Star

TTC to look at plans for credit, debit card fares Natalie Alcoba, Post

Rossi vows smart card payment system for TTC Mike Adler, Inside Toronto

Graduated fare structure only way to go for TTC Chris Higgins, Post

For whom the road tolls Edward Keenan, Eye Weekly