Tom on...:

About Tom

Tom Jakobek has been a driving force for change in Toronto's political scene for the past 20 years

For ten of those years Tom was highly effective as Toronto's Budget Chief and used his municipal financing expertise to deliver nine consecutive ZERO tax increases.

In 2000 Tom took a break from political life to pursue a life-long interest in heath-care. During this time Tom also served as VICE PRESIDENT, Business and Facility Development at the TORONTO EAST GENERAL HOSPITAL.  In December 2000 Tom graduated from the University of Toronto with a Masters in Health Sciences.

Tom Jakobek has always lived in Toronto and along with his loving wife, Deborah, he has raised four children; two boys and twin girls.

Continually active in his service to the community, Tom Jakobek volunteers for an array of charitable organizations while managing a private family business.

Even during the most difficult times of his 10 years on city council as Toronto's budget chief, Tom Jakobek protected our social safety net by demanding more for your tax dollar. He made sure that our essential services received more funding, not less, and he encouraged a continual improvement of those same services.

What Tom Jakobek has Done

Jan. 1998-December 2000

Designed and implemented the budgetary process for the review of the City's Operating Budget of $5.8 Billion as well as the Capital Budget of $1 Billion.

Achieved operating budgetary savings in excess of $ 280 Million through reorganizations, outsourcing, and line-by-line financial reviews.

Developed a new plan to harmonize services, fee structures, licenses and procedures.

Planned and executed strategies plan to curtail the City's $1.4 Billion debt.

Nov. 1991-Dec. 1997

Developed and implemented a debt-free plan by 2001 and successfully implemented the plan to eliminate the debt.

Reduced operating expenses to ensure a 0% tax increase for almost 10 years.

Implemented consolidation of head office and other leased space with annual savings of over $8 Million.

Executed a line-by-line review of the City's vehicle fleet resulting in over $5 Million in annual savings.

Developed a five-year Capital Plan and three-year operating forecast.

Led a Committee, which was responsible for the City's labour relations. Worked with 11 separate bargaining units, including the Police, the T.T.C., homes for the aged, ambulance, fire as well as CUPE 416 & 79.

Specifically appointed as President to disengage the City from any liability or further losses in two affordable housing joint ventures.

Coordinated staff and successfully negotiated settlements with both Private Sector partners.

Implemented the amalgamation of the $35 Million Wheel Trans operation from the private sector back into the public sector.

Successful in the difficult Union negotiations required to acquire union support for Part-time Personnel (First Time).

Jan. 1998- Dec. 2000

One of ten representatives for the City of Toronto on the newly formed regional Governance Board. The G.T.S.B. oversees cooperative efforts from all Greater Toronto Municipalities.

Responsible for researching and implementing the G.T.S.B.'s first budget of $1.4 Million.

Dec. 1997-May 1999

A leading member of the city's Harbour Commission, currently assisting in restructuring the commission's financial affairs and human resources.

April 1999-Sept., 2001

A Provincial appointment to the Board of Directors of the largest residential landlord in Ontario.

A Provincial appointment to the Toronto District Health Council.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS/ASSOCIATIONS

A great sense of community leadership gained through active participation in community-oriented organizations, including: