Toronto Municipal Elections 2010

[August1991]

Do you care Rob Ford was busted in Florida years ago for driving while impaired?

Does it upset you he had a joint in his pocket or that he lied about it when confronted by a reporter?

Not so far!

In fact, a torontosun.com poll shows than 84% of those who responded don’t care one bit.

He may have lied about a few indiscretions but when it comes to his claims of going into City Hall as a relentless, common sense tax chopper, people seem to believe Ford will end the fat-cat spending party.

You better believe the money-grabbing left sure does.

Toronto Sun

This guy strikes me like a Rudi Giuliani or a Régis Labeaume.

What's up?

[charter.rights]

Toronto Sun

This guy strikes me like a Rudi Giuliani or a Régis Labeaume.

What's up?

No...he is more like a Mike Harris clone with an appearance and the controversial intelligence of Gary McHale.

[M.Dancer]

He strikes me as a unfunny Chris Farley

[M.Dancer]

I think he strikes his wife that way too

[Wild Bill]

Toronto Sun

This guy strikes me like a Rudi Giuliani or a Régis Labeaume.

What's up?

Well, he's certainly struck a chord with Toronto's citizens! He's doing very well in the polls!

I guess maybe it's just another example of the pendulum swinging as the 'system' tries to adjust. Miller took the city way out of balance, putting it not just deep into debt but he altered the very structure of the 'system' so that it meant inevitable higher taxes and inconveniences for citizens, especially those who have to drive to work.

So they are looking for someone like Ford to save them! Well, they loved Miller when he was spreading the cash around. Now they're upset because they've seen the bills! It may be that the bills are so high they CAN'T be saved, without sponging tax money from the province that the rest of us have to pay!

[Shwa]

Nothing sticks to Teflon Ford - Warmington, Toronto Sun

Do you care Rob Ford was busted in Florida years ago for driving while impaired?

Does it upset you he had a joint in his pocket or that he lied about it when confronted by a reporter?

...

In addition to the Florida deal and the immigration comments, there was the City Hall is corrupt allegation, his endorsement of a pastor with homophobic views, his spat with a high school football player or suiting up a team of ineligible ringers, allegations he offered to buy someone OxyContin, his dropped spousal abuse charges or his “oriental people work like dogs” comment.

Don’t forget the if cyclists gets killed “it’s their own fault” or you “probably” won’t get AIDS “if you’re not doing needles and you’re not gay” beauties.

Same goes for his originally denied drunken tirade at a Leaf game or calling one councillor a “waste or skin” or another “Gino-boy.”

...

Now Joe Warmington seems to think that the "disgraceful gravy train" of the "money grubbing left" will be the ultimate victim of Mayor Fordo, and that may be true, but it will be replaced with some pretty funny antics and "jovial everyman" shenanigans which just might spawn a new reality TV series.

Do you hear me CTV spies of MLW? You had your chance and the best you can do is a recycled Hank. Now CityTV will come up with "Ford for Mayor."

[Michael Hardner]

The election is digging up the dirt on people, and this guy is dirty, right-wing and loud.

So -> OF COURSE HE'S LEADING IN THE POLLS BY 9%.

The older I get, the more I learn that anything can happen.

[nicky10013]

Great article from the Star

http://www.thestar.com/article/850171--hume-rob-ford-is-campaign-s-main-attraction-and-sideshow-all-in-one

[nicky10013]

Nothing sticks to Teflon Ford - Warmington, Toronto Sun

Now Joe Warmington seems to think that the "disgraceful gravy train" of the "money grubbing left" will be the ultimate victim of Mayor Fordo, and that may be true, but it will be replaced with some pretty funny antics and "jovial everyman" shenanigans which just might spawn a new reality TV series.

Do you hear me CTV spies of MLW? You had your chance and the best you can do is a recycled Hank. Now CityTV will come up with "Ford for Mayor."

They may think that, but the mayor only has one vote and the majority of the council will be from the Liberal/NDP side of things. He'll get nothing he wants done and scream about it through his entire term. Just due to that, if elected, he'll be easily the most divisive mayor of the past generation. Furthermore, he's a one issue candidate. Toronto has so many complex issues, he's just the wrong guy for the job. I'd like a guy who would reign in spending, but there has to be more depth to the platform than just that.

Edited August 20, 2010 by nicky10013

[Michael Hardner]

They may think that, but the mayor only has one vote and the majority of the council will be from the Liberal/NDP side of things. He'll get nothing he wants done and scream about it through his entire term. Just due to that, if elected, he'll be easily the most divisive mayor of the past generation. Furthermore, he's a one issue candidate. Toronto has so many complex issues, he's just the wrong guy for the job. I'd like a guy who would reign in spending, but there has to be more depth to the platform than just that.

You're right about his prospects within the larger council. June Rowlands was a lame duck, who wasn't able to move council to support her, as I recall.

Sarah Thomson was on CBC saying a line-by-line audit of Toronto is necessary. Did she mean Police services too ? Not too many people realize that that is still kept largely secret.

And nobody is talking about Open Government, sigh. If it doesn't happen by next election, I'm going to run and just shout 'Open Government ! Open Government !' at every meeting I'm invited to.

Edited August 20, 2010 by Michael Hardner

[Shwa]

They may think that, but the mayor only has one vote and the majority of the council will be from the Liberal/NDP side of things. He'll get nothing he wants done and scream about it through his entire term. Just due to that, if elected, he'll be easily the most divisive mayor of the past generation. Furthermore, he's a one issue candidate. Toronto has so many complex issues, he's just the wrong guy for the job. I'd like a guy who would reign in spending, but there has to be more depth to the platform than just that.

And you might just get that since the Knights in White Armour are riding in now:

Liberals scramble to help George Smitherman stop Rob Ford

A senior provincial source confided to the Star that a Ford win on Oct. 25 would be a “disaster” for the Liberals.

“The last thing we need is to give (Progressive Conservative Leader Tim) Hudak a beachhead in Toronto,” said the high-ranking Grit, noting MPPs and cabinet ministers are helping raise money for Smitherman.

With a provincial election 14 months away, some Liberals view the municipal contest as a trial run and are closely watching to see if Ford’s message about slashing taxes and spending resonates with Torontonians.

“This could be a real warning sign,” another party insider said Friday.

[Michael Hardner]

And you might just get that since the Knights in White Armour are riding in now:

Liberals scramble to help George Smitherman stop Rob Ford

Ford was on CBC Radio 1 this morning, and deftly handled Matt Galloway's usual softball approach.

He's using the "immigration controversy" to his advantage and won't back down on what he said: Toronto can't support the 1M+ that are supposed to be coming here over the next 10 years or so.

I myself don't trust that the city has things under control, and can support that kind of growth without a restructuring. Mayor Miller had agreed to a financial audit of the city after the new Land Transfer Tax came in. Where is it ?

[capricorn]

And you might just get that since the Knights in White Armour are riding in now:

Liberals scramble to help George Smitherman stop Rob Ford

The would-be saviours are in a pile of trouble of their own.

Sixty-four per cent of those surveyed said they believe it’s time for another party to govern. Just 30 per cent said the McGuinty government has done a good job and deserves reelection. Thirty-two per cent said Ontario is on the right track, while 68 per cent said it’s heading in the wrong direction.

---

The poll might also explain a little about the phenomenon of Rob Ford in Toronto’s mayoral race. Ford has tapped into a season of popular discontent, where voters are fed up with mixed signals, mismanagement, rising taxes and being talked down to by paternalistic pols who claim to know better.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/851052--coyle-new-poll-will-rock-mcguinty-s-government

The Knights in White Armour may very well be looking for a saviour of their own in the near future. The terrain may not be very friendly to their cause.

[Keepitsimple]

They may think that, but the mayor only has one vote and the majority of the council will be from the Liberal/NDP side of things. He'll get nothing he wants done and scream about it through his entire term. Just due to that, if elected, he'll be easily the most divisive mayor of the past generation. Furthermore, he's a one issue candidate. Toronto has so many complex issues, he's just the wrong guy for the job. I'd like a guy who would reign in spending, but there has to be more depth to the platform than just that.

Incumbent councillors always have a huge advantage over those who are trying to win for the first time - it's hard to knock off an incumbent. If the polls firm up and it seems inevitable that Ford will get in, it would be interesting if Ford's team endorsed some of those new candidates - or the candidates themselves stated "I support Rob Ford" in an effort to try and knock off a few of the old socialist guard. Even a swing of 4 or 5 councillors could have a huge effect on the Council votes.

As for Rob Ford himself - I don't think he's the brightest bulb in the box......but neither was Mel Lastman. The mayor's role is largely a figurehead but being the official mouthpiece (that's for sure), he can change the expectations and aspirations of the council and publicly take those to task who do not choose to embrace what Torontonians clearly want - an end to the Gravy Train. He'll have people around him to provide advice and limit any bonehead actions that he might impulsively take.

For those who think that Toronto's problems are too complex - too nuanced.....that's a cop-out that just perpetuates the flow of money to special interests, grants, and unions. Problems are seldom complex - they are made to LOOK complex through the sheer inability to deal with them in a straight forward manner. How many times have we seen inaction because we don't want to upset this group or that group? Meanwhile, the issue festers and nobody benefits.

The City of Toronto is in much the same shape as Ontario was after the recession and the NDP brought it to its knees. That situation cried out for a Mike Harris - someone who had no aspirations other than getting in - turning things around - and getting out. Rob Ford has a similar opportunity. Clearly, the man will not be running for Premier or PM - he simply wants to turn the city around.

Edited August 23, 2010 by Keepitsimple

[Michael Hardner]

As for Rob Ford himself - I don't think he's the brightest bulb in the box......but neither was Mel Lastman.

While the city's comedians desperately need a Mel Lastman right now, the rest of the city doesn't. That said, the mayoral candidates - except for Ford - aren't conveying fiscal responsibility which is why he is where he is. If he can find somebody to build compromises, he could succeed.

For those who think that Toronto's problems are too complex - too nuanced.....that's a cop-out that just perpetuates the flow of money to special interests, grants, and unions. Problems are seldom complex - they are made to LOOK complex through the sheer inability to deal with them in a straight forward manner. How many times have we seen inaction because we don't want to upset this group or that group? Meanwhile, the issue festers and nobody benefits.

Agreed.

The City of Toronto is in much the same shape as Ontario was after the recession and the NDP brought it to its knees. That situation cried out for a Mike Harris - someone who had no aspirations other than getting in - turning things around - and getting out. Rob Ford has a similar opportunity. Clearly, the man will not be running for Premier or PM - he simply wants to turn the city around.

I don't think Harris' plan included a scandal at Walkerton, which chased him from office. Nor did it include him being in a political Siberia for the remainder of his career.

And I don't think Ford or any municipal politician is really thinking of moving on in short order.

[Keepitsimple]

I don't think Harris' plan included a scandal at Walkerton, which chased him from office. Nor did it include him being in a political Siberia for the remainder of his career.

And I don't think Ford or any municipal politician is really thinking of moving on in short order.

Walkerton has been beaten to death. Harris can be accused of ham-fisted approaches to many issues - he was a polarizing force......but only Harris-haters blame him for Walkerton. Those who followed the tragedy - and most importantly - the people of Walkerton - know that it was caused by a unique combination of a mayor hiring unqualified people, those people being drunken fraudsters. For every set of safeguards, there will always be someone who will find a way around them. Who really could have foreseen drunken brothers intentionally bypassing controls by sending "pure" water in for testing rather than water from the source? Hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it. But ask the people of Walkerton and they know where the problem lies. This forum has gone over this many times and there are simply those who will blame Harris, no matter what.

As for his political Siberia - he never had great aspirations of being a politician. He knew/knows that his approach to "fixing" things ad a best before date. Besides, he's doing quite nicely serving on boards and giving advice/consultation.

[Michael Hardner]

Walkerton has been beaten to death. Harris can be accused of ham-fisted approaches to many issues - he was a polarizing force......but only Harris-haters blame him for Walkerton.

Really ?

I think Justice O'Connor of the Walkerton inquiry also blamed him, which may explain his quick exit.

All of those things point to an unplanned career trajectory.

Those who followed the tragedy - and most importantly - the people of Walkerton - know that it was caused by a unique combination of a mayor hiring unqualified people, those people being drunken fraudsters. For every set of safeguards, there will always be someone who will find a way around them. Who really could have foreseen drunken brothers intentionally bypassing controls by sending "pure" water in for testing rather than water from the source? Hindsight is always 20/20 isn't it. But ask the people of Walkerton and they know where the problem lies. This forum has gone over this many times and there are simply those who will blame Harris, no matter what.

Yes, like me. I blame him. I worked in management when safety had to be considered, and the priorities are set from the top down. He told the safety commissioner to leave meetings, and thereby deprioritized the consequences. In a way, it's understandable given that he was undoubtedly being resisted at every level of Government, but...

I think somebody with a little more common sense, or even some business experience may have acted differently.

As for his political Siberia - he never had great aspirations of being a politician. He knew/knows that his approach to "fixing" things ad a best before date. Besides, he's doing quite nicely serving on boards and giving advice/consultation.

Again, this doesn't gibe with his name being floated several times when the Conservative leadership came up for review, then not being submitted - presumably when the public reacted with indifference or possibly vomiting.

[Wild Bill]

Again, this doesn't gibe with his name being floated several times when the Conservative leadership came up for review, then not being submitted - presumably when the public reacted with indifference or possibly vomiting.

Sorry Michael, I think you just don't have perspective on this one! 'Keeps' is quite right! EVERY time you mention Walkerton you have to be reminded of any factor OTHER than Harris!

Even more, once someone DOES mention those drunken good ole boys and their corrupt town council you acknowledge their relevance with a quick "yeah, but HARRIS...!"

You are just over the top obsessed with Harris' involvement on this issue. When you post, you always sound like Harris was 99.9999999999% responsible!

I don't think it's hyperbole to say that if you had been involved with the Inquiry you might have ended up apologizing to Stan Koebel for Harris making him fake the water samples and poison the wells!

I'm willing to put some of the blame on Harris but Michael, you make it sound like it was all a DELIBERATE act on Mike's part! I keep expecting you to insert a "Mr. Burns laugh" about the babies dying!

Don't mean to dump on you but I really think you should spend some time on introspection with this one, Michael!

[Michael Hardner]

Sorry Michael, I think you just don't have perspective on this one! 'Keeps' is quite right! EVERY time you mention Walkerton you have to be reminded of any factor OTHER than Harris!

Even more, once someone DOES mention those drunken good ole boys and their corrupt town council you acknowledge their relevance with a quick "yeah, but HARRIS...!"

Sorry, but just page up a bit to your claim that only Harris-haters blamed him.

Don't try to change the debate into me saying he was the only factor.

You are just over the top obsessed with Harris' involvement on this issue. When you post, you always sound like Harris was 99.9999999999% responsible!

I don't think it's hyperbole to say that if you had been involved with the Inquiry you might have ended up apologizing to Stan Koebel for Harris making him fake the water samples and poison the wells!

I'm willing to put some of the blame on Harris but Michael, you make it sound like it was all a DELIBERATE act on Mike's part! I keep expecting you to insert a "Mr. Burns laugh" about the babies dying!

Don't mean to dump on you but I really think you should spend some time on introspection with this one, Michael!

I didn't say that he was mostly responsible.

If you're putting some of the blame on Harris, then are you a Harris-hater ?

Don't attribute opinions to me that aren't mine just because you were undressed on your previous claim.

[Jack Weber]

Sorry, but just page up a bit to your claim that only Harris-haters blamed him.

Don't try to change the debate into me saying he was the only factor.

I didn't say that he was mostly responsible.

If you're putting some of the blame on Harris, then are you a Harris-hater ?

Don't attribute opinions to me that aren't mine just because you were undressed on your previous claim.

Was it not the Harris' government doctrine of privatization that lead to the Kaebel bros. doing the job that the MOE used to do?

[Michael Hardner]

Was it not the Harris' government doctrine of privatization that lead to the Kaebel bros. doing the job that the MOE used to do?

I believe they were supposed to be doing it all along, but the Province provided a level of safety testing that masked their misdeeds.

[Shwa]

Rob Ford leads in mayor’s race, poll shows

It seems the brave and chaste Knights in White Armour have fallen off their trusty steeds or ended up way "laid" at

.

The poll of 400 Torontonians, which was conducted by Ipsos Reid over the weekend, shows 32 per cent of voters support Ford. George Smitherman, the one-time front-runner, had 21 per cent support among those polled. Sarah Thomson followed with 10 per cent, Joe Pantalone had 9 per cent, Rocco Rossi trailed at 7 per cent, with 21 per cent undecided.

[Wild Bill]

Was it not the Harris' government doctrine of privatization that lead to the Kaebel bros. doing the job that the MOE used to do?

Nope! More Liberal propaganda!

Here's a link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkerton_Tragedy

"The water supply for the town of Walkerton was operated by the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission, with Stan Koebel as manager and Frank Koebel as water foreman. Neither had any formal training in their position, retaining their jobs through three decades of on-the-job experience."

So Stan and Frank had been doing the job for 3 decades!

"From the report:

For years, the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission operators engaged in a host of improper operating practices, including failing to use adequate doses of chlorine, failing to monitor chlorine residuals daily, making false entries about residuals in daily operating records, and misstating the locations at which microbiological samples were taken. The operators knew that these practices were unacceptable and contrary to Ministry of Environment guidelines and directives.

The Ontario government was also blamed for not regulating water quality and not enforcing the guidelines that had been in place.

From these accounts, if Harris' government HAD enforced the guidelines they would have been the FIRST provincial government to do so! While that doesn't excuse Harris for what happened during his watch it certainly doesn't make any of the others look like saints either!

The plain and simple fact is that no one ever thought a municipality would be so stupid as to hire the incompetent and criminal out of patronage with something as important as water quality! What was the Harris government supposed to do? First of all, why would you even suspect it was happening at Walkerton or other municipalities? Should Harris as his first act of office sent out inspectors to every city, town and village? Should they then immediately have over-ridden the purview of the local government, fired their staff and hired new ones themselves?

What evidence was there before the tragedy that the problem was even going on?

In the final analysis, governments have to respect each others' turf or the system can foster resentment and break down.

Obviously, this had been going on for decades. Perhaps somebody in Walkerton should have TOLD the Ministry what was going on!

Of course, that's easy for one of us to say. There's no protection for a whistleblower to keep his job. Even if there was, if your bosses are a couple of drunks well connected with city hall I doubt if they would treat you very well for "squealing".

[Michael Hardner]

The plain and simple fact is that no one ever thought a municipality would be so stupid as to hire the incompetent and criminal out of patronage with something as important as water quality! What was the Harris government supposed to do? First of all, why would you even suspect it was happening at Walkerton or other municipalities? Should Harris as his first act of office sent out inspectors to every city, town and village? Should they then immediately have over-ridden the purview of the local government, fired their staff and hired new ones themselves?

Your post is nuanced, and I appreciate that. The primary fault for the tragedy lies with the local department, however to answer your question - a properly run project would have undergone a risk assessment and would have likely suggested a better transition.

But, yes, let's make sure that the local culprits are squarely blamed for what they did.

[Keepitsimple]

Your post is nuanced, and I appreciate that. The primary fault for the tragedy lies with the local department, however to answer your question - a properly run project would have undergone a risk assessment and would have likely suggested a better transition.

But, yes, let's make sure that the local culprits are squarely blamed for what they did.

There is nothing nuanced about it. It's just a plain ugly fact.....and the Walkerton Report brought about changes across the COUNTRY to try and prevent this type of local irresponsibility from happening again.....because make no mistake - Walkerton COULD have happened ANYWHERE in Canada. Walkerton just happened to be the eye of the Perfect Storm.