Rob Ford, mayor of Toronto UPDATES

ReeferMadness · November 10, 2013

I think you still fail to understand why 'the burbs' voted for him, and why they may well vote for him again once he 'cleans up his act'.

For all his (many) failings, Rob Ford comes across as a real person, one who has the same concerns as everyday people. Sure he's a blowhard, and not my type of guy, but I think an awful lot of people are weary of the bland, buttondown politicians who never say what they mean and never mean what they say.

Let's compare, say, the mayor of Ottawa, who is something of an archetype. Jim Watson is as dull and boring a man as you'll find on the political scene anywhere in this country. You won't find him getting drunk, raising his voice, showing emotion (presuming he actually has emotions) or doing anything which might offend ANYONE. You won't ever know what, if anything, he stands for, because he won't say anything that isn't run past the pollsters and spin doctors first. As for what's going on in the city, you can certainly find out -- after the fact, after the decisions have already been made in the back rooms. Don't worry, he'll listen attentively to your concerns, and smile appreciatively, and thank you for your input. But don't expect it to affect anything.

Ford is what you would get if you crossed Jethro Bodine and Tony Soprano. In a city of 3 million, they can't find a real person better than that?

jacee · November 10, 2013

I think the province is going to have to do some amends or bring in new laws for municipalities who need to get rid of mayors or Councillors.

The city councillors still have some tools to reduce his power. I don't think the province would take action without consensus of the municipalities, nor should they.

While on this subject maybe the feds should also bring laws to impeach PMs but i don't think the Tories would be the one to do it.

Yes, the threat of a vote of confidence works well with minority governments, but not at all with a majority.

jacee · November 10, 2013

Ford is what you would get if you crossed Jethro Bodine and Tony Soprano.

He's the Homer Simpson of Canadian politics perhaps?

ReeferMadness · November 11, 2013

He's the Homer Simpson of Canadian politics perhaps?

I dunno - maybe a dark, tragic, not-very-funny Homer Simpson.

I could see Chief Blair as Chief Wiggum though.

Boges · November 11, 2013

I think the province is going to have to do some amends or bring in new laws for municipalities who need to get rid of mayors or Councillors. While on this subject maybe the feds should also bring laws to impeach PMs but i don't think the Tories would be the one to do it.

The Ontario government has no moral authority to comment on this issue.

Edited November 11, 2013 by Boges

The_Squid · November 11, 2013

The Ontario government has no moral authority to comment on this issue.

Of course they do... And they have a legal authority to act in the city's behalf through the legislature.

Boges · November 11, 2013

Of course they do... And they have a legal authority to act in the city's behalf through the legislature.

I should have clarified, THIS Ontario government has no moral authority with all their scandals.

Steping in, because the Mayor of Toronto smokes crack while we continue to flush billions of dollars down the drain?

Wynne's manufactured outrage is hilarious.

Edited November 11, 2013 by Boges

GostHacked · November 11, 2013

Do you understand the difference between smoking marijuana and smoking crack cocaine?

.

Physiological and psychological effects are different. But in the eyes of the law, they are both the same. The law does not understand the difference.

Boges · November 11, 2013

Physiological and psychological effects are different. But in the eyes of the law, they are both the same. The law does not understand the difference.

That's another reason why people advocating for the province stepping in with some sort of recall legislation is completely wrong-headed. If you can removed an elected official because he admits to a criminal act then what of JT's pot admission. Socially it's different but legally, it's not.

Michael Hardner · November 11, 2013

Wynne's manufactured outrage is hilarious.

I don't see outrage, instead it seems more like a desire to stay out of this for obvious reasons.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=kathleen+wynne+on+rob+ford&rlz=1C5CHFA_enCA556CA557&oq=kathleen+wynne+on+rob+ford&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.4141j0j7&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8

GostHacked · November 11, 2013

That's another reason why people advocating for the province stepping in with some sort of recall legislation is completely wrong-headed. If you can removed an elected official because he admits to a criminal act then what of JT's pot admission. Socially it's different but legally, it's not.

Minor offense, we see greater crimes go unpunished. But if they are going to treat me one way with the law, they better threat Trudeau the same way. Main reason it's illegal in my view is the ability to grow hemp with one variety of it. One of the most versatile substances we have on this planet and its not being used like it should.

bleeding heart · November 11, 2013

I haven't heard anyone suggest that he was literally intending to kill someone. However, you have to admit the video shows someone with an anger management problem and a self-control problem. Not exactly someone I'd want for mayor.

Oh, I couldn't agree more.

Boges · November 11, 2013

His anger management issues were well documented pre-election.

g_bambino · November 11, 2013

Steping in, because the Mayor of Toronto smokes crack while we continue to flush billions of dollars down the drain?

The issue with Ford isn't simply that he smoked crack. And the two are comparable how?

Boges · November 11, 2013

The issue with Ford isn't simply that he smoked crack. And the two are comparable how?

Well on the surface they aren't but they're both scandals. And if you're saying Ford's problem is he also lied about smoking the crack, better get a spiral notebook out about instances where the Ontario Liberals have lied.

I'm just saying hearing the Ontario Liberals show any bit of "concern" about the state of Toronto City Hall is laughable.

Where were the Ontario Liberals commenting on London's mayor Joe Fontana

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/10/29/london_ont_mayor_fontana_committed_to_trial_on_fraud_charges.html

Edited November 11, 2013 by Boges

jacee · November 12, 2013

That's another reason why people advocating for the province stepping in with some sort of recall legislation is completely wrong-headed. If you can removed an elected official because he admits to a criminal act then what of JT's pot admission. Socially it's different but legally, it's not.

It's not just the crack admission.

How about skulking around bushes getting drugs and drinking bottles of vodka during the business day?

I'm not saying the province should do anything, just that there's more to it than a crack pipe.

Mighty AC · November 12, 2013

Where were the Ontario Liberals commenting on London's mayor Joe Fontana

It wasn't exactly a story that captivated the masses now was it? The premier didn't have microphones in his face demanding a comment.

Boges · November 12, 2013

It wasn't exactly a story that captivated the masses now was it? The premier didn't have microphones in his face demanding a comment.

So mayors should only be subject to recall if there's a media circus?

Mighty AC · November 12, 2013

Frank's misuse of funds didn't embarrass the city on the world stage, nor did it prevent them from operating as usual. I'd say the difference comes from the sheer magnitude of the offenses. Tell me, why do feel the need to defend the guy? The guy is a world class joke. Why not demand he resign and then unquestioningly back the next conservative candidate?

The_Squid · November 12, 2013

I should have clarified, THIS Ontario government has no moral authority with all their scandals.

Steping in, because the Mayor of Toronto smokes crack while we continue to flush billions of dollars down the drain?

Wynne's manufactured outrage is hilarious.

One has nothing to do with the other.

Boges · November 12, 2013

Frank's misuse of funds didn't embarrass the city on the world stage, nor did it prevent them from operating as usual. I'd say the difference comes from the sheer magnitude of the offenses. Tell me, why do feel the need to defend the guy? The guy is a world class joke. Why not demand he resign and then unquestioningly back the next conservative candidate?

If you hear it from councillors it's business as usual. There'll be a council meeting this week motions can be passed as usual.

If you ask the people on this board he's been an embarrassment long before this.

I think his behaviour has been very regretable. I'm just very uncomfortable with the province allowing council to remove a mayor that isn't facing criminal charges.

Edited November 12, 2013 by Boges

g_bambino · November 12, 2013

I'm not saying the province should do anything, just that there's more to it than a crack pipe.

I find it rather amusing that Ford Nashun now wants to accept the Mayor's crack use specifically to foist it out there as a distraction from all the other bullshit Ford's guilty of; his supporters have (and I've seen this both here, on Facebook, and in other forums) now made it their defence strategy to attack "leftards" (i.e. anyone who says something critical about the Mayor) as a braying mob unjustly denying Ford due process before calling for his character execution. It's that and "oh, why don't you call for pothead Trudeau's resignation, hypocrite?" Denial is a strong force in Ford Nashun.

Boges · November 12, 2013

I find it rather amusing that Ford Nashun now wants to accept the Mayor's crack use specifically to foist it out there as a distraction from all the other bullshit Ford's guilty of; his supporters have (and I've seen this both here, on Facebook, and in other forums) now made it their defence strategy to attack "leftards" (i.e. anyone who says something critical about the Mayor) as a braying mob unjustly denying Ford due process before calling for his character execution. It's that and "oh, why don't you call for pothead Trudeau's resignation, hypocrite?" Denial is a strong force in Ford Nashun.

If it wasn't for the crack use, this story wouldn't have the legs it has. It certainly wouldn't be International news.

All the other stuff certainly seems shady but Ford currently isn't facing any criminal charges.

Boges · November 12, 2013

What type of person wants to buy a Ford Bobble-head.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/hundreds-line-up-for-toronto-mayor-rob-ford-charity-bobbleheads/article15386803/

I heard on the radio someone put 2 of them up on Kijiji for $500. LOL

g_bambino · November 12, 2013

f you're saying Ford's problem is he also lied about smoking the crack...

I said it was about more than Ford smoking crack. So, yes, another problem is he lied about smoking it. It's still about more than Ford smoking crack and lying about it. I believe others have already listed numerous times the litany of offenses (to the Office of Mayor, at least) Ford is demonstrably guilty of. Whatever the provincial goverment has done wrong, it has nothing to do with Ford and the legislature's power to make laws governing municipalities does not depend on moral fortitude.