Thursday, July 28, 2011

Are Torontonians finally realizing they made a mistake with Rob Ford?

The Globe and Mail's Marcus Gee reports that the tide may be turning against Toronto mayor Rob Ford. 

Known for his inappropriate remarks, Ford is coming under increasing fire for controversial behaviour and policies.  First, he boycotted Pride, becoming the first Toronto mayor in years not to attend.  Then he attracted complaints for his handling of the budget review at City Hall.  Residents are growing increasingly uneasy about talk of increasing taxes, cutting street cleaning, and closing public libraries and children's attractions.

Ford's brother, Councillor Doug Ford, has stated that he would close at least one Etobicoke library (he pronounces the word "lie-berry") in a “heartbeat.” When he was reminded that Margaret Atwood is a save-the-libraries campaign supporter, he declared: “she could walk by me, I wouldn’t have a clue who she is.”

Meanwhile, Ottilie Mason claims she was driving on Dundas with her child in the car when she saw Rob Ford talking on his cellphone while driving. When she made a thumbs-down gesture, she says he gave her the finger.  Ford has admitted that he was on the phone but denies making the rude gesture.  Gee reports that when Ford was caught drunkenly shouting insults at an out-of-town couple during a 2006 hockey game, he denied that too, only to admit it later and apologize.

No comments:

Post a Comment