Now that Rob Ford is just away days from losing the title of Mayor, I am wondering what to do with this website.
Delete it?
Leave it up?
Post funny photos of politicians in general?
Rebrand it as something new?
Feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
Finally - Rob Ford is officially gone... But lo, the threat of Doug Ford looms
Thanks to health problems Rob Ford has decided not to run for re-election as mayor of Toronto.
Instead his brother Doug Ford has decided to step up to the plate - opening the door to a Ford Brother is vaguely more competent.
New polls show that Doug Ford is in 2nd place - but polling these days are notorious inaccurate because they only poll people who are at home, and who own home phones (landlines). It does not poll people who own only a cell phone - or people who have call display and refuse to answer the phone when an unknown number calls them.
The most recent poll by Forum Research Inc. shows the following:
John Tory at 41%
Doug Ford at 34%
Olivia Chow at 19%
Just days ago a similar poll pegged Rob Ford at 28%. Switching to the drug dealer brother instead of the drug addict apparently boosted Ford Nation's chances of winning by 6%.
A different poll from Mainstreet Technologies gives different results:
John Tory at 45%
Olivia Chow at 27%
Doug Ford at 16%
So unless something disastrous happens (like the polls were incredibly inaccurate as to be nowhere near the result) John Tory will likely be the next mayor of Toronto.
It would be nicer if it was closer to 40% Tory, 40% Chow, and 20% Ford... then at least election night would be less likely to be a landslide victory for Tory.
John Tory as you may have heard is basically just "Rob Ford Lite" - all the Conservatism, but with none of the crack-smoking or boozing.
Which means for the right-wingers, this election is basically fixed and rubber stamped. Most people are voting for either "Rob Ford's Brother" or "Rob Ford Lite".
If only there was a third option people could vote for.
Instead his brother Doug Ford has decided to step up to the plate - opening the door to a Ford Brother is vaguely more competent.
New polls show that Doug Ford is in 2nd place - but polling these days are notorious inaccurate because they only poll people who are at home, and who own home phones (landlines). It does not poll people who own only a cell phone - or people who have call display and refuse to answer the phone when an unknown number calls them.
The most recent poll by Forum Research Inc. shows the following:
John Tory at 41%
Doug Ford at 34%
Olivia Chow at 19%
Just days ago a similar poll pegged Rob Ford at 28%. Switching to the drug dealer brother instead of the drug addict apparently boosted Ford Nation's chances of winning by 6%.
A different poll from Mainstreet Technologies gives different results:
John Tory at 45%
Olivia Chow at 27%
Doug Ford at 16%
So unless something disastrous happens (like the polls were incredibly inaccurate as to be nowhere near the result) John Tory will likely be the next mayor of Toronto.
It would be nicer if it was closer to 40% Tory, 40% Chow, and 20% Ford... then at least election night would be less likely to be a landslide victory for Tory.
John Tory as you may have heard is basically just "Rob Ford Lite" - all the Conservatism, but with none of the crack-smoking or boozing.
Which means for the right-wingers, this election is basically fixed and rubber stamped. Most people are voting for either "Rob Ford's Brother" or "Rob Ford Lite".
If only there was a third option people could vote for.
The Grand Public Conspiracy to Discredit Rob Ford
What if there really was a huge conspiracy to discredit Rob Ford?
Well, let us amend that by creating a new phrase instead of conspiracy. Conspiracy means it is a small number of people who are secretly working towards one goal.
No what is happening here is not a conspiracy by any normal definition. It is too public and many people involved - with different goals and reasons for why they dislike Rob Ford.
Cyclists.
Librarians.
People who like libraries.
"Orientals" who feel offended.
Women who don't like being groped, who don't like husbands who hit their wives, and women who don't like the mental abuse of being called a "pussy" by their husband in a very public manner.
People who find lies or "drunken stupors" deplorable.
Students from Rob Ford's old football coaching days, who dislike being called "minorities" in a degrading and racist fashion.
People who dislike it when white men use the n-word. (Or when anyone uses it for that matter.)
People who are upset that Rob Ford has broken his promises about subway expansion. He promised expansion, but do you see any work being done???
Anyone who finds the act of using drugs and alcohol (to the point that impairs their ability to work) while in public office an unforgivable offense.
Etc
Etc
Basically almost everyone has a reason to join a very public "quest" to have Rob Ford removed from office. It is not a conspiracy, it is a quest like the Crusades. Every person Rob Ford annoys is one more person in the army of people who want Rob Ford out of office.
Who is lying, the Americans or Rob Ford's lawyer?
According to U.S. officials Rob Ford has not arrived in the USA.
And yet according to Rob Ford's lawyer, Rob Ford has officially checked into rehab in the USA, but he won't say where.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford boarded a private plane to Chicago last week, but when he arrived in Chicago he then withdrew his request to enter the USA (leaving him in legal no-mans-land on the airport tarmac). The private plane reportedly then left Chicago, but it is not publicly known what its flight plan was.
What is known is that Rob Ford was on the plane and that the plane has not landed in either the USA or Canada, according to both U.S. and Canadian officials.
Last week, the mayor took a private plane from Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport to Chicago, but the Consul General of Canada in Chicago has confirmed that Ford did not formally enter the USA.
Upon arrival on Thursday, Ford spoke to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Consul General of Canada in Chicago. At that point, Ford withdrew his request to enter, then departed in his private plane.
It is not known why Ford withdrew his application after flying to the "Windy City" from Toronto, nor is it known where the mayor went after the plane turned around and went elsewhere.
Rob Ford's lawyer Dennis Morris said he was not on the plane with the mayor, so he couldn't comment on what went on south of the border. Dennis Morris says that the fact that the mayor is in rehab is "amazing", but he will not disclose his client's location.
The whereabouts of Rob Ford are unknown nearly a week after the Toronto mayor announced he was taking a leave of absence to seek professional help for a substance abuse problem.
The day after Ford flew to Chicago, his lawyer confirmed to CTV Toronto that the mayor had checked in to a rehab facility but refused to confirm the location.
And since his plane has not landed in Canada or the USA, it is possible he has flown to Mexico, the Bahamas, or a Central American country.
DECO Labels and Tags (one of the largest label companies in the world), the business owned by the Fords which made them billionaires, has its U.S. headquarters in Chicago, and the family maintains a residence in the city.
His ties to the Illinois city fueled speculation that he flew there to check into a local rehab facility, but there was no confirmation that Chicago was the mayor's final destination - and since he did not enter the USA according to the border patrol he must have gone somewhere else.
Ford's announcement followed a series of damaging reports containing new allegations about drug and alcohol use and inappropriate comments about a colleague that came out on Wednesday night.
The mayor told the city clerk he was taking a leave, but vowed to stay on as mayor and seek re-election in October. His notice of leave of absence did not include a return date.
So for all we know Rob Ford isn't even in a rehab. Probably somewhere getting drunk and high right now.
And yet according to Rob Ford's lawyer, Rob Ford has officially checked into rehab in the USA, but he won't say where.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford boarded a private plane to Chicago last week, but when he arrived in Chicago he then withdrew his request to enter the USA (leaving him in legal no-mans-land on the airport tarmac). The private plane reportedly then left Chicago, but it is not publicly known what its flight plan was.
What is known is that Rob Ford was on the plane and that the plane has not landed in either the USA or Canada, according to both U.S. and Canadian officials.
Last week, the mayor took a private plane from Toronto Buttonville Municipal Airport to Chicago, but the Consul General of Canada in Chicago has confirmed that Ford did not formally enter the USA.
Upon arrival on Thursday, Ford spoke to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Consul General of Canada in Chicago. At that point, Ford withdrew his request to enter, then departed in his private plane.
It is not known why Ford withdrew his application after flying to the "Windy City" from Toronto, nor is it known where the mayor went after the plane turned around and went elsewhere.
Rob Ford's lawyer Dennis Morris said he was not on the plane with the mayor, so he couldn't comment on what went on south of the border. Dennis Morris says that the fact that the mayor is in rehab is "amazing", but he will not disclose his client's location.
The whereabouts of Rob Ford are unknown nearly a week after the Toronto mayor announced he was taking a leave of absence to seek professional help for a substance abuse problem.
The day after Ford flew to Chicago, his lawyer confirmed to CTV Toronto that the mayor had checked in to a rehab facility but refused to confirm the location.
And since his plane has not landed in Canada or the USA, it is possible he has flown to Mexico, the Bahamas, or a Central American country.
DECO Labels and Tags (one of the largest label companies in the world), the business owned by the Fords which made them billionaires, has its U.S. headquarters in Chicago, and the family maintains a residence in the city.
His ties to the Illinois city fueled speculation that he flew there to check into a local rehab facility, but there was no confirmation that Chicago was the mayor's final destination - and since he did not enter the USA according to the border patrol he must have gone somewhere else.
Ford's announcement followed a series of damaging reports containing new allegations about drug and alcohol use and inappropriate comments about a colleague that came out on Wednesday night.
The mayor told the city clerk he was taking a leave, but vowed to stay on as mayor and seek re-election in October. His notice of leave of absence did not include a return date.
So for all we know Rob Ford isn't even in a rehab. Probably somewhere getting drunk and high right now.
I’m done. I’m going to California, says Rob Ford
“. . . I’m not coming back. Once I’m done, I’m done. I’m going to California.” - Rob Ford.
The above quote is from the transcript of Rob Ford's latest drunken rant while at a Toronto pub, during which Rob Ford announced his intention to leave Toronto after he is done being mayor of Toronto and move to California instead.
This shows that Rob Ford hates Toronto - something I have pointed out previously on this blog. He certainly does not love Toronto. He just loves being the guy in charge and bullying people. Bullying people is what he loves.
So if he loses his re-election bid, if he drops out of the 2014 mayoral election, even if he did miraculously win somehow and stayed for 4 more years (unless kicked out of office for corruption or arrested for illegal activities) - the end result is clear. As soon as Rob Ford is done being mayor of Toronto, his intention - by his own words - is to leave Toronto and move to California.
I say let him go NOW.
The sooner the better.
He is obviously tired of politics and public life.
Rob Ford's quote on that topic:
“. . . I’m fucking sick of politics dude look at my record, I’m going to win, we’re going. You’ve got two choices, Olivia Chow . . . it’s the same vote. You vote for Tory, you vote for Chow.”
It is pretty clear Rob Ford wants a break, hence why he finally broke down and agreed to go to rehab for his crack addiction and alcoholism.
So the end result is that Rob Ford will move to California where he will have two options before him:
He can go to one of California's many rehab centres and clean himself up.
Or he can smoke crack until he overdoses and kills himself.
Thankfully he is going to rehab now, so maybe he will do the first. Time will tell.
Meanwhile people are betting he will quit rehab in the first two months and come back to Toronto to wreck more havoc before he eventually leaves and moves to California.
The above quote is from the transcript of Rob Ford's latest drunken rant while at a Toronto pub, during which Rob Ford announced his intention to leave Toronto after he is done being mayor of Toronto and move to California instead.
This shows that Rob Ford hates Toronto - something I have pointed out previously on this blog. He certainly does not love Toronto. He just loves being the guy in charge and bullying people. Bullying people is what he loves.
So if he loses his re-election bid, if he drops out of the 2014 mayoral election, even if he did miraculously win somehow and stayed for 4 more years (unless kicked out of office for corruption or arrested for illegal activities) - the end result is clear. As soon as Rob Ford is done being mayor of Toronto, his intention - by his own words - is to leave Toronto and move to California.
I say let him go NOW.
The sooner the better.
He is obviously tired of politics and public life.
Rob Ford's quote on that topic:
“. . . I’m fucking sick of politics dude look at my record, I’m going to win, we’re going. You’ve got two choices, Olivia Chow . . . it’s the same vote. You vote for Tory, you vote for Chow.”
It is pretty clear Rob Ford wants a break, hence why he finally broke down and agreed to go to rehab for his crack addiction and alcoholism.
So the end result is that Rob Ford will move to California where he will have two options before him:
He can go to one of California's many rehab centres and clean himself up.
Or he can smoke crack until he overdoses and kills himself.
Thankfully he is going to rehab now, so maybe he will do the first. Time will tell.
Meanwhile people are betting he will quit rehab in the first two months and come back to Toronto to wreck more havoc before he eventually leaves and moves to California.
Rob Ford goes on leave of absence, goes to Rehab
Since the appearance of the new video and audio Rob Ford announced that he will be taking a leave of absence to go to rehab. It is unclear where Rob Ford will be seeking rehab treatment - possibly somewhere in the USA.
A friend of the family carried his luggage to a car and then Rob Ford got into a 2nd car.
It is also unknown how long Rob Ford will be gone. Could be a week, two weeks, a month, or more.
To be effective treatment he should be there a minimum of 3 months. Possibly even 6 months.
However we would wager odds Rob Ford won't even make it to 2 months - because he lacks the patience to stay there longer, and because he will want to get back to Toronto in an effort to establish himself for re-election.
However we would also guess that an extended stay might actually help his re-election chances. It would show he was serious about change. If he stayed at rehab for May, June, July and August - and then return 50 lbs lighter, sober and drug free - well then he could say that he has changed his ways somewhat.
But if he returns after only 1 or 2 months then he will likely relapse and the hilarity will continue as Torontonians shake their heads in disgust at our buffoon of a mayor.
In case you haven't seen the screen shots from the new crack video here they are.
New Rob Ford Crack Video Surfaces
A new Rob Ford crack video was recently made - showing Rob Ford smoking crack cocaine - again!
The new video was recorded in the early AM hours of Saturday morning - April 26th 2014.
The drug dealers (new drug dealers, the old ones from last year all mysteriously died...) who made the video are now trying to sell the video to Gawker and the Globe and Mail.
Below are stills from screen captures of the video.
The new video was recorded in the early AM hours of Saturday morning - April 26th 2014.
The drug dealers (new drug dealers, the old ones from last year all mysteriously died...) who made the video are now trying to sell the video to Gawker and the Globe and Mail.
Below are stills from screen captures of the video.
Rob Ford's Latest Drunken Rant
The following audio recording was made while Rob Ford was drunk (and possibly high) at a Toronto bar.
The audio contains a lot of derogatory comments about his political opponents - and even his one time allies. No doubt this audio will burn a few bridges. The video shows that Ford is the type of politician who burns bridges instead of building them.
Toronto needs a mayor who builds things. Not someone who smokes up and burns everything, including his own reputation.
Below is an uncensored transcript of an audio tape of Rob Ford speaking at a bar. Parts of the tape are inaudible and the other speaker has not been identified.
The audio contains a lot of derogatory comments about his political opponents - and even his one time allies. No doubt this audio will burn a few bridges. The video shows that Ford is the type of politician who burns bridges instead of building them.
Toronto needs a mayor who builds things. Not someone who smokes up and burns everything, including his own reputation.
Below is an uncensored transcript of an audio tape of Rob Ford speaking at a bar. Parts of the tape are inaudible and the other speaker has not been identified.
Rob Ford: “. . . fucking flag up ahead of our Canadian flag. I said no . . . bullshit. Then they said they went to Queen’s Park and Tim Hudak comes out and said I agree with all the gays . . . That’s it. I lost my conservative values . . .
(inaudible)
“. . . No, they went. The gay organization goes to Queen’s Park . . . At Queen’s Park you have to have every member to vote for. No, no, no, Tim says you know what I think that’s right . . . Right there, he lost my vote.
“I can’t vote Liberal because I don’t like what Wynne is doing, not because she’s gay or not, I just don’t like corruption. NDP, I’m just not left wing. I am like Tim Hudak, but I can’t, I won’t put a sign up . . . I might have to vote Green, I don’t know what the fuck I’m going to vote now. I have to vote something, but I’m absolutely going to vote. I’m probably going to vote Green because guy didn’t say a fucking word . . .”
(inaudible)
“. . . I don’t mind as long as they vote. I’d rather they vote against me than not vote at all. I’d rather lose to Olivia Chow than lose to anyone . . .’
(inaudible)
“. . . I’m not coming back. Once I’m done, I’m done. I’m going to California.”
Other speaker: “How about Karen Stintz?”
Rob Ford: “I’d fucking jam her. (Laughter) I’m so sorry I forgot there was a woman around . . .”
(inaudible)
“. . . There’s no secret service . . . there’s no secret service . . . I’m not the normal mayor, I’m not the normal mayor. Brother, I’d fuck her wife . . . I won’t go that far.”
Other speaker: “When is the last time you smoked a joint?”
Rob Ford: “It doesn’t matter. I, I, I, these guys want me fucking covered. I said nobody’s going to cover me, I’ve got everything under control . . . I’m good. Is this your wife? Get a shot right now or I’ll fucking (inaudible) . . . I don’t mind talking politics . . . I’d pound this every day . . .”
(inaudible)
“. . . If you don’t get a shot in two seconds I’ll knock your fucking teeth out.
Other speaker: “Everyone is allowed their downtime.”
Rob Ford: “Get her two shots . . .”
(inaudible)
“. . . I’m fucking sick of politics dude look at my record, I’m going to win, we’re going. You’ve got two choices, Olivia Chow . . . it’s the same vote. You vote for Tory, you vote for Chow.”
Other speaker: “You’re splitting the vote.”
Can anything Rob Ford do surprise you?
If a new video came out showing Rob Ford doing appalling acts, I really would not be surprised. The man will do anything for attention.
And he is certainly a glut for personal vices and exploring the dark seedy underbelly of society.
I don't know if the photo below is real or faked, but I really would not be surprised if it was real. We already know he enjoys beating his wife and committing sexual assault (groping unwilling females at social events), so something like what you see in the image below really isn't that surprising.
And he is certainly a glut for personal vices and exploring the dark seedy underbelly of society.
I don't know if the photo below is real or faked, but I really would not be surprised if it was real. We already know he enjoys beating his wife and committing sexual assault (groping unwilling females at social events), so something like what you see in the image below really isn't that surprising.
Rob Ford's Words in the Mouth of a Child
Hilarious. It raises some very valid points about how Rob Ford is such a horrible role model and that his lies are hurting children who hear his lies.
Bill Clinton comments on Rob Ford, the breaker of every Canadian stereotype
President Bill Clinton on Jimmy Kimmel Live commenting on Rob Ford:
Rob Ford voted against 6 of his own accomplishments
By Matt Elliott of Metro News
Two months after registering for re-election, Mayor Rob Ford finally has a campaign website.
There was what seemed to be a mad rush to get it ready it over the weekend, prior to the mayor’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Ford did manage to get in a quick plug for the site while talking to Kimmel. You probably missed it because you were cringing and hiding your eyes.
It’s probably good that the website isn’t getting a ton of attention, because it’s packed with inaccuracies. In addition to a biography that claims Ford is still coaching football at Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School — he was banned from coaching by the school board almost a year ago — the site also has an “accomplishments” section that plays very loose with the facts. So loose, there’s no choice but to do an exhaustive fact check on every single item — my biggest fact check ever.
The following are the list of accomplishments taken off Ford’s website on Monday, March 3. Don’t blame me for the weird capitalization — it was like that when I got there.
But it’s not just the presentation that feels haphazard. The list itself actually leaves out or glosses over a few things that Ford probably should be at least attempting to present as accomplishments.
Of the accomplishments the list does include, several of them are based on bad data. Some are so vague as to be almost meaningless. And at least six of the mayor’s accomplishments relate to things that Ford actually voted against, either as mayor or as councillor.
Here’s the list:
Introduced a Customer Service Reception Desk in City Hall
I can’t find any record of Ford bringing an item to council to create this desk, but there does seem to be a desk near the entrance of city hall where people can ask questions.
Made Nathan Phillips Square Safe and Inviting for Citizens
Ford may be referring to one of two things here. Either this is about a Sue Ann Levy column that complained about too many homeless people in the square, which prompted Ford to complain to the city manager and apparently step up enforcement. Or it’s about the Nathan Phillips Square Revitalization project.
If it’s about the latter, Ford doesn’t have much room to brag. The project began long before Ford became mayor and in 2007 he voted against it. (Page 95) Later, as council debated the 2009 capital budget, Ford moved to remove all funding for the project. (Page 6)
Improving Communication with the City through 311 and mobile apps
311 was a project of the previous administration. Ford was against it. On December 8, 2009, Ford moved to eliminate all funding for plans to implement it.
Improving TTC service
On January 10, 2011, Ford announced his first budget would cut service on dozens of TTC routes. Since then, the fare subsidy for the TTC remains below 2010 levels and the system is wracked widely-reported instances of crowding.
Made TTC an Essential Service
Yep.
Improving Toronto EMS and Toronto Fire Services
Too vague to verify.
Renewed public faith in TCHC
Ford is likely referring to his move to replace the TCHC Board following a 2011 spending scandal. Sure, many felt that action was necessary, but that was also three years ago. Is there still reason for the public to have faith in TCHC? The waiting list for social housing in Toronto has grown from 78,187 in early 2011 to 90,157 last fall. Meanwhile, the TCHC CEO appointed under the Ford administration has been dogged by issues relating to HR practices. The board has since forced him to get more management training.
Made Council more Transparent & Accountable
It’s unclear exactly what this means. In 2010, Ford did propose a series of reforms designed to increase transparency but many of them were not implemented. Most never even came to council or committee for debate.
Posted More Expenses Online
Councillors were already posting their expense online when Ford took office. Under Ford, staff do post expenses made with city-issued credit cards, though the usefulness of this data can be questioned. Still, we’ll give him this one.
Adopted Whistleblower Protection By-law
A true fact.
Eliminated the Personal Vehicle Tax (PVT)
Yep. Though, contrary to Ford’s common refrain, doing so didn’t save the city $240 million somehow.
Reduced Council Expense Budgets
He did. Though council later instituted further reforms that included the creation of a general expense budget shared by all councillors.
Contracted out Garbage Collection
Partial credit. Ford technically only contracted out garbage collection service in one of the city’s four districts. One district was already contracted out prior to this term. Half the city continues to receive city-run service.
Stopped out-of-control spending growth at City Hall
I’m not sure it’s possible for this to be any more vague. Most of the city spending growth over the last decade has been to the gross operating budget, while the net operating budget has grown slowly. This is an important distinction, as the gross budget includes services funded by user fees and transfers from other orders of government. I’ve written lots about this.
Lower Debt- Reduced planned debt by $808 Million
The city’s debt has actually increased under Ford, though that’s due to prior commitments. Planned debt has in fact decreased under Ford, but some of that is because of offsets from a financing strategy introduced in 2012 that banks on operating surpluses and the sale of city assets.
Recently, though, Ford OK’d a plan to increase city debt to build the Scarborough subway extension.
Found over $600 million in permanent efficiency savings
Gee, I thought it was a billion dollars? What happened?
There are many ways to quibble with these figures. It’s important to note these kinds of efficiency savings are not new. Mayor David Miller’s final budget achieved $167 million in savings alone.
Balanced the operating budget, for the first time ever, without using any prior year surplus
Sure, but it’s worth noting that Ford has yet to balance a budget without using one-time revenues. This year, he used just under $70 million in reserve funds — which were funded at least partially through prior-year surplus money in previous budget years — to balance the budget.
Total reduction in City staff of 1,346 since 2011
I get slightly different numbers, but this appears to be accurate enough. The city offered staff buyouts in 2011.
New Surplus Management Strategy: Adopted new financial management strategies
This feels more like a statement than an accomplishment, but yes, the strategy does exist. But it was adopted in 2004.
New Collective Agreement with full and part-time workers
Yes, but again, this is the political equivalent of me bragging about putting my shoes on in the morning. Of course a new collective agreement was put in place — the old one expired. Ford is missing an opportunity to brag here.
Eliminated the 5-cent bag tax: Ensures that retailers have a choice in charging for plastic bags.
A couple of problems here. First, it was never a tax. It was a mandated fee. Second, Ford only managed to eliminate the fee after council made a surprise decision to ban plastic bags altogether but then were forced to back off after city lawyers got involved.
Focused public debate on building subways as Toronto’s long-term rapid transit strategy
True enough, I guess. We’ve had lots of debate about subways over the last three years. But even with Ford’s focus, the TTC and Metrolinx are still in the process of building three LRT lines. I’m not sure Ford’s got much to brag about.
Investing in the TTC: The 2013 budget included over $500 million in new TTC funding
This is a weird one. It’s a very specific claim, but it’s hard to know what it refers to.
It’s definitely not about increasing the TTC’s operating budget. In 2012, the TTC’s operating subsidy from the city was $411 million. It was exactly the same in 2013. So no increase there.
On the capital side, the 10-year capital plan in 2012 included $6.184 billion for the TTC. The 2013 plan boosted that to $6.392 billion. That’s an increase of $200 million, which you’ll note is significantly lower than $500 million.
Station Modernization Program: Existing station upgrades, including Pape and Dufferin stations
The TTC’s plan to modernize subway stations predates Ford’s term by several years. The program was first discussed in 2007. Funding for the project became available through the 2008 city capital budget and plan. Ford voted against that budget. (Page 14)
Signal System Replacement: Signal System replacement will improve subway system capacity and reliability
This, on the other hand, did happen during Ford’s term. The TTC authorized $90 million in expenditures for signal system replacement on March 30, 2012. However, it’s worth pointing out that this happened after Ford lost all influence over the TTC, so it’s fair to ask if he or his office had anything to do with the decision.
Resurfacing hundreds of kilometres of roads and filling around 200,000 potholes every year
Putting $500 million into maintaining the Gardiner Expressway- a key transportation artery
Putting money into maintaining and upgrading roads, bridges, sidewalks and expressways
We’ll take these three together. The 10-year capital plan approved in 2010 included $1.699 billion for state-of-good-repair projects relating to the city’s transportation department. In 2014, that figure jumped to $2.435 billion. Much of that increase is related to the Gardiner. But Ford can take credit for spending more money on road repair.
Upgrading decades old playground equipment and building new community facilities
This, on the other hand, is a harder claim to make. Just this past September, back when Ford still had procedural powers, he made a point of attending a meeting of the Parks & Environment committee just so he could vote against a series of motions. One of those motions asked staff to look at increasing the number of playground refurbishments.
Upgrading 26 Municipal Child Care Centres and constructing a new facility
Ford’s record on child care is disastrous. In 2012, he voted against a motion that would have increased the operating budget by $670,000 to restore child care centre programming. In 2013, he voted against a motion that would have increased availability of subsidized child care.
Recently, Ford voted against using Section 37 money to upgrade a child care facility in Ward 19.
Building new community centres in York and Regent Park
The Regent Park community centre is part of the ongoing Regent Park revitalization, a project that started more than a decade ago. The York Community Centre has been planned since the 1990s, with funding held in reserve since amalgamation. Construction on both facilities did begin while Ford was in office, though.
Upgrading and maintaining 16 homeless shelters and building a new facility
The only recently opened city-run facility I am aware of the Peter Street Homeless Shelter. In December 2007, Rob Ford moved to remove the development of that shelter from the 2008 capital budget (page 11) in an attempt to kill the project. It didn’t work.
Last year, Ford was one of 20 councillors who voted against looking at increasing the number of shelter beds available following a rash of homeless deaths. Council did eventually vote to increase the number of beds available. Ford was the only member of council to vote against it.
Investing $10 billion, over the next 10 years, to maintain aging infrastructure in a state of good repair
In 2010, the city was planning to spend $9.8 billion over the next 10 years on state-of-good-repair. In 2014, the plan is to spend $11.4 billion. Ford hasn’t invested $10 billion in new money, but planned spending has increased a bit.
Investing $2.5 billion over the next 10 years into water mains, sewers and other vital water infrastructure
This, on the other hand, i couldn’t verify. According to Toronto Water’s latest budget, capital spending on water infrastructure peaked in 2010 and has declined since.
Fighting Gridlock: Traffic Management Strategy to keep Toronto moving:
Created a plan of action to improve the flow of traffic at over 1000 intersections, across every corner of the city
Council did approve a congestion management plan in December 2013, so I’ll give him these ones.
Launched a comprehensive bicycle strategy
The mayor’s bike plan does include lots of off-street trail improvements, but I’m not sure I’d call it “comprehensive.” It proposes just four on-street routes. Three of them are upgrades to existing bike lanes. The only entirely new bike infrastructure included in the strategy called for lanes on Richmond or Adelaide Streets. But when a plan to study those lanes came before council in December 2011, Ford voted against it.
After a prolonged period of moving sideways, the unemployment rate in Toronto is very noticeably dropping
Nope. Latest report had Toronto’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate at 9.7 per cent, up from 9.2 per cent a year ago.
Collaborating for Competitiveness – Toronto’s Economic Development Plan
A plan with this title was written and voted on, yes.
Chicago Business Mission: Led the largest delegation of Toronto leaders on a business mission
Ford did indeed go to Chicago. There’s photographic proof. Nobody really keeps records on mayoral delegation sizes, but Ford seems to have a decent claim to saying his was the biggest. Miller took 40 people with him to Ukraine in 2005 and just 25 to Europe. Mel Lastman once took 50 people to Italy. Ford’s delegation had 62 people in it.
So, yes, the mayor did go to Chicago with a lot of people. That’s an accomplishment I’ll give him.
Rob Ford drunk, blocked from Oscars due to heavy security
Rob Ford tried to go to the Oscars but was reportedly so drunk that "heavy security" at the Oscars blocked Rob Ford from attending. Doubtlessly a video of Rob Ford drunk or high will turn up within the next few days.
Update, Monday March 3rd
According to more recent reports Rob Ford was also very hungover on Sunday morning. This may or may not be tied with him being "too drunk for the Oscars".
Update, Monday March 3rd
According to more recent reports Rob Ford was also very hungover on Sunday morning. This may or may not be tied with him being "too drunk for the Oscars".
40% off Rob Ford books at Chapters
Get 40% off Rob Ford books at the Chapters on Richmond Street. Just a 10 minute walk from City Hall!
:)
:)
Is Rob Ford's voters on crack?
Or in a drunken stupor.
Or binge drinking.
Or high on pot or paint fumes or something.
Because the history clearly shows that Rob Ford has:
Raised taxes.
Raised TTC fares.
Laid off police and library staff.
Presided over the highest unemployment rate in decades.
Acted like a buffoon and embarrassed the city.
And he has done nothing to actually help the city. Nada. Zilch.
And now if he even wanted to do something mentionable, he can't because he is now mayor in name only and a lame duck.
So why would anyone want to re-elect a mayor who is a lame duck do-nothing who raises taxes?
Ergo Rob Ford's voters must be on crack.
Rob Ford HATES Toronto
Rob Ford hates Toronto.
I mean think about it logically, what is Toronto actually known for?!
#1. Hippies and Environmentalists. Rob Ford HATES hippies and environmentalists.
#2. Bicyclists. Rob Ford hates bicyclists.
#3. Traffic. Rob Ford hates traffic (don't we all?).
#4. Sports teams that never win. Rob Ford hates sports teams that never win.
#5. Homeless people. Rob Ford hates homeless people and homeless shelters.
#6. Gay and Lesbian people. Rob Ford hates gays and lesbians.
#7. Universities. Rob Ford hates universities. He doesn't even have a degree.
#8. "Orientals". While he hasn't actually said that he despises them, it has been implied by the mere fact
he uses the word "orientals" and his comments about them show some serious ignorance.
#9. Artists. Rob Ford hates artists - especially any artists who make fun of Rob Ford.
#10. The Toronto Star. Rob Ford hates the Toronto Star - and reporters in general.
So what does Rob Ford actually like?
Drinking, getting high, football, the suburbs, eating junk food (who doesn't?) and pretending to be a big shot.
Rob Ford is not homophobic
Rob Ford is not homophobic. He just hates gay people.
His brother Doug claims that Rob even has friends who are gay. Oh really? Where are they? Ask them to speak up then.
Otherwise Rob Ford could claim any number of things like "I have many friends who are reporters." Or "I have many friends who are Jewish." Oh really?
This is a case wherein both Rob and Doug have lied so many times we cannot believe anything either of them say.
The truth is Rob Ford is not afraid of gay of people. This has nothing to do with fear or phobia.
Rob Ford just hates gay people. Period.
And "Orientals", but hey that is normal for ignorant bigots who suffer from foot-in-mouth syndrome.
His brother Doug claims that Rob even has friends who are gay. Oh really? Where are they? Ask them to speak up then.
Otherwise Rob Ford could claim any number of things like "I have many friends who are reporters." Or "I have many friends who are Jewish." Oh really?
This is a case wherein both Rob and Doug have lied so many times we cannot believe anything either of them say.
The truth is Rob Ford is not afraid of gay of people. This has nothing to do with fear or phobia.
Rob Ford just hates gay people. Period.
And "Orientals", but hey that is normal for ignorant bigots who suffer from foot-in-mouth syndrome.
Rob Ford Timeline on the topic of Smoking Crack Cocaine
Rob Ford Timeline on the topic of Smoking Crack Cocaine
Roughly 600 new videos of Rob Ford in one week
The search results turned up roughly 600 videos about Rob Ford, of Rob Ford, all posted on YouTube and similar websites, all in the last 7 days.
What it makes me realize is that the huge media frenzy over Rob Ford has become so ridiculous that there is no shortage of videos out there mocking Toronto's crack smoking mayor.
For fun I also checked out how many videos were posted in the last 24 hours and the last hour. Some of the videos were just repostings of older videos - but quite a few of them are brand new content.
Videos like the one below...
Rob Ford's List of Broken Promises
The fact is Rob Ford has probably spent more time getting high / getting drunk / behaving like a jackass than actually doing anything to help the people of Toronto.
Thus it is really fun when Rob Ford claims his "fiscal record" will help get him re-elected.
His "fiscal record" is ridiculous. He comes up with numbers like "saving the city over a billion dollars" when in reality he has raised taxes, raised TTC fares, spent money on private feuds like ripping up bicycle lanes (just because he hates cyclists) and a long list of other gaffs and fiscal mismanagements.
It makes you realize that "Ford Nation" really just means fiscal incompetence and broken promises.
Check out the video below to see a list of Rob Ford's broken promises.
Rob Ford attacks meat and potatoes, ignores gravy train
During 2013 Rob Ford proved his "gravy train" is meaningless, and proved that he is Toronto's worst enemy by bringing shame to the city on the world stage.
Since taking office Rob Ford's budget cuts have repeatedly attacked the "meat and potatoes" of Toronto instead of any so-called "gravy train".
Instead Rob Ford's wasteful spending is arguably a much bigger "gravy train" than any of the cuts he has proposed / pushed through city hall.
Fortunately Rob Ford has fallen out of favour thanks to his crack cocaine / pot addiction, wild antics, drunken behaviour, lies, corruption, temper tantrums, his threat to kill Toronto's chief of police and more. His power in city hall has been reduced to "mayor in name only".
At which point Torontonians need to be asking, do we really need a mayor?
After all, a mayor is basically just a spokesperson for the city who has a vote on city council. It is city council that wields the true power.
And we should be really thankful for that. If Rob Ford had his way, Toronto would be a financial ruin and he would drive the city drunkenly down a dark road and off a cliff. Toronto's city council however has the brains to put on the brakes however and stave off disaster.
I think the Toronto Sun summed it up quite well recently - Rob Ford is dead weight.
Since taking office Rob Ford's budget cuts have repeatedly attacked the "meat and potatoes" of Toronto instead of any so-called "gravy train".
Instead Rob Ford's wasteful spending is arguably a much bigger "gravy train" than any of the cuts he has proposed / pushed through city hall.
Fortunately Rob Ford has fallen out of favour thanks to his crack cocaine / pot addiction, wild antics, drunken behaviour, lies, corruption, temper tantrums, his threat to kill Toronto's chief of police and more. His power in city hall has been reduced to "mayor in name only".
At which point Torontonians need to be asking, do we really need a mayor?
After all, a mayor is basically just a spokesperson for the city who has a vote on city council. It is city council that wields the true power.
And we should be really thankful for that. If Rob Ford had his way, Toronto would be a financial ruin and he would drive the city drunkenly down a dark road and off a cliff. Toronto's city council however has the brains to put on the brakes however and stave off disaster.
I think the Toronto Sun summed it up quite well recently - Rob Ford is dead weight.
Rob Ford trivia on Jeopardy
Toronto and Rob Ford's reputations continued to nose dive yesterday as the TV game show "Jeopardy" took a crack at Rob Ford's crack cocaine / pot addiction.
Rob Ford breaks elevator
Rob Ford may be losing weight (he has lost 40 lbs since November), but last night he broke the elevator and was an hour late for an Economic Club of Canada meeting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
Some of the cartoons below are older and date from BEFORE Rob Ford was elected. (Or before he got caught smoking crack on video.) ... -
Rob Ford is a bully and he doesn't like people making fun of his weight because then the tables are turned on him. But he doesn't le...
-
There is a rumour circulating that a sample of Rob Ford's hair has tested positive for past cocaine use. Just a rumour. Can't verif... -
Honestly, people cannot get enough of making fun of Toronto's crackhead mayor Rob Ford. UPDATE Since then screen shots of Rob ... -
Rob Ford's crack cocaine dealer, Scott MacIntyre has been charged with two counts of threatening death, forcible entry and possession ... -
A new Toronto Rocket subway train was temporarily out of commission Tuesday after a graffiti-loving vandal spray painted “Fuck Rob Ford” in ... -
If a new video came out showing Rob Ford doing appalling acts, I really would not be surprised. The man will do anything for attention. An... -
Right: A court sketch shows Nisar Hashimi, who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of Anthony Smith. The killer of ... -
Annoyed at people in Toronto city hall??? Easy way to contact them all... CC or BCC all of them at once. Including their staff. mayor_fo...
