Common Sense - Finally

Not long ago Toronto Mayor, Rob Ford, was ordered removed from office by a lower court judge on conflict of interest charges. This was appealed by Mayor Ford's lawyers and, today (January 25th), the verdict came in. The three judge panel reversed the decision and Mayor Ford was allowed to keep his job. Finally, some common sense.

The whole incident was totally ridiculous as far as I was concerned. It was over a matter where Mayor Ford used City of Toronto letterhead (I believe) to solicit funds for his charity, youth football team. Around $3,000 was raised. This was in violation of city policy (using city letterhead to solicit funds).

The integrity commissioner became involved and there was a debate in city council in which Mayor Ford participated in (also a violation of city policy). What came next was a court challenge late last year which Mayor Ford lost.

How it even got that far is beyond me. One news reporter said that the incident probably shouldn't have even gone to court. That the integrity commissioner didn't have the power to take it that far. That Mayor Ford should have only gotten a reprimand and that's it.

So much time and money has been wasted on this circus. Not to mention the distraction from conducting important city business for something this trivial. And it was trivial - They wanted to remove a democratically elected mayor from office possibly triggering a $7-$10 million by-election over a $3,000 charity fundraising misstep? Are you kidding me? Yes, he was wrong. Yes, he made a mistake. But, does the penalty fit the crime? It's like sentencing someone to 10-years in jail for shoplifting. Think about it.

Why I Support Rob Ford

It seems like our mayor, Rob Ford, has come under a lot of criticism as of late. Let's be honest, running a city isn't an easy job. Especially one as big as Toronto.

I must say, I have to support him for is trying being fiscally responsible. When tabling a budget people don't seem to realize money doesn't grow on trees. If Mr. Ford continued spending recklessly then we'd end up like many other failed economies around the world. Look at the turmoil in Greece for proof positive of that.

No one likes to see their programs being cut back. But, cuts have to come from somewhere. Some people will be affected negatively. There's no way around it. Things will be more difficult for some of us. But, that's true for a lot of people around the world today, not just Torontonians. I think it's a reality we're going to have to learn to live with for the time being.

One thing I applaud him for is for not bowing into the pressure of unions. They've had it good for far too long. Did you know the outside workers of the Toronto wanted guaranteed jobs for life? Well, they didn't get it. Sure they got a 6% wage increase over four years in the latest round of bargaining, but only employees with 15 years seniority or more would be guaranteed work if their jobs got contracted out. That's how out of touch unions are these days.

Bravo, Mr. Ford, for sticking up to your guns and looking out for the best interests of your constituents. You can count on me for continuing support.