TORONTO – Mayor Rob Ford has no plans to resign, and says this past week’s revelation give him no reason to. But with the 2014 election less than a year away, what does this mean for the mayoral race?
Here’s what some of Ford’s potential rivals had to say:
John Tory
(Has not said whether he’s running)
“I think it’s time for Rob Ford to do some serious reflecting. I mean, first of all, this is a very human drama. I mean, it’s a human drama for him as a person, for him as a father, as a husband and I think he deserves and is entitled to some time to consider all that.”
“And then I think he’s got to have a careful reflection as well beyond the human side of this – on, you know, the city and the office he holds and respect for that office.”
“To immediately say he should resign is, I think, is jumping to conclusions. But certainly he’s got some reflecting to do. And i think there are some answers that the public have the right to expect on all of this – the documentation and what’s come out on the video.”
Olivia Chow
(has yet to declare her candidacy but has strongly hinted at it)
In a post on Facebook Friday morning, she avoided calling for the mayor to outright resign, but wrote she hopes the mayor “finds help.”
“Dear friends,
I believe in restorative justice. Which is the idea that we need to look for ways to help people who make serious mistakes in their lives — as and when they take responsibility for their actions, and accept accountability.
Like all Torontonians, I was very disappointed to learn yesterday from Chief Bill Blair that Mayor Rob Ford has not been telling the people of Toronto the truth about the video widely reported in the media in recent months. Many of yesterday’s revelations about Mayor Ford’s closest associates, activities and personal problems are also deeply troubling.
Mayor Ford obviously faces some serious challenges in his life. I hope he finds help soon.
I also believe that as our Mayor — head of our city administration and Toronto’s representative to the province, the country, and the world — he must take responsibility for his actions. A good place to start would be for him to now face up to the truth, and to tell it.
Our city deserves better.”
David Soknacki
(Has declared candidacy)
“I don’t have any comment other than the process is unfolding as the process ought to. The courts have evidence, they will be determining what evidence goes into the public realm. I‘ve got confidence in the courts and the police.”
Should Ford resign? “That’s very much up between the mayor and his conscience. He’ll have to figure out if he can move his agenda through.”
Karen Stintz
Has declared her candidacy; declined to comment.
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