Toronto councillors call for Mayor Rob Ford to resign

TORONTO – While Mayor Rob Ford remains defiant in the wake of revelations Thursday that Toronto police have obtained a video of the mayor smoking what appears to be crack cocaine, several city councillors are calling for him to step aside.

Councillor John Filion said it would be in the best interest of both the mayor and the city of Toronto for Ford to step down.

Read more: Ford lawyer’s critique of police chief start of ‘concerted attack’: police spokesperson

“I think for everybody’s sake, including his own, the best move for the city, and if he wants to run in next year’s election, the move is to step aside and deal with those personal issues. And come back when he is ready to be mayor without the daily circus,” said Filion.

Filion said the recent events involving the mayor bring into question his abilities as a leader to continue governing city council.

READ MORE: Mayor Rob Ford admits to smoking crack cocaine

“He doesn’t have the political support, the moral authority to lead. So council is somewhat adrift. All the basic services continue, and decisions still get made but there is no real progress being made in dealing with the future of the city, and the ability to tackle large issues is greatly impaired,” he said.

Read more: Mayor Rob Ford: What his potential rivals have to say

The release of police documents Thursday outlined extensive police surveillance efforts that documented Ford in what appeared to be multiple secret meetings with Alexander “Sandro” Lisi, an alleged drug dealer who was granted bail on a charge of extortion earlier Friday morning.

Councillor Gloria Lindsay-Luby echoed Filion’s comments in calling for the mayor to step down, as the scandal continued to disrupt city hall.

“I think the honourable thing to do would be to step down until we get some clarity on the situation. Right now (Toronto) has a black eye and we don’t deserve it,” she said.

“I think it’s been a considerable distraction, but we don’t see the leadership that we should. You lead by persuasion and personality and it’s not working in this case.”

Read more: Mayor Rob Ford’s friend Lisi tried extortion to get video: Police

Councillor James Pasternak called the events surrounding the mayor both “disappointing” and “disconcerting,” but stopped short in calling for the mayor’s resignation.

“It’s conduct unbecoming of our chief magistrate. It has shaken the foundations of the mayor’s office and created an enormous power vacuum at city hall,” said Pasternak.

“My council to him would be to huddle with your family and friends over the weekend and seek their advice and do what is best for them, and reflect on what is best for the city.”

But Ford still has a few allies left at city hall.

Councillor Doug Ford came to his brother’s defence Friday morning in an interview on AM640’s The John Oakley Show.

“Rob hasn’t been charged with anything. He hasn’t broken a law and he’s being convicted, he’s being convicted by the media. That’s not too hard to see,” said Ford.

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Councillor Frank Di Giorgio also defended the mayor Thursday and said he isn’t going to rush to judgement.

“I don’t think there is compelling evidence that would say he should resign,” he said. “He can continue to work and conduct the affairs of the city.”

Di Giorgio said Friday that business at city hall will continue as usual by all councillors, “including the mayor if he’s in a position to attend meetings.”

Other councillors chose not to comment on a possible resignation by Ford, but said council would be willing to go on without him.

“I think that as a council we’ve done a lot to push through the agenda, regardless of the mayor. And we’ve put through the agenda that the citizens of Toronto have wanted,” said Councillor Michelle Berardinetti during a press conference. “And I think it’s important that we continue to move the agenda forward.”

Rob Ford said Thursday: “I have no reason to resign,” and continued to avoid questions about the police documents.