TORONTO – Little is known about Toronto resident Paul Magder.
He’s the complainant behind the lawsuit that kicked Toronto Mayor Rob Ford out of office when a judge ruled he violated the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.
Magder has been quiet throughout the process but has since opened up about why he chose to bring this case forward against the mayor.
Global Toronto reporter Sean O’Shea caught up with Paul Magder on Tuesday and below is the interview exchange.
O’Shea: After the decision Monday, did it give you a sense of happiness or pleasure that the mayor lost his job?
Magder: No, the whole thing was just very sad actually. It was sad we had to go through this whole process, the situation arose and we’re forced to do what we have to do.
O’Shea: A lot of people say it wasn’t necessary and you drove this process. They talk about this left wing conspiracy. True or false?
Magder: It’s false, the fact is the mayor created this whole thing himself, by putting himself in this position.
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O’Shea: What did you feel so passionately about pushing the issue?
Magder: I remember the MFP scandal, that really when that happened I was quite irate and upset. They had the Bellamy investigation and I felt really good that they came up with a great solution and plan to prevent this kind of thing from happening again. I just felt very frustrated that things were sliding back to the way they have been in previous administrations. This opportunity came for me to help out and try to change things.
O’Shea: What was it about Rob Ford’s behavior that got to you?
Magder: The thing that got to me was his unwillingness to follow process, to participate in government the way we have all, expect it to be participated in.
O’Shea: If he had followed the process, would you have taken this position or action?
Magder: Of course not. If he was following the process, and working within the government there would be no reason to.
O’Shea: But some are saying that this conspiracy that you were the guy who was in the back, but lots of other in the foreground who wanted him out of office and this was a way to get rid of him.
Magder: There’s always people with conspiracy theories, but there are people who want to see government work properly and function as it’s meant to function and fairly and that everybody follows the rules.
O’Shea: Do you think government will work better without Rob Ford as mayor?
Magder: It’s not whether Rob Ford is mayor, it’s whether the rules have been enforced and I think the message has been clearly sent, that if don’t follow the rules there are consequences.
O’Shea: Were you surprised by the judge’s decision and the outcome?
Magder: I was pretty shocked, everyone was shocked.
O’Shea: Why were you surprised knowing what you know and being involved in the legal side?
Magder: I was surprised the judge would not find a way to get around the rules. The hearing to me was clear, the arguments presented by Clayton Ruby was straightforward, but I’m not a lawyer and never been to as case of this kind.
O’Shea: If Ford runs again, how to you think the voters in the city should treat him based on what’s happened? Does he deserve another chance?
Magder: He deserves another chance to run definitely. How the people decide is up to them.
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