Norm Kelly: ‘I have agreed to assume the responsibilities of mayor’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqqx0DQUZ0o
Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly spoke to reporters, the city manager at his side, and said effective immediately he will assume all the mayor’s duties as well as his office staff.
Norm Kelly + city manager stand together. Kelly calls events "personal tragedy." Will assume Mayor's authority. pic.twitter.com/b8hF0X0MeP
— Elizabeth Church (@lizchurchto) May 1, 2014
Mr. Kelly, who assumed most of the mayor’s authority when council stripped Mr. Ford of his power in November, stressed it will be “business as usual” at city hall.
He characterized events as a “personal tragedy” rather than “a crisis in government.”
Dep mayor says Ford's actions are inexcusable and he is taking reins of government.
— Marcus Gee (@marcusbgee) May 1, 2014
Norm Kelly to assume mayor's powers and control of his staff. "As I said in my remarks, I wish [the mayor] well"
— Sarah Lilleyman (@slilleyman) May 1, 2014
Deputy mayor says he doesn't know where Mayor Ford has gone, or for how long
— Ann Hui (@annhui) May 1, 2014
"I wish him well," says Kelly of Ford.
— Marcus Gee (@marcusbgee) May 1, 2014
Mr. Kelly will keep the title of Deputy Mayor, but will now hold all the powers of the mayor’s office – including the ability to declare a state of emergency, something only Mr. Ford could do during this winter’s ice storm.
Mr. Ford has not told the city how long he will be away, but City Manager Joe Pennachetti said under the City of Toronto Act if he misses three consecutive council meetings his seat will be declared vacant unless council votes otherwise. That means Mr. Ford would have to return for the July meeting, or get council approval for a longer leave.