Rivals and colleagues call on Rob Ford to resign
Mayoral rivals speak out
Mayoral candidate Olivia Chow says it’s too late for Toronto Mayor Rob Ford to take a leave of absence.
“He had his chance,” she said. “He should have [sought] help, stepped aside last year,” she said.
Olivia Chow: "It's about time that we bring some dignity back to City Hall, and I will do so as the next mayor" #topoli
— Ann Hui (@annhui) May 1, 2014
Ms. Chow told reporters at her campaign headquarters on Yonge Street she was “angry and disappointed” when she heard the recording, emphasizing her anger with the offensive comments against fellow candidate Karen Stintz.
When asked whether the beleaguered mayor should resign immediately, Ms. Chow said it was up to Toronto’s voters to decide whether or not he’s fit to run the city on October 27. She says she wants to focus on policy as the mayoral race moves forward.
“I am not getting distracted,” she said. “Yes, we need to pack up his circus … but we also need to define what some of the things a new mayor should do.”
Other candidates, John Tory and David Sokancki, as well as several city councillors have called for Mr. Ford’s immediate resignation:
For the good of the city, I call on Mayor Ford to resign. Full Statement: http://t.co/YXxgoyTipa #TOpoli
— John Tory (@johntoryTO) May 1, 2014
@TOMayorFord is a disgrace. It's time for him to go. Now. #TOpoli
— David Soknacki (@DavidSoknacki) May 1, 2014
Karen Stintz held a news conference in reaction to alleged sexually explicit comments made by Mayor Ford and obtained by the Toronto Sun.
Reaction from City Hall
Globe reporters Ann Hui and Elizabeth Church are covering Toronto City Hall today, and have gathered reactions from councillors:
Rob Ford must resign. Now.
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) May 1, 2014
Councillor Janet Davis called it “selfish” for the mayor to continue in his job without resigning.
“I think that he has to put aside his personal, dogged, self-centred stubbornness, which is one of his characteristics that has kept him going, and say, in the interest of the city, ‘I will step aside, permanently,’” she said.
Clr. Davis on Mayor Ford's leave. Says she hopes he gets help he needs, "but…" https://t.co/Q0OM7FZoZe
— Ann Hui (@annhui) May 1, 2014
“I think, frankly, he should resign,” Councillor Joe Mihevc said.
“He has besmirched the name of the city globally – this is not anymore a Canadian or North American phenomenon. This is a global phenomenon now.”
Councillor Paula Fletcher said she’d like to see the mayor resign, and questioned whether his statement saying he was seeking treatment for “problems with alcohol” would suffice.
“I think it’s clear that he said he has an alcohol problem. I think most people believe he has a major addiction with alcohol and perhaps drugs.”
Councillor John Parker added his voice to a growing chorus saying the mayor needs to step down:
"Go and never come back" Councillor John Parker's advice for Rob Ford. #topoli #robford.
— Elizabeth Church (@lizchurchto) May 1, 2014
”I don’t foresee things turning around in 30 days,” he told reporters. “Things have gone too far. The pattern is too well established. ”
Doug Ford apparently at City Hall, tells reporters he'll speak at 1 pm
— Ann Hui (@annhui) May 1, 2014