I am always on the lookout for interesting graffiti-art in Toronto. This week I saw a mural that seems very timely, as our colourful mayor is in the spotlight (August 2012). The photo shown above is of the wall at 185 Augusta Avenue, in the Kensington Market. It was created by Moses Kofi. Its psychedelic colours are interesting and the likeness is quite good. I am always amazed how artists create these murals employing just cans of spray paint.
The sentiment the mural expresses, “We can’t afFord this,” may ring true with some voters. Ford has cut budgets and programs without careful research and consideration. The damage that results, at some time in the future, will have to be repaired. Ford’s approach is too expensive in the long run. A dollar saved now is not a true saving if it later requires many dollars to repair the damage.
As Ford appears in court over his conflict of interest case, I believe that whether or not a person is a supporter of the mayor is not the issue. Neither is the fact that the money he solicited was for a charity. To ask for money from companies who are applying for contracts from City Hall is against the law. If Ford wins his case in court, it sets a terrible precedence. In the future, other councillors can use this precedence to excuse their conflicts of interest.
Many years ago, a Reeve (mayor) of York Township was caught in s similar situation. Pierre Berton, who at that time was a columnist with the Toronto Star, wrote series of articles and summarized the Reeve’s defense as being: ”I’ve been terribly illegal but I ain’t done nothin’ wrong.” This appears to be Rob Ford’s defense as well.
At a time when Toronto desperately needs a Lincoln to drive City Hall, we have a Ford.
To view the post: “Rob Ford in butter rather than the proverbial hot water.”
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/08/23/rob-ford-in-butter-rather-than-the-proverbial-hot-water/
To view the Home Page for this blog: https://tayloronhistory.com/
For other posts about Toronto’s history and happenings throughout the city, follow the links:
The importance of the northwest corner of Queen and Spadina, where a McDonald’s is located.
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/08/27/mcdonalds-at-queen-and-spadina-on-an-historic-site/
The history of the site of the Dragon City Mall on the southwest corner of Spadina and Dundas Streets.
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/08/25/torontos-heritage-the-southwest-corner-of-queen-and-spadina/
The historic home on Spadina, now occupied by Paul Magder Furs
The 1890s church of St. Margaret’s Anglican on Spadina south of Queen street. The church is now hidden from view by a modern addition across the front of it.
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/07/25/vanished-church-on-torontos-spadina-ave-is-rediscovered/
The iconic Balfour Building at Spadina and Adelaide Streets
House on Spadina south of Dundas Street – today it is difficult to believe that it was once a prestigious residential building
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/07/04/torontos-architectural-gems-is-this-one-a-joke/
The vanished underground men’s washroom from the early nineteenth century, located in the middle of the street at Queen and Spadina.
The site of the Consumers’ Glass Building at 239-241 Spadina, south of Dundas Street. It is presently under restoration.
Hey just to let you know the artist who made that rob ford mural is JAH (Javid).. 185augusta.com for more info 🙂