It does not matter if you are supporter of Rob Ford or despise the man or feel neutral about him. The fact that Rob Ford was raising money for a good cause (his football team) is also irrelevant. Because he did not personally receive any money, is also not important, or is the fact that the sum of money ($3500) involved was inconsequential. Some of the news media seem to be stressing these point as if they have bearing on the judgment.
Fortunately, some members of the media have stressed the important issues.
1. In a democracy, no one is above the law. Ford has been a councillor for ten years, he knew the law, but figured it did not apply to him.
2. If the judge had ruled that Ford was innocent, despite clearly breaking the conflict of interest rules, it would imply that such rules are not important. This would open the door for other politicians to vote on issues that would directly benefit them, and destroy the integrity of anyone elected to public office .
It is reported that a bi-election would cost 7-8 million dollars. This is an enormous amount of money, and is not to be taken lightly. However, has anyone considered the cost to the city if Mayor Fords remains in office for two more years? The extra money that will be required because of Ford’s obstruction on the transit file has already cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars. Every day the projects are delayed, costs more money.
As a graffiti message on a wall on Augusta Avenue stated, “We cannot afford Ford.”
To view other posts about Rob Ford:
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/
Graffiti in Toronto depicting Rob Ford is highly disturbing
https://tayloronhistory.com/2012/10/31/graffiti-about-rob-ford-is-highly-disturbing/
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