City councillor Josh Matlow accused Doug Ford of trying to buy votes on his Newstalk 1010 radio show yesterday. According to Matlow, Ford said something to the effect that he would only appear on the program depending how Matlow voted for the Port Lands redevelopment proposal (i.e. the big Ferris wheel vision). Ford denies trying to horse-trade Matlow's vote, arguing that what he said was, "I don't believe in supporting someone that doesn't support us." Kinda the same thing though, isn't it? The whole exchange is very entertaining in a cringe-worthy way, and certainly worth a listen for those into Toronto politics.

Another marathon executuve committee meeting is shaping up tonight as City Hall braces to hear from over 300 speakers who are urging city councillors not to give the axe to various services, including affordable housing initiatives, theatres, zoo, etc. The meeting could last up to 25 hours, provided everyone uses their allotted time.

A shouting match broke out on Saturday during a rally that was supposed to be a day of appreciation towards the Toronto District School Board for allowing religious expression. Instead, about 200 people squared off in protest of Muslim prayer in the city's public schools. So it's back to schoolyard behaviour, I guess?

The political panel over at the National Post addresses the issue we've all had on our minds recently: Is Rob Ford's gravy train running out of steam? It's an interesting debate, including making the point of, with this huge budget crisis on our hands, why are the Twin Fordmayor(s) picking fights over Ferris Wheels and radio shows?

Taking a completely different tack is the Sun's Joe Warmington, who urges the mayor to stay the course in the face of what he essentially characterizes as pinko slander. Here's a little snippet to give you an idea: "The mood is nasty as political enemies try to portray the foundations of [Ford's] support collapsing as brighter, thinner, more suited political intellectuals line up their next more-worthy socialist tax-and-spend candidate to restore the buffet at the trough. It's a tough time for squealing pigs when they are not fed..."

IN BRIEF:

• Ontario college workers reach tentative deal
• Jays beat Yankees
• Young suspect in homicide of female student dies
• McGuinty says Pan Am Games are on schedule

Photo by MrDanMofo in the blogTO Flickr pool