City
5 things Rob Ford accomplished in 2012
It's the holidays, so I'm in a giving mood. That means now is probably the best time to think back to what Mayor Rob Ford accomplished over 2012, an admittedly difficult year for Toronto's political leader. From his vindictive (and expensive) firing of former TTC GM Gary Webster, to the loss of his subway-centric vision for Toronto rapid transit, to multiple court appearances, the mayor's failures were plentiful and embarrassing this year, but let's shake things up a bit by looking back at some of his accomplishments, even if a few of them deserved the tag "dubious."
He managed to remain mayor
You know you're in trouble when this is the first item on the list, but given the verdict in his conflict of interest case, Ford should probably thankful that he was granted a stay during the appeal process. It seems dubious that he'll win that appeal, so the bigger question is whether or not I'll be able to add this item to next year's list of accomplishments.
He coached the Don Bosco Eagles to the City Finals
You know you're in trouble when this is the second item on the list, but even if he had his struggles on the floor of city council, Ford was able to take his high school football team almost all the way, finally suffering defeat at the Metro Bowl. So apparently skipping out of all those council meetings paid dividends after all.
He won the bag ban battle
It's probably not entirely fair to credit Rob Ford for victory on this one, as it was really the threat of legal action from interest groups that scared city council to reverse its decision on banning plastic bags. That said, the final outcome was one that aligned with Ford's desires, so I'll throw him a bone on this one.
He implemented private garbage collection west of Yonge
Not everyone will agree that this is a good thing, but the privatization of garbage collection was something that Rob Ford wanted to implement and he was able to see it through. Despite some first week hiccups, the Green For Life pick-up service seems to be getting the job done just fine and at a better rate for the city (for now).
He continues to attract interest in Toronto politics
Has city hall ever been more entertaining? Possibly. But the presence of Ford and his brother on council (not to mention the rise of #TOpoli on Twitter) have ensured that scores of new folks are tuning into see what's going on in the clamshell. And while many of these new observers might be critical of the mayor and his policies, renewed interest in local politics is surely a good thing. Thanks Rob!
Photo by BruceK in the blogTO Flickr pool
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- the embarrassing trip to Chicago, remembered only for "not one red cent", "Winnipeg" and being called "obnoxious" by a snarky Chicago newsblog.
- the Wall Street Journal noticing the utterly ridiculous Mayoral Weigh-Ins.
- the New York Times dispatching reporters from their Ottawa bureau to write about Ford's war with the Star
- American and international blogs dedicated to design and urban issues now regularly refer to Rob Ford as a nemesis, a barrier to good planning and one who casts a massive,dark shadow over the city.
- the BBC took note of Ford's astonishing removal of bike lanes and his devotion to plastic bags.
- and let's not forget the utter destruction of Ford (and Toronto, for that matter) in this negative essay in the Economist.
Even the most blind Ford supporter (Mark? Are you on unannounced vacation too?) would have to agree that this set of press clippings is a terrible achievement that cannot be merely blamed on the usual pinkos, commies, downtown elite, etc.
Ditching Pride and LGBT Events
Hijacking 2 TTC buses full of passengers to chauffeur Don Bosco footbal team
Hmmm. Maybe that's less his victory, than it is Ford Nation's failure.
I can think of a couple of things he's screwed up in the suburbs:
His subway fantasy was just that - a fantasy. They are never going to be built, the funding and need just isn't there. Heck, Ford and pals did their best to lose the funding for any sort of transit expansion in the suburbs.
His, and his brothers, casino dreams have effectively killed their old, very expensive, shiny toy "woodbine live" which is in their own ward.
Here's just a few of the suburban investments I can think of off the top of my head that the last administration implemented: billions in transit expansion, the tower renewal project, priority neighbourhood funding and policing etc...
I get it, some people are "conservative" and they'll back their brand every time. I'll disagree with them on most issues - that's ok, and expected. but, Rob Ford is not a conservative, he's just a fool and a disaster - let him go.
Some sources Municipal Bonds,,Provincial and Federal Governments,may require an amendment to the constitutionPPP(private public partnerships,)tolls.tax increases,use city and TTC property to generate revenue,never sell land ,rent it.
Not only are the members of "Ford Nation" ignorant and petty, but their votes can be bought for next to nothing.
That said, I wish there was better transit. It would be fantastic if there was an LRT that went completely across the south end, from the Missisauga/Etobicoke loop to the Exhibition (where one could transfer to other routes).
Also, get some tolls on the Gardiner; I wouldn't mind paying for a highway that's in a good condition, and maintained regularly.
He's done good by the tax payers, although not perfect, I would say if you pay tax in Toronto, this is the guy you want to manage it.
He need to kick more ass in 2013. Hopefully he comes back with vengenace and a will to "clean house" with regards to unions and over paid fat cats that think they represent their Constituents fairly.
What value add has Ford added to growing the economy in TO? Do feel gutting the city and removing and cutting services are what business are looking for to locate here?
As a taxpayer, car driver, metropass holder, cyclist, pedestrian, resident and property owner in this City, I'm so glad to have a Mayor like Rob Ford looking out for me in this way. Thank you for reminding me of all the good he does.
It's sometimes easy to forget in this cynical world of socialist media in which we live. I mean geez, the Globe, the Post, the Economist, all those Commie rags with their criticism of our Mayor? Who the hell do they think they are?
http://www.economist.com/node/6750266
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/toronto-mulls-mandatory-green-roofs/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marissa-bronfman/we-are-the-world-torontos_b_437848.html
The only Ford action that made the international news in a remotely positive way was the trash privatization, which was just more fodder for pointing out how lowbrow he is:
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Rahm-and-Rods-Trash-Talk-171000671.html
So Ford fans think the entire global media is somehow waging a lefty Star-like war against wholesome Rob? How dense are you? The man is an idiot and everyone is laughing at him. And now you.