Morning Brew: Rob Ford's election expenses, Toronto police to trim the fat, elevators to start smelling nicer, Leafs win again, and Sheen adds another show
Releasing the detailed expenses of Toronto politicians seems to be all the rage lately and now it's Mayor Rob Ford's turn. The National Post takes a look at the mayor's election expenses, which actually exceeded the $1.3 million cap for mayoral candidates. Among the items that helped him get into the red: $4 for Oreo cookies, a few parking tickets and a bill for $150,000 from his family business, Deco Labels and Tags. You'd think that being family and all, he'd at least get a discount with that one.
Looks like next year's looming budgetary shortfall even has our police worried. Chief Bill Blair announced in a memo that Toronto police have launched a service review in an attempt to get their expenditures under control. "We must ensure the money invested in policing is spent economically and appropriately," Chief Blair wrote. "We will do whatever we can to help the city reduce the projected budget shortfall for 2012." This move comes ahead of what is expected to be the norm carried out across all city departments and agencies over the next few months.
The next time you take an elevator and smell something pleasant, chances are you can thank Lorne Abony for that. Abony's Toronto-based company, Mood Media Corporation, provides customized music, visuals and scents to retailers to give their shoppers "an experience" or something. And now that he's just bought up the 75 year old purveyor of easy listening and jazz music, his unique business is coming to an elevator near you and you'll be able to experience them like never before.
I'm sure this person meant no real harm. On Thursday morning, employees at a Barrie thrift store uncovered hand grenades while organizing a donation bin. The store was evacuated, while specialized officers examined the grenades. They turned out to be real, but their pins were removed so they were harmless. Police say charges will be laid if the suspect who made the donation can be identified. Some thanks.
IN BRIEF:
Photo by tapesonthefloor in the blogTO Flickr pool.
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