Quotes from Toronto’s New Mayor

Quotes from Wikipedia:

• In March 2007, Ford opposed providing city funds to build bicycle lanes on roads. During the 2007 city budget debate, he said, “I can’t support bike lanes. Roads are built for buses, cars, and trucks. My heart bleeds when someone gets killed, but it’s their own fault at the end of the day.”^[11][12] At the May 25, 2009 Council meeting to discuss reducing Jarvis St. from five lanes of traffic to four, Ford called cyclists “a pain in the ass” for motorists^.
• In May 2010, the city’s integrity commissioner recommended that Ford be reprimanded for breaching confidentiality.  This was the fourth time that Ford has violated council’s code of conduct. In the previous minor breaches, Ford was not reprimanded.
• Controversy erupted when several councillors reportedly heard Ford call Mammoliti “Gino boy” in the debate over the 2002 budget
• In March 2003, in a debate over the budget of the Toronto Zoo, Ford called Mammoliti, who chairs the zoo board, a “snake” and a “weasel” in council
• In 2006, allegations arose of his conduct at a Toronto Maple Leafs game. Two audience members alleged Ford instigated a shouting match.^[28] Security at the Air Canada Centre later ejected Ford from the venue. Initially, Ford denied involvement, claiming mistaken identity. The following day, Ford confirmed the allegations and announced his apology to the couple.^[29] He cited “personal problems” as a reason for his behaviour.
• Further controversy erupted in a Toronto City Council session when Ford argued against the city spending $1.5 million on AIDS prevention programs. Ford stated that “(AIDS) is very preventable,” and that “if you are not doing needles and you are not gay, you wouldn’t get AIDS probably, that’s bottom line.”^[30] With respect to the increasing rates of women contracting the disease, Ford said; “How are women getting it? Maybe they are sleeping with bisexual men.”^[30]
• Again sparking controversy in March 2008, during a debate at City Hall, Ford said, “Those Oriental people work like dogs. They work their hearts out … that’s why they’re successful in life. … I’m telling you, Oriental people, they’re slowly taking over, because there’s no excuses for them. They’re hard, hard workers.” He drew criticism for those remarks from Mayor David Miller, budget chief Shelley Carroll and other councillors.^[31][32]
• In 1999, Ford was arrested in Miami for driving under the influence (DUI) and marijuana possession charges.
• Ford garnered controversy again in August 2010 after endorsing Pastor Wendell Brereton, who is running for city councillor in Ward 6. Pastor Brereton has suggested online that same-sex marriage could “dismantle” a “healthy democratic civilization.” Ford has said in regards to Pastor Brereton that “We’re together. We have the same thoughts.” Ford also has noted that he supports traditional marriage, preferring that model to same-sex marriage. “I always have,” he stated. “But if people want to, to each their own. I’m not worried about what people do in their private life. I look out for taxpayers’ money.”^[38][39]

Congratulations Toronto!  You’ve made your bed, now sleep in it … for the next four years.