Ford, Step Down Now

Ford, Step Down Now

TORONTO’S MAYOR ROB FORD (PHOTO: www.chfi.com)

Philippine Reporter’s Random Survey Sampling on Toronto Mayor’s Crack Admission:

By Beatrice S. Paez

The fallout following Rob Ford’s admission to smoking crack cocaine has the city wondering what happens next for the embattled mayor.

The Philippine Reporter asked a number of people for their reactions to his confession and thoughts on whether he should be vindicated for his indiscretions, submit to calls for his resignation or take a leave of absence to contend with his issues.

————————————-

I am surprised that people are surprised. When Gawker and The Star broke the crack story, my gut told me the reports were true. I am glad that the video has been validated by the Toronto Police’s statement, and I am glad Ford has admitted to smoking crack. — Erica Rae Chong

I’m not surprised, but I’m disappointed. Not just with Mayor Ford, but with the people who continue to support him. I think a politician should be an example for the citizens of the city, not someone who breaks the laws and rules with impunity. — Simon Chambers

I think at the end of the day, people want the downfall of Ford and he certainly is bringing it on himself. But at the same time, when it comes to actual policies I think he’s done a good job. — Daniel K.

I find it insulting that he thinks it’s okay to admit that he smokes crack when it was a drunken stupor. He’s the mayor, he should really know how to hide it better, or be more diplomatic.

I honestly think he should step down. Personally, I don’t agree with his politics, never have. — Manuela Garay

I wasn’t shocked at all that he admitted to having smoked crack cocaine. He had no choice but to finally fess up because things are closing in for him. He also wants to be re-elected.

I want him to resign. I also want Torontonians to think hard about whom they elect and how public interest can be best served by having officials who are honest and who lead exemplary lives. — Rebecca O.

…His questionable behaviour and suspicious connections to criminal activity are interfering greatly with his role as the mayor of Canada’s largest city.

…His decision to stay on the job is not just a selfish act of a stubborn man who wants to keep his day job, but it is also a shocking move of defiance against a city that deserves a better leader. — Athena Rivera

This admission is just a “lowering of the gate” to what the public already knows.  I think he admitted his addiction because there was no way already out of the mess he created.  Not that I would want a saint to run our city government, but I think it would be best…if Ford steps down from office — Lia Moran

The world is watching and he has certainly set a bad example for youth in the city. At this point, I think he should just step down and consider rehab and healing in his own life.

This has become a comedy of errors. There is another part of Rob Ford in his working life. He has brought down taxes. — Teresa Mandricks

I think he should have come forward a long time ago. He has a responsibility to the people of Toronto to run the affairs of our city. So get your act in gear and do what you were elected to do!! — Mirella Ross

I don’t think he was really doing a good job in the first place. There’s so much stigma towards people who use drugs, specifically crack on the street. I think penalizing a politician would worsen the situation. I think we should look at why do people do drugs in the first place. — Brynn Campbell

I suspected that the drug-use allegations that surfaced months ago were true. I’m appalled that so many people in the Toronto region voted for him in the first place, seemingly blind to obvious character flaws because he promised to save them tax dollars.

I’m relieved that evidence has finally been uncovered and hope that it will be enough to force him to resign. — Leigh Anne Williams

Even though I was not very keen on his candidacy and subsequent election as Mayor, I find it very disappointing to discover this character flaw, especially since he has been trying to deny it all along. — Isaac Mukasa

I was not surprised at all by his admission, what surprised me more was his rejection of ever smoking crack and then challenging the Police Chief about the existence of the video.

City Hall [should] set an example that they don’t condone these types of actions by issuing a joint statement against the use of crack cocaine or any substances. — Diana Mavunduse