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Dear Rob Ford:Do not resign! Not because we agree with everything you do; we don't. Not because we agree with everything you say; we don't. As long as you are able to do your job as Toronto City Councillor for the people you represent then it is our position that you should stay on the job. We wholeheartedly believe that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty. There are so many issues in this city that are far more important than 1 person being charged with a crime. That this story was front page news says a great deal about the main stream media's poor focus. That so many chased you for a comment was an idiotic waste of their time and it was pathetic of them to do this at your home. After the charges were publicized The Toronto Tribune contacted you for articles in this edition. We expected nothing less than your response to the items raised. You'll note neither article mentions your arrest, it's not germane nor did we ask you about the charges you face, they weren't relevant to either feature. Our first call was after the story broke and we were able to speak to you the day we initiated contact making those who bothered you and your children at home look even worse for their unnecessary invasion of your private space. Yes there are times to visit a politician at home this was not one of them, it was for sensationalism and that is wrong. The Toronto Tribune had one other immediate concern, and it was answered with your page on the City of Toronto website. Do you have any oversight with the Police? You're not on the TPSB nor do you have any oversight for the division that arrested you (22) but you are on the Toronto Police Services 23 Division Community Policing Liaison Committee (CPLC) and Metro Toronto Police Benefit Fund Board of Trustees. Right now we don't see a conflict of interest for you but are concerned about your being on the CPLC for 23 Division, but will not ask that you step down, from that committee, at this time. The Toronto Tribune is open about it's disgust with politicians of all political persuasions. The only surprise that we have encountered is that our opinion of politicians has lowered since our launch. Rare that it is politicians impress us, you did in our first interview. The Toronto Tribune is well aware that the first question city councilor staff ask when confronted with a problem is, 'do you live in this ward'. The Toronto Tribune brought to your attention a problem faced by a woman in Scarborough who had received an eviction notice after requesting repairs. You said, "if this lady calls me I will go to Scarborough. I will bring Municipal Licensing and Standards officers with me and I will bring Housing people with me and I guarantee that I will get this problem rectified. Pass on my name and number to her." Rob, that impressed us because we believe every single Toronto councillor should have done the exact same thing and are well aware that they do not. You encouraged us to give out your name and number telling us, "I will do anything for people that live in Toronto Community Housing." Rob Ford can be contacted at 416-397-9255 or by email. The Toronto Tribune is progressive. Our goal is to shine a light on stories that don't get much coverage such as the one we brought to your attention: a tenant asking her landlord for repairs and receiving an eviction notice in response. That story deserved front page coverage to illustrate the TCHC's appalling treatment of their tenants and failure to make repairs. The TCHC has gotten away with this for years because no one exposed them until Roach Schwartz and OCAP took up the issue. Rob, you keep doing your job as a city councillor and we'll continue to disagree with your beliefs, until you see the light. With our kindest regards, The Toronto Tribune |