{"id":2041441,"date":"2016-03-22T18:06:31","date_gmt":"2016-03-22T22:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.himy.ca.muslimwiki.ca\/2016\/03\/22\/rob-ford-a-peoples-mayor\/"},"modified":"2016-03-22T18:42:08","modified_gmt":"2016-03-22T22:42:08","slug":"rob-ford-a-peoples-mayor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/himy.ca.muslimwiki.ca\/blog\/2016\/03\/22\/rob-ford-a-peoples-mayor\/","title":{"rendered":"Rob Ford – A People’s Mayor"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previous Megacity Mayors, Mel Lastman and David Miller,
\nhad each been elected to Council positions in former municipalities.<\/p>\n

Not Rob.<\/p>\n

First elected to Toronto City Council in 2000,
\nfollowing 1997’s forced Amalgamation.<\/p>\n

Rob Ford, Arguably then, was Toronto’s First<\/i>
\npost-Amalgamation Megacity Mayor.<\/p>\n

In 2010’s Mayoral Election, Rob Ford and his
\n Campaign Team, always addressed me as,
\n “Mr. Syed”.<\/p>\n

It was, in a word, Respect<\/i>.<\/p>\n

2010 Mayoral Campaign, Rob found resonance on cutting the Council Size in Half,
\nfrom 44 to 22 Councillors.<\/p>\n

Known for returning every phone call or showing up at people’s door if asked, or hounding bureaucrats on their behalf,
\nno one could deny Rob Ford the accolade as Expert Retail Politician. <\/p>\n

Indeed, if Rob was working so hard as one of 44 City Councillors,
\nwhy couldn’t a few more Councillors work just as hard… in a reduced Council of 22?<\/p>\n

Whatever the reality of this perception, this argument was missed by numerous City Hall gadflies. <\/p>\n

When asked from where he learned how Toronto City Council works,
\nRob Ford, with a smile and glint, would credit his former Council Seat-Mate,
\nJack Layton.<\/p>\n

When Jack Layton passed away, Nathan Phillips Square became covered with messages.
\nPeople mourned, shared, reflected, in chalk.<\/p>\n

Rob Ford was there, remembering, reflecting.<\/p>\n

Today, again, Nathan Phillips Square is being filled with heartfelt chalk messages.
\nAmong them, one that says:<\/p>\n

“Rob Ford – A People’s Mayor”
\n

<\/p>\n

— H\u00efMY SYeD
\n<\/big><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n
\n

RT HiMYSYeD: http:\/\/twitpic.com\/1gazyl – Rob Ford just wished me Luck in winning Ward19. Hes campaigning on Sorauren Ave #voteTO<\/a> #Toronto<\/a><\/p>\n

— Rob Ford Team (@RobFordTeam) 17 April 2010<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n