Mayor’s crack admission sparks intense response both on and offline

'This is a difficult time for the city,' Scarborough councillor says

Reaction to Mayor Rob Ford’s Nov. 5 bombshell admission to smoking crack cocaine has been fast and wide-spread.

A day after Ford admitted using the drug, a protest under a “Save Toronto” banner formed outside City Hall. Several city councillors have released statements expressing a range of reaction from personal concern to outrage.

“This is a difficult time for the city,” Coun. Gary Crawford (Ward 36 Scarborough Southwest) said in a statement on his website. “The mayor has stated publicly that he needs to make some changes in his life. I sincerely hope that he takes the time and gets the support he needs.

“Actions speak louder than words. There are 45 members of council and we still have a city to serve.”

Coun. Josh Matlow (Ward 22 St.Paul’s) issued a strongly worded statement slamming the mayor and his brother, Coun. Doug Ford (Ward 2 Etobicoke North).

“Mayor Ford has been lying to Torontonians for months, if not longer,” Matlow said. “He and his brother have unfairly and maliciously attacked anyone who has questioned his behaviour.”

The Mayor should remove himself from office and address his personal issues, Matlow said in his statement, adding he vows to support every effort from City Council to prevent further damage to city credibility.

Reaction on Twitter

Twitter lit up with tweets both for and against the mayor’s resignation. Here is a small sample of what people are saying.

About this article

By: Christian Boyer
Copy editor: Nicolette Mendoza
Posted: Nov 6 2013 11:58 pm
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