photo via o.canada.com
Toronto, ON – From the Office of the Mayor.
Good afternoon everyone, thank you for coming. Although I know most of you were already here.
I would like to take this chance to speak directly to the voters of Toronto.
Ladies and gentlemen, as you are aware, the last few weeks have been difficult for me and my family. They have been hard for the Toronto City Council too. I am sorry that my personal situation has gotten in the way of city business and the day to day operations of this office.
To the press, I understand that you have a job to do and while I may not agree with the way that you have gone about your jobs recently, I get it.
To the former staff members who are no longer working with me, I thank you all for your dedicated service while working in this office and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
With regards to my personal issues, I have only a couple quick things to say.
1) I have always served my public office, whether as a Councillor or Mayor, with the people of this city in mind. I have fought for my beliefs and goals to do what is best for Toronto and I would do the same again. Even though I know that those goals have not always been popular with some people and some of the media.
2) I have made mistakes in my life. I have made poor decisions. I have handled controversy poorly. I have dodged the truth in an attempt to save those around me from embarrassment. And I have walked a fine line, sometimes crossing it, in order to push forward the goals that I have set for myself and the City of Toronto.
At this time I am announcing that I am stepping away from the office of the mayor to allow for business to move forward as needed. I am saddened that the time has come when I don’t see myself as able to continue with the mandate that the voters of Toronto presented to me. I do not want to be a distraction to council or their ability to do their jobs. I hope that they continue to work with all the taxpayers in the city in mind at all times.
Thank you. I ask that you please allow my family the chance to live their lives in peace and comfort during this time.
*Okay, so Rob Ford didn’t actually issue this statement. Or anything like it. Other than that whole best wishes thing to his former staff. But wouldn’t it be great if this is what we finally heard from the Mayor? At this time I guess all we can do it hope.
