Rob Ford Comes Back To Work Despite Arrest

It was business as usual for Toronto city councillor Rob Ford on Thursday, a day after he was hit with serious charges of assault and threatening death.  Ford, who represents Etobicoke North, was back at work at City Hall, where he steadfastly maintained that he would continue to honour his duties.  He also balked at suggestions that he should resign.

Ford’s troubles began with two phone calls to 911 about a domestic dispute he had with his wife. He made the first call himself on Tuesday and his estranged spouse dialed the same digits the next day. Cops arrived at his Etobicoke home and laid the charges, but other than that, authorities aren’t saying much about what happened.

Even the very public politico notes it’s a private matter. “Every family has their problems behind closed doors as you know,” a sombre Ford observes. “Every family has a few trials and tribulations over the years, right? What can you do? Just hang in there and weather the storm and keep doing what they elected me to do.”

Ford claims he’s not worried about reaction from his council colleagues, admitting if they want to take advantage of his personal situation, “I can’t stop them from doing that.”

But so far there’s no sign that’s going to happen. Most of the big names at City Hall are staying away from the controversy or offering the beleaguered elected official their support.

Ford has been a big thorn in Mayor David Miller’s side, but he’s not willing to use the unfortunate circumstances to strike back. “He’s been charged with some very, very serious offences and it’s up to the courts to decide whether those charges are upheld or not and I simply can’t comment,” he demurs.

As for those who are demanding his resignation? “That’s a decision he’ll have to make,” Miller concludes.

But Ford has no intention of leaving his post. “Never,” he exhorts. “I’m not going to resign, step aside. I take my marching orders from constituents.”

And under the rules he doesn’t have to. They state specifically that unless a councillor is jailed – and thus unable to attend meetings – they can remain in their post, even if they’re convicted of municipal corruption. For now, it’s a moot point – none of the charges against him have been proven in court.

Councillor Frances Nunziata admits Ford can work himself into a lather, but she claims that’s what makes him so popular with voters. “Rob sometimes gets excited at council but he means well and he’s just trying to do his job and at times maybe he doesn’t explain or express himself the way he really feels but he means well.”

Councillor Adam Vaughan doesn’t think the issue should be politicized. “Any time you deal with a domestic situation, one of the unfortunate realities of political life is that your private life is public,” he points out. “These sorts of situations are extremely complicated and really no business of any of us.”

The few consituents that CityNews spoke to seem to agree.

“I think allegations against him are greatly blown up. As a councillor I think he’s great, one of the greater ones on the council,” maintains John Hartogsveld.

“I think sometimes we jump to conclusions too quickly, that’s my personal opinion and I think it will play out in the courts,” adds Lorraine Manock.  
 
For now, Ford is referring all questions about the case to his lawyer. His advocate has already stated police are often obligated to bring such charges whenever there’s one of these ‘he said-she said’ kinds of disputes, but he adds the accusations are baseless and his client intends to plead not guilty.

For now, Ford remains free on a promise to appear in court and intends to conduct business as usual until his date before a judge on April 28th.