A year in Rob Ford quotes

Rob Ford made headlines for controversial statements he made during his time as a firebrand councillor but “gravy train” has become the phrase that has defined the politician.
 
On the one-year anniversary of his election win, CityNews looks back at some other notable Ford quotes of the last year.

“We’re going to put an end to the gravy train.”– Ford said during his victory speech, Oct. 25, 2010.

Relationship with Media/Popularity:

“It’s hard to hide 300 pounds of fun.” – Ford’s response when asked if he had been purposely avoiding the media. Feb. 17, 2011.

“If there was an election today, I believe I’d be re-elected.” – Ford’s response when asked about a Forum Research poll that showed his support was falling significantly. Sept. 26, 2011.

Budget cuts/KPMG:

“We may not agree on everything, but this is what democracy is all about.” – Ford’s comment after a 20-hour session of the city’s executive committee on proposed budget cuts outlined in a consultant’s report. Sept. 20, 2011.

“I take full responsibility for the outcome of this process. Don’t blame staff, you can blame me. I understand some people are very upset at me … but this should’ve been done 14 years ago, folks, in 1997.” – Ford’s comment after a 20-hour session of the city’s executive committee on proposed budget cuts outlined in a consultant’s report. Sept. 20, 2011.

“We’re not cutting libraries or police,” – Ford said during an interview with CityNews reporter Avery Haines, aired on Sept. 5, 2011. “People support me from all political stripes…they like that I’m going to cut the waste,” he added.

“We’re asking all the departments for 10 per cent efficiencies, because at the end of the day we’re $775 million in the hole.” – Ford said during an interview with CityNews’ Avery Haines, aired on Sept. 5, 2011.

“If the union doesn’t want to play ball, then we might not have a choice but to lay off.” – Ford’s response when asked if the city’s Voluntary Separation Program breaks his election promise of no lay-offs. Aug. 12, 2011.

“This is one of the proudest days I’ve ever experienced down at city hall.” – Ford’s comment after a 23-hour meeting of the city’s executive committee discussing proposed budget cuts outlined in a consultant’s report. July 29, 2011.

Pride:

“As long as I can remember, since I’ve been a little boy, we always used to go up north to our cottage and I’m carrying on the tradition that my father had.” – Ford’s response when asked why he wasn’t attending the 2011 Toronto Pride parade. June 22, 2011.

Graffiti:

“We’re gonna go brick by brick right across the city, and we’re gonna get it cleaned up and that’s the bottom line,” – Ford talking about his crackdown on graffiti. April 7, 2011.

Transit:

“It’s great. People want to have their transit there every day, people depend on it every day, and we can’t have them going out on strike,” – Ford’s comment after province passed TTC essential service legislation. March 30, 2011.

“Transit City is over.” – Ford said on Dec. 2, 2010. He was sworn in as mayor on Dec. 7, 2010.

“People do not want streetcars and we’re going to start building subways. We’re going to start right now.” – Ford told 680News on Dec. 1, 2010.

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