Coun. Robinson responds to removal from executive committee

TORONTO – Coun. Jaye Robinson says Mayor Rob Ford didn’t have the “courtesy or respect” to oust her from the executive committee in person.

Robinson, who was the only woman on Ford’s 13-member executive committee, was removed from the committee on Monday.

“It is unfortunate that the mayor did not have the courtesy or respect to remove me from executive in person, face-to-face after two-and-a-half, nearly three years of service,” Coun. Robinson said at a news conference Tuesday.

Robinson also said she was never told why she was ousted from Ford’s executive committee.

“The mayor didn’t have the fortitude to tell me to my face that I was being removed from executive and to give me reasons,” she said.

Robinson said she thinks she was turfed for expressing her concern over the scandal swirling around the mayor and how it reflected on the city.

“It is unfortunate that the executive committee no longer seems to have room for a diversity of voices or points of view,” she said. “It is unfortunate that the executive committee can no longer tolerate reasonable informed disagreement.”

Robinson also said she will continue to stand up and speak out when warranted.

However, the mayor denies he targeted Robinson over her comments regarding the alleged drug video controversy.

“Just want to bring some fresh blood on the executive and go in a different direction,” he said.

He also claims he tried to contact Robinson several times unsuccessfully to tell her she was off the executive.

Coun. Denzil Minnan-Wong accused Robinson of having other motives.

“I think she may have been trying to score some political points, make some headlines,” Minnan-Wong said.

Robinson said having no women on the executive committee may be the mayor’s preference.

“I believe the mayor will be more comfortable with an all-male cast on executive committee,” she said.

Coun. Anthony Perruzza will replace Robinson as chair of the community development and recreation committee.

“I am pleased that the mayor has added a different voice to the city’s executive committee,” Perruzza said in a statement on Monday.

“I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with fellow committee members on ensuring that the unique needs of our diverse communities are met,” he added.

In another shuffle at city hall Monday, Coun. Norm Kelly is now chair of the government management committee, replacing Coun. Paul Ainslie. Ainslie is now chair of the parks committee, previously held by Kelly.