Ford had no authority to say Transit City deal was dead: lawyer
Posted January 30, 2012 6:01 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – It seems Mayor Rob Ford’s subway-focused transit plan is far from a done deal.
There has been a call to revive the previous administration’s above-ground plan.
A lawyer claims Ford had no authority to kill Transit City.
“He cannot act without the approval and authority of city council in these matters,” lawyer Freya Christiansen said. “Until the matter is brought to council, the mayor’s statements regarding the cancellation of Transity City, have no legal force.”
However, Ford said he was reacting to voters when he declared Transit City dead.
“It’s the taxpayers that elected me to get the subways in and that’s what we’re going to do,” Ford said. “They want subways. That’s it. They don’t want streetcars.”
Christiansen said that Toronto’s system of government effectively keeps the Mayor on a leash controlled by council.
“The Mayor has very little independent authority unless it is specifically delegated to him by council,” she explained.
Ford says people continue to tell him that they want more subways in the city.
“I was elected on subways, they want subways. I was out on Saturday, people want subways. That’s it.”
Several councillors, including Anthony Peruzza, told 680News they did not agree with Ford’s decision to kill Transit City.
“Every single transit expert has said the mayor is getting it wrong,” said Peruzza.
Councillor Glen De Baermaker said he is ready to fight the Mayor at council.
“He arbitrarily changed the plan and I think, as people thought more and more about the plan, they said wait a second this is crazy,” said De Baermaker.
Councillor Joe Mihevc is demanding the issue be brought to council for a debate.
“That’s democracy at its best. When councillors get to talk with one another,” he said.
TTC Chair Karen Stintz said the Mayor will bring transit to council in March.
