A Mayor in Mexico
Mayor Ford with a bunch of sports and government big wigs, including the governor general and government ministers, at a reception in Guadalajara.
Mayor Rob Ford touched down in Guadalajara Friday afternoon. This is his first international I'm-here-representing-Toronto gig since taking office last December. So far Ford has taken a tour of the athlete's village, watched a few sporting events and attended two provincial receptions — one for athlete's and their families (although only a handful of athletes showed up, seems like most have gone home judging by the empty village) and the other for dignitaries.
Last night he met Governor General David Johnston, although the two didn't get any one-on-one time. Ford did chat with Charles Sousa, Ontario's minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games and Bal Gosal, the federal minister of sport. He spent the night chugging back H20 and I didn't see him try any of the carmel, bacon, whip cream cake things (of which I had 4.)
Ford has been a popular guy here. People seemed genuinely very appreciative and supportive that he made the trip, especially since his RSVP came at the absolute last minute. Those who have spoken to him about today's closing ceremony, where he will receive the Pan Am flag from Guadalajara's mayor, say he is a bit nervous. More than 50,000 people will be in the stadium and millions will be watching on television.
Ford won't be speaking. That's the GG's job.
"Ford won't be speaking. That's the GG's job." Thanks for small mercies.
Posted by: Ed Sasha | 10/30/2011 at 01:06 PM
I guess gay pride or this hour has 22 minutes just don't rate...good for him
Posted by: Barry Spring | 10/30/2011 at 02:14 PM
What a nice gender balance
Posted by: Ken | 10/30/2011 at 02:36 PM
anyone else notice ford is the only one with suit jacket open
Posted by: kenny | 10/30/2011 at 02:52 PM
Surprised me that Mayor Ford actually attended...then I figured he needed to get out of town.
Posted by: Don Adams | 10/30/2011 at 03:41 PM
Does he really think himself that important??
Posted by: Bob sue | 10/30/2011 at 03:55 PM
the sheets of paper at their feet presumably tell them where to stand Ford's should say "and you are here why/"
Posted by: A. Bica | 10/30/2011 at 04:26 PM
"It's scary in Guadalajara. What's the number for 9-1-1?"
Posted by: SD | 10/30/2011 at 05:40 PM
Ford seems to be spending too much of his taxpayers dollars on a vacation in Mexico! So Mr. Ford, is this some of the GRAVY that you promised to get rid of?
Posted by: Ernie Richards | 10/30/2011 at 05:41 PM
I guess he's ok with junkets if he gets a free trip
Posted by: harvey n | 10/30/2011 at 05:49 PM
more details about the "carmel, bacon, whip cream cake things" please
Posted by: Juan Diego | 10/30/2011 at 07:26 PM
Finally! Something from The Star that isn't negative towards Mayor Ford.
Posted by: John | 10/30/2011 at 08:09 PM
"anyone else notice ford is the only one with suit jacket open". Proud of his tie? But really, who cares?
Posted by: abba | 10/30/2011 at 08:41 PM
Toronto sends Ford to Mexico looking for the gravy. Likely the reason he could not button up his suit jacket, too much gravy :)
Posted by: Lance | 10/30/2011 at 09:42 PM
OH Geez I hope he doesn't say something stupid!
Posted by: Rene | 10/30/2011 at 09:50 PM
Ford is there to recieve the Pan Am flag which is traditional for games coming to the next city. No he is not on a gravy trip
Posted by: mark Goldman | 10/31/2011 at 07:32 AM
Ford may be the only guy with his jacket open but two other guys didn't even put on a tie. This may be gravy but it's necessary gravy since we are the host of the next games and we'd be a laughing stock if we thought we were suitable for the role but couldn't get our leader to the previous event. There's so much to dislike about our mayor, but this is not among them.
Posted by: B Trembla | 10/31/2011 at 12:03 PM