Mayor Ford's family tree includes "unruly" branch, says ancestry tracker

A news release from Ancestry.ca:

"Why is Rob Ford such a nonconformist mayor? From antagonistic run-ins with the media to his notorious outbursts on council floor, the source of Ford’s ways may lie in his family tree.

Ancestry.ca, Canada’s leading family history website, has recently uncovered that Rob Ford’s paternal grandfather, Ernest Ford, was sent to Canada from England as a part of the Child Immigration scheme. Moreover, historical records may suggest that Ernest was sent away because he was unruly.

Following the death of his mother in 1900, Ernest is listed in the 1901 British Census living with his widowed father and grandmother in Warwickshire, England. Despite having next of kin with whom he could have lived, Ernest was shortly after sent to Middlemore Homes, an institution known for taking in children who were either truants, disorderly or orphans for the purpose of being sent to Canada.

Between 1833 and 1939, approximately 100,000 children were sent to Canada from Great Britain. At the age of 11, Ernest can be found in the Canadian Passenger Lists migrating to Canada as a Home Child in 1902. He travelled with 32 other children in “steerage” aboard the ship Siberia.

These newly discovered facts are especially compelling as Rob Ford’s paternal grandfather later claimed that he was born in Canada. Ernest Ford reported that he was born in Portage Vale, New Brunswick on his military papers and marriage certificate, both of which can be found on Ancestry.ca. However, Ernest’s birth and christening records show he was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England.

If Toronto’s mayor does come by his tendances through his paternal line, if history is any guide, perhaps there is hope for a more conciliatory Rob Ford in the future?

Ernest appears to have made great contributions to Canada following his arrival and was awarded a “Good Conduct Badge” in 1917 for his military service in the Great War, and three additional awards in the Canadian Expeditionary Force: a 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.

Ernest Ford was the father of Doug Ford Sr., the idol to sons Rob and Doug Jr. whose likeness still appears in a framed picture in the mayoral office. Doug Ford Sr., the rags-to-riches businessman, athlete and Conservative MPP in the Mike Harris government, passed away in 2006."

Toronto library board member quits, calls TPL a "$165,000,000 annual burden"

Stephen Dulmage made a splash as a rookie member of Toronto's library board.

While other members focused on trying to minimize cuts in an austerity budget, Dulmage advocated "closing 38 branches, warehousing books, eliminating computers, and other budget measures that baffled board colleagues of all political stripes," the Star's Daniel Dale wrote last November.

Board members had been invited by the chief librarian to make money-saving suggestions as alternatives to Sunday closures and hours reductions. Dulmage is a chartered accountant and former chief financial officer of Dominion Securities who donated to mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi during the 2010 civic election campaign.

Dulmage has quit the library board with a flourish. In his May 2 resignation letter obtained by the Star, Dulmage wrote to library board chair Councillor Paul Ainslie:

Hi Paul

I resign as a Director.

After 6 months as a Director, I see that the Board has no will for needed change. TPL is a $165,000,000 annual burden for City Taxpayers which could easily be done for $100,000,000, stuck with a bricks and mortar model when people now go online to search for books. 2 consultant reports have told us we have too many branches and in fact there are 3 times as many branches south of St. Clair as compared to north of St. Clair!

The Branches have been turned into Community Centres offering programmes and services duplicating other Government Agencies ... Toronto already has 200 Community Centres !!

I could go on with a long list of other problems and misdirections ... but won't as you know of them.

steve

keep moving forward !!

During 2010 campaign, Rob Ford told voters he would keep 5-cent bag fee

The city-mandated 5-cent fee Toronto retailers charge customers for plastic shopping bags was not part of Mayor Rob Ford's 2010 election platform. Ford didn't like that the fee imposed under David Miller went straight into merchants' pockets, but was not thought to have taken a strong stand on the fee's future.

But a reader pointed us to this audio from an Oct. 20, 2010 debate with Joe Pantalone and George Smitherman, moderated by John Tory. Five days before the election, candidate Ford said: "The five-cent bag tax, I haven't said I'm going to eliminate it but I'm going to put it towards some sort of environmental program to educate people about the environment. Putting it in the pocket of the owner of a convenience store or something, that defeats the purpose. It's not helping. There's less plastic going to our landfills, which is good, but you know what, why is it going into their pocket? Lets put it into some sort of environmental program that will help educate people about the environment and take it from there."

Fordkeepsbagfee

Then, one month after taking office, Ford said he wanted to kill the fee.

Earlier this month, Ford said: "This bag tax has been around too long." Later, he led his executive committee in voting to do kill it.

What Ford was talking about on the eve of the 2010 election sounds a lot like what Councillor Michelle Berardinetti is saying now  -- keep the plastic-reducing fee but find a way to aim it at the environment. She wants to start an incentive program to get big retailers diverting some of their bag profits to green initiatives including the city's tree canopy.

Council is expected to decide the bag fee's future at its June 6-7 meeting.

Mayor Ford tries to rouse ailing ally from sickbed for transit vote

The Goods has obtained a email from Ward 44 Scarborough East Councillor Ron Moeser to Mayor Rob Ford, declining the offer of transportation to City Hall for Wednesday's big transit vote.

Moeser is recuperating from surgery and has been absent from city hall for  recent votes including the one in which council defied Ford and his team, reversing $19 million worth of cuts in the 2012 operating budget.

Moeser usually, but not always votes with Ford. The mayor's office is doing everything it can to avoid what looks like a narrow defeat at Wednesday's special council meeting. That's where TTC chair and former Ford ally Karen Stintz will recommend abandoning Ford's underground rail plan in favour of something that looks a lot like his predecessor David Miller's Transit City.

Here's the email:

From: "Councillor Moeser"

To: "Mayor Ford"

Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:22:16

Subject: Offer of assistance to attend City Council meeting February8th, 2011

Mr. Mayor,
 
Thank you for the generous offer of transportation to tomorrow's very important Council Meeting.
 
I regretfully must decline, as the current condition of the skin grafts, intravenous medication and the potential for infection/additional surgeries is limiting my ability to attend meetings at this time. I am hopeful that the surgeries are behind me, but do not want to risk further complications.
 
Again, thank you for your offer.
 
 Councillor Ron MoeserScarborough East, Ward 44416-392-1373

The mayor summons Ford Nation to save his subway

---

From: Office of the Mayor <OfficeoftheMayor@toronto.ca>
Sent: Mon Feb 06 20:17:41 2012
Subject: A Special Message from Mayor Rob Ford

Dear Friends,

Today, 24 City Councillors signed a petition that will allow for a special meeting of City Council this Wednesday.

At issue is my plan to expand rapid transit with the underground Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown, the Sheppard subway expansion and enhanced express bus service on Finch. 

Many Councillors are looking to disband my rapid transit plan in favour of a Light Rail Vehicle network that would put more tracks on the roads, create traffic chaos and result in years of needless, messy and inconvenient construction.

Over the past number of weeks you have been updated with the facts on rapid transit.  It is now time for Toronto residents to express their views on underground rapid transit. 

Let your Councillor know why you support underground rapid transit by visiting http://app.toronto.ca/im/council/councillors.jsp to get your Councillor's contact information.  Thank you.

Yours truly,

Mayor Rob Ford

Stintz transit scrum

Download IMG_1299.MOV

Proposed budget cuts hit poor neighbourhoods hardest: Social Planning Toronto

Social Planning Toronto has released an updated map of the City of Toronto proposed budget cuts relative to Toronto's low income neighbourhoods.  "Service cuts continue to be disproportionately located in low income neighbourhoods," the agency says. Click here Download Neighbourhoodcutsmap for the map and the group's analysis.  

Senator Art Eggleton urges council to cancel the cuts

December 9th, 2011

His Worship Mayor Rob Ford and Toronto City Council

Toronto City Hall

100 Queen Street West

Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

 

Dear Mayor Ford and Councilors,

I feel it is necessary to voice my concerns about a number of the proposed budget cuts currently being looked at by Council. As a former mayor and budget chief I understand the difficulty that goes into crafting a budget and the tough decisions that must be made about certain programs. However, I hope Council will reassess some of the proposed cuts in this budget, especially those that affect the most vulnerable among us.

Among the proposed cuts are decreases to a variety of services and programs that the poor and less fortunate rely on every day to help improve their quality of life. Cutting back on school-based day care, public transit, swimming pools, library services, and nutrition programs for children, have a major impact on young people and the disadvantaged while saving the city a small percentage of the overall operating budget. It’s simply not worth the damage these cuts could create.

Early learning and care spaces are a fundamental need, not a luxury for many families. Research has shown that high quality, licensed early learning and care supports the development of cognitive and social skills in the early years and enhances school readiness. The proposed cuts would mean an extra yearly cost of more than $500 per child.  This would put a significant burden on the average family who are already struggling to pay the bills.

The recreation programs teach young people valuable life skills, while also getting them out of the streets and away from the drugs, gangs and crime that can have such a bad influence on them. They are also relied upon by families who cannot afford to put their children in organized sports. The elimination of nutrition program support means children will be going to school hungry which diminishes their ability to learn.

The cuts to the TTC, combined with a fare hike, are also troubling at a time when transit is needed more than ever in our city. We need a long term plan for transit in Toronto, not cuts to a service that so many Torontonians and especially those of lower incomes rely on every day.

Last, I hope Council will not close the Birchmount Shelter, Downsview Dells Shelter, and Bellwoods Shelter. These shelters are instrumental in helping to get people off the streets or away from abusive relationships and into a safe, warm environment.

I urge Council to review carefully the proposals that have been made and look at the long term consequences these cuts would have. Council should consider using some of the $139 million surplus from this fiscal year to the key programs I have outlined.

City budget cuts should not target the voiceless, the vulnerable, the youth, and the people living in poverty. With a few tweaks the city can still accomplish fiscal prudence while maintaining support for our most vulnerable.

Sincerely,

Art Eggleton

The last 5 Mayor's Office emails the Star didn't receive

Last Friday, a competing news outlet provided the Star with the last five emails from the Mayor Rob Ford's office that we had not received.

Here they are:

 

Statement from the Office of the Mayor

November 29, 2011

It is with regret that we announce the resignation of Adrienne Batra, Press Secretary in the Office of the Mayor effective December 2, 2011.  Adrienne was part of the election team for Mayor Ford and has served as Press Secretary since he took office in December of 2010.

"Adrienne has been a vital part of our Administration and I want to thank her for her dedication," said Mayor Rob Ford.  "We wish her all the best and success in her new endeavours," he added.

"I want to thank Mayor Ford and all of my colleagues for such a unique experience at City Hall," said Batra.  "It has been a real privilege to work in the Office of the Mayor."

Batra has been appointed Comment Editor of the Toronto Sun and torontosun.com website and will also be a frequent contributor on Newstalk1010 as the Municipal Affairs Correspondent.

-30-

For further information please contact Sunny Petrujkic spetruj2@toronto.ca.

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Ford's Four Priorities:

1 Customer Service Excellence

2 Transparent & Accountable Government

3 Reduced Cost and Size of Government

4 Transportation City

 ______

Media Advisory

November 28, 2011

For Immediate Release

Toronto - Mayor Rob Ford will speak to members of the media regarding the 2012 staff recommended budget.  Mayor Ford will be joined by Budget Chair Councillor Mike Del Grande.

Date - Monday November 28, 2011

Time - 9:15 a.m.

Location - Mayor's Protocol Office, 2^nd floor, Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West

Note - Media are required to present proper identification if requested.

-30-

Media contact - Adrienne Batra, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor abatra@torotno.ca

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Ford's Four Priorities:

1 Customer Service Excellence

2 Transparent & Accountable Government

3 Reduced Cost and Size of Government

4 Transportation City

 _____

November 15, 2011

Toronto - Toronto Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday and Councillor Norm Kelly (Chair of Parks Forestry & Environment) will be available to members of the media today to speak about Occupy Toronto at 12:30 p.m. today, November 15 ,2011 at Toronto City Hall in the Mayor's Protocol Office.

This is for media only and proper accreditation will be required.

-30-

For further information please contact Adrienne Batra, Press Secretary Office of the Mayor.

____

October 27, 2011

Statement from Mayor Rob Ford

"On Monday morning, I was ambushed in the driveway of my home by two people who rushed up to me screaming and waving at me, while I was trying to leave my home and get my daughter off to school.  They prevented me from getting into my van and closing the door.  Concerned for my safety and that of my family, I called 9-1-1 for help and retreated into my home. The two individuals fled to their black SUV and left before police arrived."

"I later learned that the two individuals were part of a television comedy program. I remain concerned that their behaviour was traumatic for my daughter and in no way acceptable professional behaviour.  They trespassed on my property and refused to leave when asked.  They physically prevented me from leaving my property."

"This morning, the same television network responsible for the comedy program published a report alleging that I made foul and derogatory comments towards the female 9-1-1 staff.  That allegation is absolutely false."

"When I made the 9-1-1 call, I was concerned and upset.  I was repeatedly told police were arriving soon.  In another call, I expressed frustration with the delay and said that I had to leave to go to City Hall.  I did use the "f-word" at some point as I expressed my frustration with the situation.  After being attacked in my driveway, I hope I can be excused for saying the f-word.  I never called anyone any names. I apologize for expressing my frustration inappropriately."

-30-

If you have any further questions, please contact Adrienne Batra, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor abatra@toronto.ca

_____________

October 19, 2011

For Immediate Release

Statement from Mayor Rob Ford

Re: Ombudsman's Report Potholes, Floods and Broken Branches: How the City Handles Your Claims

"I want to thank Ms. Crean and her staff for doing a great service to the residents of Toronto by shining a spotlight on this serious issue. When I served as a Councillor, I had many residents calling me to complain about the third-party liability claims process.  

The City Manager now has very clear recommendations, which he has already accepted. Customer Service Excellence is a priority for my administration and this report helps put us on that path."

Mayor Rob Ford

City of Toronto

*The Ombudsman's report will be discussed at the October 24^th-25^th Council meeting.

-30-

For further information please contact Adrienne Batra, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor abatra@toronto.ca

 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

Mayor Ford's Four Priorities:

1 Customer Service Excellence

2 Transparent & Accountable Government

3 Reduced Cost and Size of Government

4 Transportation City

 

Star not being denied access, says Ford ally Milczyn

Councillor Peter Milczyn, the city's planning and growth committee chairman and a staunch ally of Mayor Rob Ford, is backing the boss.

Milczyn (Ward 5 Etobicoke-Lakeshore) has used his newsletter to tell constitutents "what's really going on at City Hall." He then provides information that is  misleading, but somewhat less so information being emailed to taxpayers by Ford. (The mayor replied to those who complained: "To be perfectly clear, the Toronto Star receives all notifications, press releases, media advisories from the City of Toronto." He was referring to releases sent out by city staff -- road closures and the like -- but did not bother telling residents that, on his explicit instructions, the Mayor's Office has not sent any of its many press releases to the Star in 11 months. Go here to the see the last five releases the Star didn't receive (provided by a competing news outlet last Friday).

Milcyzn says: "I don't agree ... with the Star's complaint that their access at City Hall has been denied."

Last week, calling the Ford "freeze" and abuse of power, TorStar chairman John Honderich wrote: "Mayor Ford has no obligation to speak to or be interviewed by the Star. That is entirely his choice. However, when it comes to public press releases and public notifications from his office as mayor of all the people, that is another matter. That directly affects our ability to cover city hall and serve our readers."

Bizarrely, Milczyn writes: "All City initiatives are communicated through official City Press Releases and official Press conferences prepared by civil servants. I believe that The Star does receive notice of all official city activities.

"I am aware that beyond that 'access' to City Hall, the fundamental issue really is that the Mayor himself, and his staff do not grant personal one-on-one interviews to the Toronto Star, nor give them political briefings." That is not true, and never has been, as anyone who read the Honderich column would know.

Here is Milczyn's letter in full. Decide for yourself.

In the past week, I have received a few emails regarding the ongoing battle between the  Star and the Mayor's office.  Many emailed me for clarification as to what the history of the issue, and to find out what really is occurring at City Hall.

It is my understanding that The Toronto Star and Mayor Ford have been feuding since well before the election.  Neither side is in the clear on this. I don't agree however with the Star's complaint that their access at City Hall has been denied. 

If you watch coverage of City Hall press conferences, you will see that reporters from the Star are at every press conference at City Hall. They also attend every media briefing, and have the same access into City Hall and to the Councillors as all other media. They have office space in the Press Gallery and seat at Council in the Press Gallery seating. I see the Star reporters at City Hall daily.

All City initiatives are communicated through official City Press Releases and official Press conferences prepared by civil servants. I believe that The Star does receive notice of all official city activities.

I am aware that beyond that 'access' to City Hall, the fundamental issue really is that the Mayor himself, and his staff do not grant personal one-on-one interviews to the Toronto Star, nor give them political briefings. 

I don't believe that there is an 'obiligation' to all politicians to grant interviews to everyone who requests them.  Some residents have written me to state that they feel all one-on-one interviews should be granted.  Others have stated to me that they don't have an issue with interview requests being denied, as long at the current access to City Hall and press conferences continue as is.   

Should this 'feud' between the Star and the Mayor be settled? I would agree the answer to that is YES.