TORONTO has made both the December 1/2012 print and on-line editions of The Economist, the business world’s widely read financial publication. The “bombastic, polarising manner” of Mayor Rob Ford fighting to save his job, is front and centre in a lengthy article headed by a large photograph of the Mayor (not the image above).
The Economist: “Mr Ford was largely the architect of his own downfall. Although there are no political parties at municipal level, his bombastic, polarising manner has prompted remorseless opposition. The turmoil surrounding him has added to the troubles of Canada’s business capital, a city of 2.6m that is struggling with an unwieldy political structure, financial strain and horrendous transport problems.”
The story goes on to detail Ford’s talking on a mobile phone and reading while driving; using city staff and cash for a high school football team; skipping important council meetings to coach the team; giving the finger to a citizen and her six-year-old daughter; and generally creating a circus atmosphere in the council chamber and the street. There are quotes from both Councillor Josh Matlow and Toronto-based urban guru, Richard Florida, who believes there’s a growing split between downtown and suburbs.
The Economist: “If he fails to cling on, Mr Ford is more likely to be remembered for his antics than for his small-government ideology. . . Toronto still ranks highly on international lists of desirable places to live. But its politicians’ inability to come to grips with its problems is alienating some admirers.”
The Economist is on newstands worldwide and on-line at http://www.economist.com
