City council held their first meeting since Rob Ford’s death and many councillors took the opportunity to pay tribute to the late former mayor.
Mayor John Tory prompted the tributes by suggesting a moment of silence for Ford and his family. The motion was followed by 90 minutes of tributes to the former councillor.
“By taking positions that challenged the status quo, Rob Ford also challenged all of us,” Mayor Tory said Thursday. “I will continue to carry forward what Rob Ford and others have taught us, which is respect for taxpayers and their money.”
Ford passed away last week after battling a rare form of soft tissue cancer. He was 46.
Numerous councillors then rose to pay a personal tribute to Ford, whose empty desk was decorated with flowers and a framed photo taken during his time as mayor.
“He has made us laugh, he got us frustrated and yesterday he made us cry,” Coun. Giorgio Mammoliti, a close friend of Ford’s, told council. “He didn’t pretend to be a diplomat; he didn’t pretend to be elite… He just cared about getting the job done.”
Many who stood and spoke about Ford commended his contentious style in office. Others took a moment to remember what he was like away from politics.
“Rob loved music. He loved football but he really loved music,” said Coun. Michael Thompson.
“I remember one time we were talking about bringing some performers into the council chamber. The staff were not crazy about it but Rob was adamant that it was going to be done. I called up (Reggae musician) Jay Douglas and I said ‘Can you come into play?’ and he said ‘Yes, what do you want me to play?’ so I asked Rob what his favourite song was and he said ‘Can he play One Love?’ That is what Rob was all about. He was about one love.”
Even those who may not have supported his political views stood to pay their respects.
“We don’t get to choose our friends; it is just something that happens. There are innate qualities about certain individuals that you end up liking,” Coun. Anthony Perruzza said. “You can agree with them, you can disagree with them but that doesn’t change that fundamental element. Rob Ford I believe was that kind of person.”
According to Mayor Tory’s office, city council will wait until May 3 to declare Ford’s Ward 2 seat vacant.
Once it is proclaimed, council will have 60 days to decide whether to hold a byelection or appoint someone to fill the empty seat. If council votes on a byelection, the city clerk would have an additional 60 days to set a nomination deadline. The final decision would be made by voters in Ward 2 about 45 days after the nomination.
