Rob Ford focuses on music during trip to Texas, not associate’s drug charges

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford launched his headline-grabbing trip to Austin, Tex., on Thursday, but it just may not be the headline he was hoping for. "Controversial Canadian mayor covets Austin's musical mojo," reads a headline from the Austin Business Journal.

Other local media appear to have missed Ford's arrival entirely, while the Austin Business Journal only missed the latest chapter of Ford's controversial book — drug trafficking charges laid against friend and occasional driver Alessandro Lisi. (Although Gawker appears to have taken notice; they do adore our Ford.)

Ford has taken on the project of travelling to Austin in order to talk about the Austin-Toronto Music City Alliance, a strategy intended to expand the city's music and arts scene.

One thing Ford is not talking about while in Texas is Lisi, previously linked in reports to violent attempts to secure an alleged recording of the mayor smoking from a crack pipe.

Lisi was charged this week with trafficking and possessing marijuana — a small-time arrest led by Toronto police's big time Det. Sgt. Gary Grioux.

[ Related: Rob Ford responds to drug charges against friend Sandro Lisi ]

Why Giroux, who Chief Bill Blair has called the force's top investigator, is involved has been the matter of some speculation.

The Toronto Star's Rosie DiManno suggests it could signify that the arrest is part of a much larger investigation.

Giroux has been part of the follow up to Project Traveller, a massive drugs and gangs bust with ties to Ford and the possibility of a compromising video of the mayor.

Lisi also has a criminal history independent of his time with the mayor, including drug convictions and a history of assaulting and threatening women.

[ More Brew: Tim Bosma murder tied to two cases in OPP-led investigation ]

Regardless, Ford isn't interested in addressing the latest controversy of his tenure. After giving reporters curt comment on Wednesday, he apparently considers the matter closed.

The Toronto Sun's Don Peat followed Ford the Austin and reported that he ignored questions about Lisi.

Ford has met with Mayor Lee Leffingwell and be named an Honorary Citizen of Austin during his two-day trip. He will also attend the Austin City Limits Music Festival and meet with festival staff on Friday.

The Star reports the visit is likely part of a campaign strategy to appeal to hip, younger voters in next year's election.

Also likely part of his campaign strategy: Not answering questions about Sandro Lisi.

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