Should the Fords bow out of police budget talks?
The Toronto police budget will be up for discussion today at city hall but some councillors say Mayor Rob Ford and his brother, Coun. Doug Ford, should not be taking part in the process.
Both Fords have publicly criticized police Chief Bill Blair in the wake of a police investigation involving the mayor. In recent public comments, Rob Ford has suggested the investigation may be a result of his move to trim the police budget by 10 per cent two years ago.
On Nov. 5, Doug Ford called for Blair to step aside, alleging he was biased against his brother.
Rob Ford has said he supports front-line police officers, and says his current issue is with Blair, though that won't stop him from weighing in on the police budget. That isn't sitting well with some council members.
"I think it's wrong, I think it's inappropriate," said Coun. Michael Thompson, who is also chair of the Toronto Police Services Board. "In fact, I think the mayor should apologize to the chief of police."
Thompson said the mayor and his brother should either declare a conflict of interest or bow out of any police budget discussions.
Budget committee member Coun. James Pasternak agrees.
"The relationship has become so brittle it would be prudent to remove themselves from police budgeting issues," he said.
Doug Ford said he plans to be involved in the police budget discussion.
"I don't need to recuse myself of anything to do with the police," he said.
