Toronto's clown mayor given the boot

[marmar]

from the Toronto Star:





Rob Ford has achieved what no previous Toronto mayor could accomplish — being booted from office, by court order, due to his own pig-headed bumbling. And he can thank no one but himself.

Superior Court Justice Charles Hackland had little choice. Ford blatantly broke Ontario’s conflict-of-interest law when he voted on a city council motion that saved him from paying $3,150, from his own wallet, to return some improperly-raised donations. And the automatic penalty for such violations is disqualification from office.

The judge’s ruling, released Monday morning, put the result bluntly: “I declare the seat of the respondent, Robert Ford, on Toronto city council, vacant.”

That humiliating blow must surely penetrate even through Ford’s notoriously thick hide — especially since this is all Ford’s fault. Had he simply declared a conflict in this matter, and refrained from speaking and voting on the issue, there would be no case against him. The irony is that Ford didn’t even need to enter this particular fray, council ended up voting 22-12 to let him keep his money in his pocket. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/1293251--star-s-view-toronto-mayor-rob-ford-brought-ouster-on-himself

[sakabatou]

1. I wonder how many seats would be open if such a law were implemented here.

[frazzled]

2. I'm not sure it needs to be implemented here

Check your own local ordinances, but I looked up mine and found the mayor does not vote on Council matters (except in rare instances):

During meetings of the City Council, the Mayor serves as the presiding officer of the City Council. In the absence of the Mayor, the President Pro Tempore, who is a member of and elected by the City Council, acts as presiding officer. The Mayor submits proposals and recommendations to the City Council of his own accord and on behalf of city departments.

Although a member of the City Council, the Mayor is not allowed to vote on issues except in certain instances, for example where the vote taken on a matter before the body results in a tie. However, the President Pro Tempore can vote on all legislative matters.


http://chicityclerk.com/legislation-records/about-chicago-government/

[sakabatou]

3. I meant the federal level

Sorry