Calling Toronto Mayor Rob Ford a national embarrassment has generated a firestorm of hate mail for Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard.
Leonard, interviewed by CTV News while at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Vancouver during the weekend, said it was probably a good thing that Ford didn’t attend the conference because, given the controversy surrounding the big-city mayor, he would have been a distraction.
Ford has been under a cloud since media reports surfaced last month about a video that allegedly showed him smoking crack cocaine. Ford said he does not smoke crack cocaine and that there is no video.
Beyond that prepared statement, he has refused to answer questions about the situation, which has led to the departure of six of his key staff members.
In the TV interview, aired repeatedly over the weekend, Leonard called the situation an embarrassment that needs to be cleaned up.
“I think it’s bad for our country. I think this is the largest city in Canada. The mayor is in disrepute. I think it’s an embarrassment for our country and I sure hope it gets cleaned up soon,” Leonard said.
The response through emails and on social media was immediate.
“We saw you all over TV this weekend opining about the Mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford. Thank you for showing the nation what an idiot you are. I am surprised that a career politician like you would participate in publicly slandering another mayor of this fine country. Keep up the great work DOUCHEBAG,” said one email.
“Your irresponsible remarks clearly explains why you’re a mayor of a two-vote town, yours and your spouse,” said another.
Yet another took offence that Leonard would use the municipal conference to “slam” Ford.
“Rob Ford has not been charged with any criminal act, nor has a direct source been identified for continuous allegations.
“Clearly your members are insular and do not expose themselves to the crass media of international reputations like the BBC, who has been slammed many times and sued for countering false allegations that affect political will.
“He is NOT an embarrassment to Canada, it is Canadians who should be ashamed [of] ADULT BULLIES such as your members!” wrote another.
Leonard said he did not know he was going to be asked about Ford when he agreed to the television interview and that he has been surprised by the “disgusting” comments he has since received.
“There’s been no threats, just name-calling,” Leonard said.
“They’re not local people. I don’t even know if they’re people. The problem with email addresses and Twitter handles is you don’t know who they are or ‘if’ they are,” Leonard said.
Leonard said he has no regrets about making the comments.
“I don’t think what I said is different from what a lot of people think. Maybe I’m the only mayor who has said it out loud.”
