Cowboy Logic: Some questions for you:
1) Do you think Rob Ford runs a transparent government like he said he would?
In some respects, yes. In others, no. I do feel like Ford is one of the most completely transparent politicians in terms of his motives and opinions. There are definitely some transparency issues - for instance, in regards to David Price or reallocation of city services for football purposes. However, overall, I believe he has run a transparent government. Most importantly, the mayor's office has never been more accessible for everyday citizens than it is under Ford.
2) Do you think he has responsible hiring practices?
Considering his office is grossly understaffed compared to previous mayors, I do believe he has been economically responsible with his hiring practices.
3) Do you think he is a good face for the city, locally and internationally?
I really don't care about whether someone is a
"good face" for the city - I care about whether they're
good for the city.
I don't think anything Ford does is going to tarnish Toronto's reputation in the slightest. Generally, the only people who are thinking about Toronto's image are Torontonians. Nobody else cares. Look at Mayor Bob Filner, who was a complete disgrace in many more magnitudes than Ford. Has that brought any damage to the reputation of San Diego? Not really.
4) Do you think his choice of friends calls his character into question?
No. I wouldn't want to be judged on the basis of my friends or family. I judge him on how he performs his job. I really don't care who he hangs out with.
5) Do you think he is forthright and honest?
Yes. In fact, I think he's one of the most forthright and honest politicians we've seen in a long time.
He has been completely transparent in terms of his opinions and politics, which really is quite extraordinary for a politician. He is completely honest and forthright about the decisions he makes in office.
He has been dishonest in regards to personal issues, to some degree, but I'm not personally concerned with that.
6) Do you think he owes the public an explanation for any of the countless questions they have?
Depends what the question is.
7) Do you think he speaks primarily in catchphrases or does he have a sophisticated understanding of the problems that face the city?
Its not necessairly one or the other. I do think, like any politician, he uses slogans or catchphrases, but I also think he's a lot more clever politically than people give him credit for.
8) Do you think the arrests, the police investigation, the photograph, the respected journalists citing a video they have seen, the trip to the prison, etc., are all a coincidence?
No, I said from the beginning that I believe Ford did smoke crack. Personally, I just don't care.
9) Do you think Ford has kept all of his promises?
More-so than most politicians. He has kept many of his promises - some he has attempted to keep, but failed either due to council or his own incompetence in delivering them. Some he just hasn't kept, but he's at least been forthright about those (such as eliminating the land transfer tax). There are also some that he just didn't keep, but I think he has a much better ratio than most politicians.
10) Do you think his recent trip was effective?
Not sure. I don't know if I really see the point to that trip to be honest, but there could be some benefits later down the line.
11) Do you think it's okay for a mayor to be involved with hard drugs, as long as he hates streetcars, bicycles, the arts and taxes?
Personally, I don't care what politicians do in their down time. As long as he doesn't have an addiction that seriously effects the performance of his job, I really could care less if he smokes crack on occasion. Many politicians are involved with hard drugs or even suffer from addictions - its just that most of them are more clever than Ford at covering their tracks.