Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford will return to his office at the end of the month after his stay at a rehabilitation facility to treat what was publicly discussed as an addiction to crack cocaine.
In a letter to the city clerk’s office, Ford wrote that he intends to “resume his duties” the afternoon of Monday, June 30th. Ford also asked the city clerk to “make the necessary arrangements for his key locks to be restored to their state” prior to his rehab stay.
While the letter was dated June 2 to the city, the clerk received the letter on June 16, according to city spokeswoman Jackie DeSouza.
During the mayor’s absence, Norm Kelly, Toronto’s Deputy Mayor, took over all mayoral duties and managed Ford’s staff. Kelly and City Manager Joe Pennachetti both decided to change the locks to keep Ford’s office intact and “to ensure it remained in exactly the same state as when he left,” said DeSouza.
At the bottom of the letter, Ford signed his name “MAYOR FORD” in all capital letters.
Ford has been in treatment at the GreeneStone facility in Bala, Ontario for over a month. The Toronto mayor admitted to using and purchasing crack cocaine, in addition to other illegal drugs, after police officials obtained video that showed him taking the drug. Since the video emerged, other photos and videos have surfaced showing Ford behaving strangely, or under the influence.
Recorded audio of the mayor and allegations showed him saying homophobic, racist and sexist comments. Ford is seeking re-election this fall but placed his campaign on hold to attend rehab. His brother and campaign manager, Doug Ford, has said his campaign has been going well. Since Ford’s scandal, Toronto’s City Council stripped the mayor of his powers, staff, and budget. Ford has missed several mayoral candidate debates against his challengers, businessman John Tory and former Parliament member Olivia Chow, both of whom hope to replace Mayor Ford in the October 27 election. Recommended
Clare Kim