Or so I felt the need to point out, especially in light of the Ford Nation Fiasco.
But let me back track for a moment. Even when I moved to North Vancouver 4 years ago, I took the same stance. I am not from Toronto, and even though it's the more commonly known city, I felt the need to educate other Canadians that there is more to Southern Ontario than the Concrete Jungle. I am from Mississauga, an entirely different city, it's own mayor, bus transit system, school and police services. We are not a suburb of Toronto (see: Etobicoke, Scarborough and North York). The only significant thing we share is a border between the neighboring cities.
When on a bus tour in my recent travels to Boston, I learned that Cambridge, Massachusetts is in the same position with regards to being mistaken for being a part of Boston. They, like Mississauga, are a city all their own. Not that Boston is a city I wouldn't want to associate with, but they are separate. Coming from Mississauga, I understand that mindset. Living near but not actually in Toronto is a significant distinction I feel the need to point out. Especially while abroad when recently visiting Boston in the height of Ford mania. So much so, that I didn't even want to mention I lived near Toronto, let alone next to it.
It was interesting to watch the USA's coverage of this car-accident of Toronto's Mayor, of which we are all the rubberneckers. Comedians will have material for weeks, and the Mayor has been the punch line of many late night talk shows. And forget about keeping up with the social media blitz of #ohmyford jokes and comments. When Rob Ford talked about putting Toronto on the international map, I severely hope this is not what he had in mind.
Where any other politician would try to salvage his pride, and step down from his Mayoral post of Chief Magistrate of the City, Rob Ford doesn't appear to understand the concept. The situation he has caused is unprecedented, and his stubborn denial that everything can continue on as usual is a hoax. Instead of Councillors and the Mayor focusing on running the city, their attention is grabbed by the circus act at city hall. Stripping the Mayor of his powers and budget takes time, time that is not being dedicated to the people of Toronto.
Man, I'm glad we have our steadfast Mayor, "Hurricane" Hazel McCallion. We are so screwed when she kicks the bucket. Hopefully, when the time comes, Mississauga can learn from Toronto's error and elect someone with a little dignity.
But let me back track for a moment. Even when I moved to North Vancouver 4 years ago, I took the same stance. I am not from Toronto, and even though it's the more commonly known city, I felt the need to educate other Canadians that there is more to Southern Ontario than the Concrete Jungle. I am from Mississauga, an entirely different city, it's own mayor, bus transit system, school and police services. We are not a suburb of Toronto (see: Etobicoke, Scarborough and North York). The only significant thing we share is a border between the neighboring cities.
When on a bus tour in my recent travels to Boston, I learned that Cambridge, Massachusetts is in the same position with regards to being mistaken for being a part of Boston. They, like Mississauga, are a city all their own. Not that Boston is a city I wouldn't want to associate with, but they are separate. Coming from Mississauga, I understand that mindset. Living near but not actually in Toronto is a significant distinction I feel the need to point out. Especially while abroad when recently visiting Boston in the height of Ford mania. So much so, that I didn't even want to mention I lived near Toronto, let alone next to it.
It was interesting to watch the USA's coverage of this car-accident of Toronto's Mayor, of which we are all the rubberneckers. Comedians will have material for weeks, and the Mayor has been the punch line of many late night talk shows. And forget about keeping up with the social media blitz of #ohmyford jokes and comments. When Rob Ford talked about putting Toronto on the international map, I severely hope this is not what he had in mind.
Where any other politician would try to salvage his pride, and step down from his Mayoral post of Chief Magistrate of the City, Rob Ford doesn't appear to understand the concept. The situation he has caused is unprecedented, and his stubborn denial that everything can continue on as usual is a hoax. Instead of Councillors and the Mayor focusing on running the city, their attention is grabbed by the circus act at city hall. Stripping the Mayor of his powers and budget takes time, time that is not being dedicated to the people of Toronto.
Man, I'm glad we have our steadfast Mayor, "Hurricane" Hazel McCallion. We are so screwed when she kicks the bucket. Hopefully, when the time comes, Mississauga can learn from Toronto's error and elect someone with a little dignity.
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