Ford's attack on Toronto is good news

[ssiguy]

While Ford`s dictates of Toronto city council being cut by 40% in the middle of an civic election is scandalous, I think it`s good news overall.

The fact that it saves almost no money and clearly is a personal vendetta against his current and former rivals lays bare how our cities are nothing but fiefdoms at the mercy of provincial governments. If this had happened anywhere else in the country it would be relegated to local news but as with all thing when it happens to Toronto it makes national headlines and hence gets Ottawa`s attention. It reminds our population how pathetic our huge urban centres are treated in this country and how they are governed by a Constitution that was written 150 years ago when 80% of the country was rural compared to being 80% urban now. Ford's little gambit has FINALLY put our urban plights and lack of control on the front page where it belongs.

Despite how it could hurt Toronto, this maybe the best thing that has happened to the nation's cities in a very long time. This could turn out to be 'the straw that broke the camel's back' in regards to fundamental changes in how are cities are governed and lead to real change coming from Ottawa. Ford may be remembered as the best Premier our cities have had since Confederation.