Councillor Mark Grimes;
For many
years we have had to endure right wing and/or populist rhetoric about
drugs and crime. About how we need to have zero tolerance for it
supposedly; how "criminals" do not deserve our sympathy, how drugs are a scourge and how criminal behaviour is never acceptable.
Was it not our now self-acknowledged criminal behaviour mayor who said he did not want to "hug a thug".
Was it not Conservative talking heads like Tim Hudak who have defended
extremely harsh anti-drug laws...except, apparently, when they are meant
to apply to political allies?
It has been made clear that
apparently our self-acknowledged drug using, violently misogynistic
abusive, guilty of self-acknowledged criminal conduct (and crack cocaine use is a criminal
offense, normally, if you are not rich and white) intends to attend the
local Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade. He seems to want to show the kids that you
can do whatever you want, as long as you are rich and powerful enough to
get away with it.
In a neighbourhood where so many have been
intimidated and abused by the police for so much less, and where
politicians like yourself have jumped on anti-drug and anti-crime lines
to get elected, one has to ask, why is he being allowed to march in a
children's parade?
Why?
Is it now OK for a rich white elected official from a wealthy family to behave this way?
Councillor Grimes, what is your position? Do you or do you not feel
that it is appropriate for a self-acknowledged drug user, as Rob Ford is,
to march in a "family oriented" parade. Do you or do you not think that
all citizens should be held equally accountable for clearly criminal
conduct?
Do you, or do you not, think that Rob Ford and every other person in your ward deserve the same justice?
Would you allow other self-acknowledged criminals guilty of what Rob Ford is, to march in the December 7th Santa Claus parade?
Does this city have no shame?
Councillor Grimes did respond to this letter and in all fairness to him I am posting his response.
ReplyDeleteGood Afternoon Mr. Laxer,
Thank you for sharing your open letter concerning the Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade.
Personally, I am of the opinion that Mayor Ford should not partake in the event. The Santa Claus Parade is a family friendly Lakeshore tradition and his presence will only serve as a distraction and take away from the event.
However, as far as I am aware the Santa Claus Parade Organizing Committee has not withdrawn their invitation to the Mayor. As the event is organized and hosted by a volunteer committee this is a decision that rests solely in their hands. I do not sit on the committee and am not in a position to direct the committee which is composed entirely of volunteers.
Additionally, while I have shared my opinion with the Mayor, his decision on whether to participate is not one I can influence. I did vote along with my colleagues on Council to remove the Mayor's powers but determining what events the Mayor chooses to attend is not within my power.
Best Regards,
Councillor Mark Grimes