Ford's preferred list of candidates released to council

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is being accused of playing favourites after new documents revealed his list of preferred candidates for civic appointments.That list, which was alluded to in a recent ombudsman report that examined the public appointment process at city hall, closely matched appointments that were made back in June to various civic committees.

The document includes the names of 26 people Mayor Rob Ford wanted to see interviewed for 18 available positions.

The committee ultimately appointed 12 of Ford’s candidates to fill open positions on the city’s library board, the Toronto Port Authority, the Toronto Police Services Board, the Toronto Parking Authority and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre board.

“When he picks 12 out of 18 winners out of 1700 competitors the fix is in and when you look at who gets appointed, the lobbyists, people that the mayor’s office pick out of a lineup, its cronyism,” Coun. Adam Vaughan told CP24 during a break in the meeting. “It’s nothing short of cronyism.”

In her original report, Ombudsman Fiona Crean had said that some people remembered the list while others did not, resulting in criticism from several councillors who demanded to see proof.

Last Wednesday, Crean released a follow-up report announcing that she had uncovered the list.

Council then debated the matter for close to six hours Wednesday, ultimately voting 34-0 in favour of accepting Crean's report.

“The mayor may have his own selections for people he wants on these committees and he probably goes out and recruits qualified people to make committees better and to try to make something of it is wrong,” Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday told CP24. “It’s not just something that this mayor has done; it’s something that all mayors have.”

"I apologize to nobody for getting the most fiscally conservative minded people we can find to get on boards, agencies and commissions to make sure they are respecting taxpayers,” Coun. Doug Ford told CP24. "We all know for the last seven years people haven’t been respecting taxpayers."

Bars to be open late for Bills game

Civic appointments weren’t the only thing on the agenda Wednesday.

City council also voted to extend bar hours to 4 a.m. in the area surrounding the Rogers Centre after a planned NFL game Dec. 16.

The motion, which was brought forward by Coun. Gord Perks, was unanimously approved.

In another unanimous vote, city council also voted 34-0 in favour of offering aid to New York City in light of the damage done by Hurricane Sandy.

“I think they (New York) need outside help and I think it would be appropriate for us to help them,” Holyday, who brought forth the motion, told CP24.

Council to vote on LRT master plan Wednesday

Council  was expected to vote on a proposed agreement with Metrolinx that covers the construction and operation of 25 kilometres in new light rail transit Wednesday, but the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. and the matter was set aside until Thursday.

Under the agreement the Eglinton,Scarborough Crosstown, Finch and Sheppard LRT lines will be built on city-owned land with about $8 billion in provincial funding.

The agreement, which was reached earlier this month, will see Metrolinx retain ownership of the lines with day-to-day operation handed over to the Toronto Transit Commission.

“Metrolinx will acquire, own and control the assets of the transit projects, TTC will operate the transit lines, and the city and the TTC will have final authority over their infrastructure,” a staff report from City Manager Joe Pennachetti states. “The master agreement provides opportunities for city and TTC staff to be included in the procurement, design and construction phases for the transit projects and safeguards for protection of city and TTC infrastructure and services as well as opportunities for upgrade and enhancements to infrastructure and the public realm.”

In addition to detailing the process for handing over ownership of real estate and conducting environmental assessments on the land, the agreement includes a stipulation for the creation of a dispute resolution panel should any arguments arise between the city and Metorlinx.

The panel would be composed of “independent professionals with experience and knowledge in the design and construction of transit projects”, Pennachetti’s report states.

Earlier Wednesday, council voted 33-0 to save any excavated land from the construction of the LRT lines for use as land fill in city parks.

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