Not Rob.

First elected to Toronto City Council in 2000,
following 1997’s forced Amalgamation.

Rob Ford, Arguably then, was Toronto’s First
post-Amalgamation Megacity Mayor.

In 2010’s Mayoral Election, Rob Ford and his
Campaign Team, always addressed me as,
“Mr. Syed”.

It was, in a word, Respect.

2010 Mayoral Campaign, Rob found resonance on cutting the Council Size in Half,
from 44 to 22 Councillors.

Known for returning every phone call or showing up at people’s door if asked, or hounding bureaucrats on their behalf,
no one could deny Rob Ford the accolade as Expert Retail Politician.

Indeed, if Rob was working so hard as one of 44 City Councillors,
why couldn’t a few more Councillors work just as hard… in a reduced Council of 22?

Whatever the reality of this perception, this argument was missed by numerous City Hall gadflies.

When asked from where he learned how Toronto City Council works,
Rob Ford, with a smile and glint, would credit his former Council Seat-Mate,
Jack Layton.

When Jack Layton passed away, Nathan Phillips Square became covered with messages.
People mourned, shared, reflected, in chalk.

Rob Ford was there, remembering, reflecting.

Today, again, Nathan Phillips Square is being filled with heartfelt chalk messages.
Among them, one that says:

“Rob Ford – A People’s Mayor”