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Rob Ford Transit City: Toronto Mayor Didn't Have Authority To Unilaterally Ditch Plan, According To Legal Opinion

First Posted: 01/30/2012 11:30 am Updated: 01/30/2012 12:27 pm

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Rob Ford Transit City
Toronto city councillor Joe Mihevc alleges Mayor Rob Ford didn't have the legal authority to cancel the city's transit plan in December 2010. (CP)

TORONTO - A Toronto city councillor alleges Mayor Rob Ford didn't have the legal authority to cancel the city's transit plan in December 2010.

Coun. Joe Mihevc says Ford didn't have the authority to act upon a memorandum of understanding with the province without first getting the direction and support of council.

Ford replaced the Transit City mass transit plan for Toronto with his subway-based plan almost as soon as he took over as mayor.

He said Monday he did what the taxpayers wanted.

But Mihevc says he has received a legal opinion stating that Ford didn't have the power to make alternative transportation plans without consulting council.

Mihevc went to legal firm Cavalluzzo Hayes Shilton McIntyre and Cornish for the independent legal opinion regarding Ford's authority to unilaterally rescind Transit City.

Mihevc is calling on Ford to bring the matter immediately to city council for discussion and resolution.

"Transit City is the official council position and no staff either at the city or the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) should be working on anything else," Mihevc said Monday.

The legal opinion notes that Ford has not sought council approval for the changed transit plan and any work already underway doesn't have council's authority.

"The history of Transit City pre-Mayor Ford is an example of how such initiatives are lawfully pursued," the legal opinion released Monday states.

Asked about the issue, Ford said: "I didn't overstep my boundaries, I did what the taxpayers want."

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TORONTO - A Toronto city councillor alleges Mayor Rob Ford didn't have the legal authority to cancel the city's transit plan in December 2010.Coun. Joe Mihevc says Ford didn't have the authority to ac...
TORONTO - A Toronto city councillor alleges Mayor Rob Ford didn't have the legal authority to cancel the city's transit plan in December 2010.Coun. Joe Mihevc says Ford didn't have the authority to ac...
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therainisgone
MT
335 Fans
04:16 PM on 01/30/2012
which costs more -------subways or street cars ------? exactly

ford opted for subways --

he wants more automobiles in the downtown ----"""the war against the car is over "" ford quote

conservatives given a good choice and a bad choice ---opt for the bad choice ---dont vote for them
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Robert J Smith
8 Fans
03:35 PM on 01/30/2012
Hey! Is that a picture of a 'gravy train' next to the Mayor's photo?

He's talked so much about them, it's great to actually see one.

;)
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dresdengirl
2585 Fans
01:46 PM on 01/30/2012
Don't you know that the law does not apply to Mr. Ford?
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Dorian M
22 Fans
01:39 PM on 01/30/2012
Mayor Rob Ford: Toronto's version of Captain Schettino. A leader only in his own mind.
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therainisgone
MT
335 Fans
01:21 PM on 01/30/2012
so whats the problem --the righties like the bull in the china shop approach
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KEON14
28 Fans
01:16 PM on 01/30/2012
I tink the taxpayers want a Mayor who understands due process - not a fool who makes up his own mind and follows with idiotic statements like "I did what the taxpayers want"
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Dorian M
22 Fans
01:42 PM on 01/30/2012
...a fool who also runs away from famous Canadian comediennes to call 911 for help.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
LastAngryWoman
waiting for godot
2672 Fans
02:20 PM on 01/30/2012
I know, right? Unbelievable...almost. Then again...maybe he had a "bad experience" while watching Zena when he was younger? He was watching in the basement when his mother surprised him...? Too much? =]]
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
toofarleft4thisworld
The Right Is So Wrong
358 Fans
12:44 PM on 01/30/2012
with any luck we still live in a country that is ruled by law.
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Dorian M
22 Fans
01:43 PM on 01/30/2012
We can only hope.
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