Why was a raise even in the budget? Why wasn't that his number one order of business? I thought he was supposed to stop the gravy train? He has the authority to cancel projects passed by municipal and provincial governments but he's powerless to stop himself from getting a raise?

As Chris Rock wisely noted, you shouldn't get praise for things you're supposed to do.

That's why Toronto loves Rob Ford..

Just my two cents, but if it has to stay in the budget in case there's support for the increase; then that means he's going to get the money anyways or the money will become trapped in budgetary limbo as it's supposed to go to him, as it's not slated to go anywhere else.

I only have this line of thinking because Nenshi from Calgary was faced with the same situation but his Councillors voted for the raise, so he said he'd be donating 10% of his salary to a charity that works to improve the city; simply because the money would be stuck inside the budget otherwise.

Granted maybe the red tape surrounding the Toronto budget is a bit more flexible, which allows for money to be transferred from one item to another, but I imagine that it's probably not.

Now that he is on a diet his food bill is significantly lower so he really doesn't need a raise. But the fast food joints will have a significant decline in business.

Easy to say when you're both overpaid and independently wealthy.

i respect this descision, although some could argue that accepting a raise after a terrible years performance would be the nail in his coffin. wow i wish i got cost of living raises everyear.. oh ya only those well off who dont need it get them.. i forgot..

This, of course, would be reinstated should a mayor whose sole income is his/her mayoral salary. It could happen.

Needs to buy less food, way to go Rob