Six months in: Ford is large and in charge
Mayor has wasted no time in tearing down David Miller's legacy and generally throwing his weight around
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/05/29/six-months-in-ford-is-large-and-in-charge
Deputy mayor Doug Holyday says he's been impressed with Ford's tenure so far.
"He's stepped up to the plate as mayor and assumed that responsibility," Holyday says. "I think he's probably a better mayor than he was a councillor."
He says Ford -- as a councillor - had an "unorthodox style."
"Now he's staying on message, he runs the meetings well and he sticks it out at every meeting," Holyday says. "(Miller and Lastman) would be missing in action from the meetings half the time."
Holyday--who says he's liking his role as deputy mayor -- says Ford's first six months have dealt with some of his election promises.
The Etobicoke councillor says he's been surprised by the majority of support Ford has found on council on most issues.
"They know that the voting public is on side with Ford's agenda," Holyday says. "Public opinion and pressure is keeping (councillors) in line."
Asked why the Ford administration has targeted so many of Miller's legacy projects, Holyday says it's due to necessity.
"So many things we couldn't afford to do in the way he planned to do them," Holyday says.
He pointed to the $24-million Fort York pedestrian bridge blown up by the public works committee.
"We would have had to borrow every cent to build it," Holyday says.
He's certain no other mayoral candidate would have gone in the direction Ford has gone.
"It's what's needed."