Mongo
Senior Member
From the livechat:
Q: Why did you sit on the story for so long, were you investigating or were you motivated by the Gawker piece?
A: Once we realized that they would not hand over the video, we continued reporting out the story, using more conventional means to ascertain everything about Mayor Ford, and people who could shed light on this story. We were investigating, and are, but the Gawker piece put us in the following position: Robyn and I had seen the video three times. We had information about something that was going to become a very important issue. We decided to write what we had seen.
Q: Hi Kevin: Do police not have an obligation to investigate given the mayor's high profile and the fact that he may be supporting Toronto crack dealers?
A: I have not heard from the police but are asking questions. I would hope that the police would look into the matter, but it is certainly up to them. Really, though, and I have some experience in this as the reporter at the Star who broke stories on municipal corruption 20 years ago. Back then a special squad was created because it is not proper for a City police force to investigate the Mayor. Back in that day, a decision was made to have a special squad removed from Toronto probe allegations. These are of course different allegations but I would expect people at the provincial level to provide guidance to the Toronto police force.
Q: Why did you sit on the story for so long, were you investigating or were you motivated by the Gawker piece?
A: Once we realized that they would not hand over the video, we continued reporting out the story, using more conventional means to ascertain everything about Mayor Ford, and people who could shed light on this story. We were investigating, and are, but the Gawker piece put us in the following position: Robyn and I had seen the video three times. We had information about something that was going to become a very important issue. We decided to write what we had seen.
Q: Hi Kevin: Do police not have an obligation to investigate given the mayor's high profile and the fact that he may be supporting Toronto crack dealers?
A: I have not heard from the police but are asking questions. I would hope that the police would look into the matter, but it is certainly up to them. Really, though, and I have some experience in this as the reporter at the Star who broke stories on municipal corruption 20 years ago. Back then a special squad was created because it is not proper for a City police force to investigate the Mayor. Back in that day, a decision was made to have a special squad removed from Toronto probe allegations. These are of course different allegations but I would expect people at the provincial level to provide guidance to the Toronto police force.