Mayor Rob Ford has been driving this city using the same principles he would drive his family business.
You can't get away with running a family business in the red, nor can you run a city from a crippling deficit. This week there were yet more deputations on matters pertaining to the city budget. It was an opportunity for people to come forward and tell the city why the budget prepared by city staff was good, bad or indifferent.This was simply a lengthy meeting to allow the city to say "See, we gave you a chance to speak."The first deputation came from the Toronto Board of Trade which supported this version of the city budget, complete with cuts virtually across the board to various services, the introduction of user fees and a strong message to all city departments that belt-tightening is essential.Support from the Toronto Board of Trade is significant for many reasons. The Board of Trade hasn't been a natural ally of Mayor Ford. The Etobicoke-based Ford and the downtown business group often have distinct visions of priorities for this city.And we suppose they still do.But if Mayor Ford is wise, he'll take this recognition by the Board of Trade and build a stronger relationship with the business bodies in all corners of the city.Little has been done on the Ford agenda to move this city economically. And he can use allies in the business sector to help formulate a strong economic base and message for Toronto's future.This week was about deputations. And they're an important part of the listening process.But more important than deputations is consultation and collaboration. This is where the significant city building takes shape. Too often Mayor Ford's agenda is perceived to come from personal views, and with little consultation and collaboration. We think the Toronto Board of Trade - and its 10,000 members - would be a huge ally for the mayor if he's willing to work with them.The Board of Trade had one quibble with the budget - the hiking of TTC fees. We agree that while the nickel-and-diming raises substantial money, in this case there's no question it will be at the expense of those who can least afford to pay it.We remain extremely concerned about a lack of an active comprehensive plan for the city's future. There is an extreme need for consultation between many partners to truly and properly shape Toronto's future.