Morning Brew: Ballatyne leaves Build Toronto, library board is Ford's next target, Torontonians returning their vehicle registration rebates to the city, CRTC plans public hearing for internet billing, and clocks spring forward
The TCHC cleanse continues, now with the departure of Build Toronto's COO, Derek Ballantyne. Ballantyne was CEO of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation from 2002 to 2009, and so was embroiled in the controversy over exorbitant expenses and practices that were found in the auditor's report released on February 28. Hours after the reports were released, Mayor Rob Ford vowed to "deal with" Ballantyne as soon as possible. According to a statement released by the agency's board of directors on Friday, Ballatyne was leaving on "mutually agreed terms in accordance with his employment contract."
First the TCHC board, now the library? That's what it looks like according to proposed changes to the city's public appointments policy. Seems like Ford wants to get rid of three councillors from the library board. City manager Joe Pennachetti says the board will be more manageable with fewer people; but the mayor's two most vocal opponents on the board, Janet Davis and Sarah Doucette, believe the proposed change is an attempt by Ford to exact revenge for their efforts to fight budget cuts.
I think this is a first. After Etobicoke resident Stephen Douglas got his rebate cheque from the vehicle tax registration he said he "really felt torn." Though Rob Ford scored an early victory by getting rid of the tax, he also took away $56 million revenue for the city. So Douglas decided to deliver the cheque earlier this week to the mayor's office with a letter. And apparently he's not alone. Councillor Adam Vaughan said he's had calls from others wanting to give the money back. The city said it has received a handful of returned rebates, although staff could not specify further.
IN BRIEF:
Photo by picturenarrative in the blogTO Flickr pool.
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