As was widely expected, Rob Ford has officially announced that he will enter Toronto's mayoral race. The confirmation came early this morning during Ford's regular guest appearance on AM 640's, the John Oakley Show.

Asked by Oakley if there was a defining moment that led to his decision to enter the race, Ford responded, "I gave David Miller the benefit of the doubt his first term, but that last four years have seen this city deteriorate to the point where people just can't afford to live in the city. The businesses have moved out; it's filthy-dirty; there's graffiti everywhere; you go down on Queen St. and King St. [and] there's empty stores and the windows are smashed. And that's the time when I said enough's enough."

Ford also cited what he believes to be out of control taxation and user fees: "the land transfer tax, a garbage tax, a car registration tax, property taxes, the water rates have increased 20 per cent...we're taxed to death."

"We can't keep going down this route. We're $3 billion in debt. We need someone with business experience like I have running a multi-million dollar company for the last 10 years. I have 10 years of political experience...I know how to get things done at City Hall."

Ford will outline his entire platform at his campaign kick-off party, which is to be held tomorrow (March 26th) at the Toronto Congress Centre. Word on the street is that there will be free wine and cheese. But, rest assured, that's not coming from the City's pockets.