Toronto Mayor Rob Ford admits 'rocky moments' as he launches re-election bid against Olivia Chow
Politician, who admits smoking crack cocaine 'in a drunken stupor', invokes spirit of second chances as he fights for another four years, but faces tough challenge from Hong Kong-born rival Olivia Chow
Embattled Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has acknowledged “rocky moments over the past year”, but has vowed to fight harder than ever to win re-election at a rally he dubbed the official launch of his campaign.
However, Ford, 44, who was the first to register as a candidate in January, faces a tough challenge against Hong Kong-born Olivia Chow, a left-leaning politician popular in liberal central Toronto, and from John Tory, a one-time Ontario provincial Progressive Conservative leader.
Ford invoked the spirit of second chances during a speech on Thursday night in front of about 2,000 supporters at the Toronto Congress Centre – the same venue where he celebrated his election victory back in 2010.
“There’s been some rocky moments over the past year,” Ford said. “I have experienced how none of us can go through life without making mistakes.
“And when they occur, we learn a lot about ourselves. Humility, the kindness of people and the spirit of second chances.”
He added: “I’m running on my record and my record is second to none. I’m the most open hard-working mayor this city has ever had. I continue to pledge honesty and transparency.”
Ford is seeking re-election on October 27 after his four-year-term ends, despite acknowledging last year that he had smoked crack cocaine “in a drunken stupor”.
He told the crowd, amid chants of “Four more years” and “Rob is Number 1”: “No matter what challenges lay ahead, no matter what mud is thrown at me, my message couldn’t be clearer – I won’t back down.”