The Circus May Soon Be Over.

 

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Since emerging from rehab, Rob Ford has worked very hard to control his message. At his first news conference, he spoke to a select group of reporters. But that tactic hasn't worked. Reports are now emerging of Ford's time in rehab. Kevin Donovan writes in the Toronto Star that:

Mayor Rob Ford pushed and scuffled with fellow rehab residents and was so verbally abusive that he was kicked out of his group therapy program, according to people who have knowledge of his two month stay at GreeneStone .

These accounts of what one person referred to as “destructive behaviour” stands in stark contrast to Ford’s recent public statements that he had a healthy experience and takes his recovery seriously.

“Ford broke things, got into fights with other residents,” said one source with knowledge of the mayor’s time in rehab at the resort-turned-drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Muskoka.

“Ford stopped people from sharing their stories, which is key to a successful rehab experience,” said another source. “Other residents felt intimidated. They felt he was a bully. He was always saying he did not belong there.” 

Whether at City Hall or in the pastoral Muskokas, the same pattern of behaviour was on display. And there are suggestions that Ford didn't get the monkey off his back:

Management was concerned Ford continued to use drugs or alcohol during his time in rehab. The Star was unable to determine if Ford abused any substances during his two month stint.

GreeneStone’s wooded property has a well known “nature walk” and a concern of staff is that some residents meet their drug dealers or people providing alcohol at the far end of the walk.

Police were called at least once to deal with an incident at GreeneStone during Ford’s time. It’s not known if the police visit was related to Ford. The OPP, which patrols the area, said that any information about police calls to GreeneStone could only be obtained by making a freedom of information request, a process that takes months. 

Ford has lost control at City Hall. And, these days, he is dogged by shirtless protesters wherever he goes. Torontonians know their man, despite his attempts to put on a new face -- or at least a new suit.  They are deciding they can get along without him.

The circus may soon be over.