Toronto Mayor Rob Ford held a brief press conference Thursday afternoon to address two staffers who resigned from his office in the wake of multiple reports he was filmed smoking crack. Ford characterized the staffers’ departures as a result of them finding other unspecified jobs.
“I have a great deal of respect for every single person that works with me here in my office,” said Ford. “I have a talented and loyal group of people. I’ve also always said to my staff, if a new opportunity arises, take it.”
Ford ignored multiple questions reporters shouted about the alleged crack video at the press conference. Ford reportedly told staffers not to be concerned about the video since he knew exactly where it was being held. Photographs shown to reporters who claim to have seen the video showed Ford alongside a murder victim named Anthony Smith. He was asked whether he had done “any illegal drugs” since become mayor. Ford was also asked if he knew Smith or had made any attempt to obtain the video.
“Anything else?” Ford said to each of these questions.
Touting his economic record, Ford told the assembled reporters he does not plan to resign and vowed to run for re-election.
“I’m not stepping aside, I’m running in the next election,” said Ford. “If the great people of this city want to go in a different direction, that’s what their perogative is.”
Ford also dismissed the idea his administration is troubled.
“Things are doing great and we’re doing fine,” he said.
