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| John Parker (Ward 26) |
While the City waits to catch the first minutes of Mayor Ford’s radio program tomorrow at 1 p.m., it is noticeable to residents of South Bayview that John Parker (Ward 26) has been among the most visible of council members from this area commenting on the (now) two-day aftermath of Chief Blair’s ground-moving news conference. Mr. Parker has made what seems to be an appearance a day on CP24 and the station’s video cycling pattern has made the councillor a common sight. Shelley Carroll (Ward 33) from the other side of the valley (Don Valley East) made an appearance Friday raising cranky comments that she was getting ready to run for mayor. But her remarks were temperate and thoughtful. So have been Mr Parker’s but his assessment of the Mayor’s status seems to have hardened hour by hour. Today, as he spoke on CP24, the Don Valley West member concluded that the mayor has “neutralized himself” and suggested he will be of no further consequence at City Hall. Not unreasonable but pointed. Some might wonder where local representatives like Karen Stintz, Jaye Robinson, Josh Matlow and Kristyn Wong-Tam are this weekend. Their absence says something about them as it does about CP24. Any or all of these notable local politicians would be welcome on the all-news station, but they would get there faster if they made themselves available. No doubt they like their weekends. Ms Stintz is the most prominent for reasons known. Her appearance in the past with Mr. Parker at events in his ward have suggested to some that they are in effect comrades-in-arms as she prepares to campaign for mayor. This weekend Mr. Parker looks as much like the TTC chair’s point man as anyone on council.