A Twitter user by the handle of @ryanghaughton tweeted a picture of Mr. Ford holding up a sheaf of papers while in the driver’s seat of his Cadillac Escalade.
Rob Ford's unique brand of populism, including his reluctance to spend public money, is a large part of the reason he was elected Mayor of Toronto. Mr. Ford walks a fine line, however, in balancing his idiosyncratic brand with the need to set the right example as a leader; he should make sure he isn't legitimizing reckless behaviour.
Mr. Ford crossed the line this week while driving, which he continues to do because he has turned down the driver who would normally come with the job. He had the misfortune of being seen in his car reading, by a citizen who then posted the image on Twitter, prompting the Toronto Police Service to express concern that the Mayor endangered public safety.
Unlike texting or speaking on a cellphone, reading a document while driving is not illegal under Ontario's distracted-driving legislation. However, it is certainly not advisable, and especially not while travelling up to 70 kilometres an hour on a major highway.
Mr. Ford's off-colour remarks and legendary run-ins with the media may sometimes infuriate, but they are in keeping with the persona that voters embraced. There is no excuse, however, for endangering one's constituents – not even for a Mayor whose desire to avoid spending public dollars seems to be genuine, so much so that he is paying his own way for a work-related trip to Chicago. Either he should break from his usual approach and hire a driver, or he should fully commit himself to driving properly.
Respect for the public must also include a respect for their safety. Mr. Ford, who is also alleged to have previously driven past the open doors of a streetcar, and has been seen talking on a cellphone while driving, does not display enough of it when behind the wheel.