Ford officially passes on Pride Parade

TORONTO, Ont. – Mayor Rob Ford has put an end to speculation, Wednesday, confirming he will not be attending this year’s Pride Parade.

Ford was a no-show in 2011 as well, despite many pleas for him to attend. The absence marked a long-standing tradition for Toronto mayors to ride one of the floats in the parade.

Wednesday morning, the Mayor told reporters he would not be able to attend because he will be at the family cottage over the Canada Day weekend.

“No I’m not attending Pride. It’s on Canada Day and I’m going up to the cottage with my family as I’ve done for…as far as I can remember,” said Ford.

However, he said he may be able to attend other Pride Week events depending on his busy schedule.

The announcement stirred mixed reactions from Torontonians.

“I think it’s a personal decision, ” one woman told 680News.

“He does have a personal preference and we should respect that,” said another.

Some people told 680News they think it is the mayor’s duty to represent the city at major events like Pride.

“I think the should attend the gay pride parade like every other mayor did in the past,” said one man.

“I don’t care what his excuse is. It’s an important event and it matters to his voters. He should be there,” said one woman.

Ford insisted that he is not snubbing the gay community or sending a message about the Pride parade by not attending.

Meanwhile, Ford’s image took a hit, Wednesday, after a video posted on YouTube shows him ducking into a local KFC for a bite to eat, but there is no word on whether the video was taken before or after he launched the “Cut the Waist” challenge.

His brother Doug criticized media outlets and said the video is a cheap shot against the Mayor.
 
“Someone’s trying to put their best forward forward and put an effort in, and Rob’s down 20 pounds and we all face a weight challenge, and they want to throw sand in his face, like a bully at the beach,” the city councillor told the media.

The Mayor currently weighs 312 pounds which is down from 330 when he began the challenge, but up four pounds from his lowest point.

“I’ll get that two-inch piece of duct tape, put it over his mouth and put a little hole in there for a straw,” Doug chuckled. “But you know something? I love Rob and he’s so passionate. He’s trying his hardest to lose this weight and it’s tough for him.”

Councillor Ford is also taking part in the challenge, and is down 26 pounds so far. He insists that despite the odd slip, he and his brother will reach their goals.

There is no word on whether the video was taken before or after he launched the “Cut the Waist” challenge. Click here to view the clip.

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