[URBAN NOTE] "Rob Ford stripped of all power as mayor after taking leave for alcohol addiction"

[rfmcdonald]

The Toronto Star's Betsy Powell reports.

All of his power gone. His mother in tears. His brother distraught. His city councillors demanding his resignation. His whereabouts unknown.

Thirteen hours after Rob Ford announced a temporary leave to see professional help for his drinking, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly announced he was taking over Ford’s last remaining powers.

“I do not see this as a crisis of government,” Kelly said. “Nothing’s changed.”

Kelly, however, said he has taken over Ford’s staff and the powers Ford still had: to represent Toronto, to preside over council meetings, to be the city’s chief executive officer and sit on the executive committee.

Ford lost most of his power in a city council vote in November.

“I have agreed to assume the responsibilities of mayor,” Kelly said. “This transition is effective immediately.

“I am the deputy mayor who has assumed all of the powers that the mayor had.”

Rob Ford submitted a formal notice early Thursday to the city clerk that he has taken a personal leave from his duties as mayor of Toronto after acknowledging he is seeking help for alcoholism .

“No dates were indicated,” Jackie DeSouza, director of the city’s strategic communications, said of the mayor’s absence. Ford promised “further updates to his status,” she said.