Mayor Ford keeps his job

The Mayor of Toronto has found himself in difficulty over the past few months having been found in conflict with rules concerning fund raising and the use of his office’s influence. The courts have been ruling on this for some time and now the case moves to the Supreme Court. For the time being however the Mayor is allowed to remain in office.

Whether the Mayor should or shouldn’t be allowed to stay in office is not in my mind to state. What caught my attention was tonight’s news. Not that the news always tends to be fair or impartial. But I listened to some of his political supporters and detractors. And I was struck by one thing. I believe that the Mayor has indeed been put in a position to really learn a significant lesson about leadership and accountability.

As Jason points out in his blog, the Mayor’s interest and support of young people through football is to be applauded and admired. Now to see if he is willing to see that this kind of dedication to people can be demonstrated in the way in which he operates in office. It is not acceptable for the Mayor to be willing to flaunt the law whether driving and texting on his smart phone or using his office to support a private interest.

If the Mayor is truly sorry and has learned a valuable lesson as he indicates then he may yet win the hearts and minds of those of us who have been disappointed in his behaviour over the past year.

It is a truth that we are all changing and we should never believe that others will never change.

As the Scripture encourages we must pray for those who serve in government and provide leadership. Here’s what Romans 13:1-6 says (taken from The Message)

13 ^1-3Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.

^3-5Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.

^6-7That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.