QUOTED: New TTC CEO Andy Byford declares he’ll speak up when necessary (despite what happened to Gary Webster)
QUOTED: New TTC CEO Andy Byford declares he’ll speak up when necessary (despite what happened to Gary Webster)
Obviously, we all know what happened with my predecessor. That doesn’t spook me. I’m not going to hold back from giving honest advice.
—New TTC CEO Andy Byford on whether the fact that Gary Webster was sacked for supporting LRTs will dissuade him from speaking up about TTC issues. Having taken charge during a politically sensitive time for the commission, Byford has thus far managed to stay out of the LRT-versus-subway battle. When pressed by Metro Morning’s Matt Galloway on how he plans to stay apolitical, he answered, “I’m going to stick to objective advice, straight down the line…It doesn’t matter whether the politicians are left or right, the advice will be the same.” Hold on, isn’t that what Webster tried to do? [Metro Morning]
As a Ford supporter, it’s not that we don’t want our bureaucrats to be honest, we just don’t want the public to know there are dissenting voices in Ford’s Administration. Webster could have complained all he wanted – in private discussions behind closed doors with the mayor, his brother, and political advisors. Instead, he decided the public was best served by hearing confusing information not supported by Conservatives and he was rightfully sacked.
Public servants are supposed to put forth the positions that are consistent with those adopted by the mayor, and not their own opinions, even if it means withholding expert opinions and research.
True Tory…
Don’t want your opinions, just do as the Titanic owners and Captain requested. Go full speed ahead.
Is that what you want? Rob Ford is the Captain of the good ship Toronto, and he’s wants to steer straight into danger? But you would rather keep the problems from the public.