National Post (Firm) - How Rob Ford Happened: a history of the Toronto mayor from the pages of the National Post

Since he was elected in 2000, Rob Ford has become known for his frequent and volatile outbursts in the Toronto council chamber. In the past year alone, he is alleged to have called another councillor a Gino Boy, accused a city staff member of skullduggery and raged against the left-wing nut jobs on city council. Here is a chronology of the councillors low points from the past year:

March 6, 2002: Mr. Ford begins his feud with Councillor George Mammoliti, calling Mr. Mammoliti a tough guy and a scammer, prompting the councillor to call Mr. Ford a goon. Two days of attacks climax when Mr. Ford allegedly refers to Mr. Mammoliti as a Gino boy. He denies using the racial slur, despite Maria Augimeri, a nearby councillor, corroborating Mr. Mammolitis claims.

Nov. 28, 2002: The councillor asks why a $100,000 contract for a childrens water park has been given to the construction company of P. Gabriel and Sons. When staff state that Molsons, which donated the money for the park, selected the company, Mr. Ford challenges their assertion.

You know what? Im not going to get down and dirty, but the people who run this city told me right to my face that Molsons chose. So I just get off the phone from Molsons, and theyre swearing up and down on a stack of Bibles that they did not choose this company. Well then, who chose P. Gabriel and Sons to build this water park for $100,000? Who? he bellows.

Joe Halstead, the commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, attempts to explain the situation to Mr. Ford.

I told you what I know of it, my staff told me that it was Molsons, said Mr. Halstead.

But you just talked to Molsons. And they said they didnt, interjects Mr. Ford, who proceeds to complain of skullduggery.

A motion is put forward to eject Mr. Ford from the council chambers, but he withdraws his accusation instead.

Feb. 25, 2003: Councillor Howard Moscoe suggests an audit of police overtime.

Im going to try and remain calm, begins Mr. Fords response to the motion, but it just makes me sick when you left-wing nut jobs like Howard Moscoe are down here trying to bash the police non-stop. I feel embarrassed for [Chief Julian Fantino] to come here. If he wants to go after overtime, why doesnt he go after his own peoples overtime and all their wasted money. Why dont you go after everyone, Mr. Moscoe? No, you dont because youre a police basher, your whole left-wing contingent down here, youre just a bunch of left-wing socialists that just attack and attack the police. You criticize and tell them theyre racist, you tell them everything. Well, Ive got news for you, you should travel around the world and see how fortunate we are to have a strong police force.... It just burns me up you can sit here and.... People are young. Theyre aggressive men and women of the police force, they want to get ahead in life. Maybe you dont, but when I was young, I wanted to go out and work 50, 60 hours and support my family. Not attack people for working overtime. Thats embarrassing. Thats a sickness to have someone like you making these motions. I will not support it.