Doug Ford, the 'king of cronyism' tanking in polls: OPSEU President Thomas
TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas says he's not surprised that Doug Ford – Ontario's 'king of cronyism' – is tanking in the polls, after the latest research released this week.
"The PCs had 50 per cent approval with no leader, 40 per cent on election day, and 31 per cent as of today, according to polling by the Innovation Research Group," said Thomas. "At this rate, Ford's support could soon be in Kathleen Wynne territory faster than Kathleen Wynne was."
According to Thomas, it's an all-too-familiar story in Ontario's recent history – politicians who put profiteers before the people, and get burned. With Ford, not much has changed.
"Ford's cronyism stinks, and his brand of so-called Conservatism is spoiling fast," said Thomas. "It's only been five months, and 'the people' already want to toss him to the curb - I don't blame them.
"Ontarians wanted change, and they were encouraged when a proposed team of moderate cabinet ministers was paraded out during the final week of the campaign," said Thomas. "But what they got was a teleprompter populist with shallow slogans, a powerless Cabinet, and a bunch of bobblehead backbenchers. It hasn't taken long for Ford to show his true colours, and it's no wonder his approval ratings are in the toilet."
Just last month, Ford campaign adviser Ian Todd was appointed as Ontario's trade representative to the United States; a prestigious posting with a whopping $350,000 annual salary - $75,000 more than his predecessor.
"I don't know too many little guys who get that kind of pay raise," said Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU's First Vice-President/Treasurer. "No job interview, no accountability, no problem for these guys. That's how backroom deals work, and that's how Ford appears to be running his dog and pony show at Queen's Park."
But according to Thomas, this isn't the first PC plot to raise the ire of Ontarians.
"In his first 100 days, Ford has attacked the most vulnerable people, while doling-out top brass jobs to friends in his elite inner circle," said Thomas. "Friends like Todd, who've got their snouts in the trough, and their two front hooves in there as well. For a premier who's supposedly fixated on finances, he's obviously found enough juice in the tank to keep the gravy train rolling.
"But we won't let him give the entire public sector the business," said Thomas. "At OPSEU, we are proud to be Ontarians' frontline. We are open to talking but we won't back down either. Just ask a few former premiers."
SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931
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