The bare-chested jogger who confronted Mayor Rob Ford at a Canada Day parade may have sympathy for the man's personal demons, but says his term as mayor has been "disgraceful."
Joe Killoran spoke to CBC News on Wednesday, the day after he hurled questions at Ford, but didn’t receive any answers. The unexpected meeting has inspired dozens of tweets since yesterday, many using the hashtag #shirtlessjogger.
Killoran, who is a local high school teacher, believes the mayor should resign,something he thinks most people living in Toronto want to see happen.
"I think it's demoralizing, depressing for citizens of this city that this sideshow continues, he continues to inflict himself upon us," Killoran said.
Ford returned to Toronto City Hall two days ago after spending two months in rehab.
On Wednesday, the mayor sat for a one-on-one interview with the CBC's Dwight Drummond, revealing that he has struggled with addiction for years.
Drummond asked Ford for specifics about his drug use — whether it involved heroin or marijuana.
Ford answered: "The full gamut."
In a later interview Wednesday with another media organization, Ford specifically denied using heroin.
Killoran said that he feels for people who struggle with addiction, though he said Ford cannot point to a substance abuse problem to explain all of his behaviours.
"I don't think he was drunk every time he refused to go to the Pride parade, repeatedly year after year. I don't think he was drunk when he made the disgusting comment about having more than enough to eat at home," said Killoran, who believes the mayor must be held accountable for his behaviour.
When Ford returned to city hall on Monday, he read a statement, which included a defence of his record as mayor.
"The fact that he delivered a campaign speech the other day, after his apology, was outrageous," said Killoran.
"He believes he has done a good job as mayor. Consider that for a moment — he thinks he's done a good enough job to be re-elected as mayor and that to me doesn't speak to a humility or a willingness to ask for forgiveness. That speaks to an arrogance."
Ford is seeking a second term as mayor this fall. He is up against dozens of opponents in the Oct. 27 election.
It appears that Killoran won't be voting for the incumbent.
"His term has been disgraceful and if he won't realize that, then I don't see what place he has in the race," he said.