Montreal Gazette

Forget Rob Ford, Drake should be Toronto’s mayor

Five reasons rapper could run Hogtown

- SANDRA SPEROUNES

Drake, as he likes to remind us, started from the bottom.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is headed in that direction.

Here are five reasons why Drake, also known as Aubrey Graham, would make a much better mayor of the fourth-largest city in North America: Drake can work with others

He’s already won over the Toronto Raptors, who named him a “global ambassador” in September, and his OVO record label is involved with the Toronto Music Advisory Committee.

No one wants to be associated with Ford. His city council voted to take away most of his powers, the Toronto Argonauts weren’t impressed with his catty comments and the Santa Claus Parade asked him not to attend. Drake is more comfortabl­e in front of cameras

The son of a single mom grew up under Canada’s watchful eye, starring as Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Ford seems to self-destruct when he’s front of a lens. Drake isn’t afraid to admit his flaws

Room for Improvemen­t, after all, is the title of his very first mixtape. His latest album offers reflection­s on scheming, one-night flings and selfishnes­s. “I’m the furthest thing from perfect, like everyone I know,” he raps on Furthest Thing.

Ford only started his “I’m not perfect” mantra after Toronto police retrieved the infamous crack video. Drake knows how to deflect potential embarrassm­ents

In 2011, he hosted the Junos. He was nominated in six categories, but didn’t win one measly award. Instead of going on the offensive, he proved to be a gracious loser.

Ford, of course, won’t let go of his mayorship — despite pleas from councillor­s, voters, friends — thereby only worsening Toronto’s embarrassm­ent. Those teeth

Like him or not, you’ve got to admit — Drake lights up a room with his smile.

Ford, on the other hand ...

 ?? FRANK GUNN/ THE CANADIAN PRESS ?? Rapper Drake, left, and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford share a laugh at a September news conference.
FRANK GUNN/ THE CANADIAN PRESS Rapper Drake, left, and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford share a laugh at a September news conference.

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