Most people who attended the annual New Year's Levee hosted by Mayor Rob Ford on Monday were there to shake his hand and say well done, although the event was twice interrupted by protesters railing against budget cuts. Here's what four Torontonians had to say about the love-him-or-hate-him mayor:
Doug Mitchell, North York
"I'm here to congratulate the mayor, keep up the good job and run the city the way he is. He should run the city like a business … trim the fat … increase user fees. People have to work for what they want so they appreciate it more."
Story continues below advertisement
Moe Levin, downtown, until leaving for school
"I think his controversy is really detrimental to Toronto. We haven't had a mayor that's so controversial in the past, and it's almost as if he celebrates his mediocrity as a mayor … [the population] is sort of diametrically opposed, the attitude of people in Toronto and the people in the suburbs."
Ken Street, Etobicoke
"I like lots about [Rob Ford]. I'm not disappointed. Nobody's perfect. … I think everybody should be accountable for what they say and for what they spend. People have got to be accountable."
Story continues below advertisement
Andrew Jones, Etobicoke
"I'm going to shake his hand and maybe get a picture. I've got a picture of his niece Krista Ford with me and hopefully he can sign that."