Doug Ford says nightclub stop was a chance to connect with young voters

CTV Toronto: Mayor and brother greet supporters The mayor took some time to meet with supporters, posing for photos and handing out t-shirts near a downtown club.

Mayor Rob Ford was out courting youth votes while attending a Toronto nightclub for a birthday party, his brother said Thursday.

Coun. Doug Ford, who also attended the party, defended the choice of venue, told CP24’s Katie Simpson that the mayor wasn't drinking, and got to spend some time with young voters.

"The young folks out there absolutely love him, and we just want to get them engaged in the election, make sure they get out and vote and get them (to be) part of the campaign team too," he said Thursday from outside of the mayor's office.

Doug Ford likened the mayor's appearance at Gravity Sound Bar to that of a “rock star,” adding that he expects young voters to be engaged "like you've never seen before" in the upcoming mayoral election.

"They know the mayor relates to them, understands them, and that's a huge demographic so we just have to get them out to vote."

The mayor was seen greeting a group of young adults, cheering and clapping as he passed out T-shirts and posed for photos late Wednesday night. He told CP24 he went to see friend and radio host Tony Monaco, and gave him "a proclamation and a bobblehead."

The pair attended the downtown club just hours after being criticized for his presence at city hall, but Ford said the mayor’s lack of attendance doesn't reflect his dedication.

"The mayor's job is not about sitting here at city council. He has a whole city to take care of, so when someone out in Scarborough has an issue, he goes out there. The whole street comes out and talks to him," he said.

“While some of the other candidates are sound asleep he’s out there meeting with the people, meeting with concerns Even last night, we were taking names and addresses of some issues in the city.”

Ford also addressed the mayor's latest controversial moments – admissions of smoking crack cocaine and excessive drinking – saying "the people are going to decide on his record."

"These young folks are smart, they know what’s going on and they can see through all the media."

Complaints up 28 per cent

When asked about a report from the city's ombudsman released Wednesday, Ford there were still a "tremendous amount of inefficiencies" to work through at city hall.

In an annual report, Fiona Crean said her office dealt with more than 1,800 complaints in 2013, and 70 per cent of them were about poor communication.

Ford said he and the mayor want to make sure every phone call gets answered, and to put an end to long hold times.

"We have 53,000 bureaucrats and you have to go to the city manager. Rob has mentioned to Joe Pennachetti... that customer service better pick up or these people shouldn’t have a job down here. It's very simple."