Toronto mayor to run for re-election despite drug revelations

TORONTO, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who has admitted smoking crack while drunk, filed for re-election Thursday, pledging to run on his fiscal record.

Adopting the slogan "Ford more years," Ford said he the "best mayor" the city had ever had, the Toronto Star reported.

He cited what he considered his accomplishments during his first term, including elimination of a vehicle registration tax and the approval of a subway route to the district of Scarborough.

Ford appeared unrepentant about repeatedly denying his use of crack cocaine.

"My track record speaks for himself," he said. "If you want to get personal, that's fine. I'm sticking to my record, and talk is cheap. You're going to see action like you've never seen before."

He was the first major candidate to submit papers to run, on the first day of the filing period. the Star said. His registration allows him to begin raising and spending money.

The only major declared challengers are Councilor Karen Stintz and former Councilor David Soknacki.

The election is Oct. 27.