Time `to move foward' after threat to reporter incident

Mayor Mel Lastman says his ability to lead Toronto council has not been damaged after angrily threatening CBC reporter Adam Vaughan in the council chamber.

In his first news conference since Tuesday's incident, Lastman told reporters yesterday that city councillors have been very supportive.

Asked whether the effectiveness of his leadership has been impaired, he replied: ``No, I don't think so.

``I'm getting along really well with the council. Everybody has come up to me and been very, very nice.''

Deputy Mayor Case Ootes offered the mayor his support. ``I've not talked to one councillor who has expressed a lack of confidence.''

Lastman apologized to Vaughan after he threatened to kill the reporter, and said he would have him fired.

The mayor had blamed Vaughan for publication of an article in Frank, a satirical magazine, about his wife Marilyn.

Lastman has been under pressure since April 19, when Mrs. Lastman was apprehended at the Promenade Mall in Thornhill in the theft of a $155 pair of slacks.

She was detained by York Region police but released without being charged. A police incident report said no charges were laid because of her age and lack of criminal record.

Lastman read a brief statement concerning the incident with Vaughan at the start of the news conference.

``I want to thank the members of the public,'' Lastman said. ``They've been just fantastic. Their support has been just great. The phone calls have been unbelievable.

``I want to thank them for their calls, their letters, their faxes. And I want to thank the members of council for their support. I appreciate their kindness and I thank them on behalf of my wife and myself.

``I would once again like to apologize to Mr. Vaughan for my remarks,'' the mayor added.

``I also apologize to the people of Toronto who may have been offended by the incident. But it's now time to move forward.

``I hope you, the members of the media, will respect my family's privacy at this time and allow me to deal with my personal life.''

Lastman leaves today for a two-week holiday with his wife.

More Information on the Lastman Incident

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