Legal efforts continue today for the release of more documents related to Mayor Rob Ford’s friend Alexander Lisi, who is facing a number of charges.  Lawyers representing several media organizations are appearing in Ontario Superior Court to make the case that additional documents should be made public.  A newly released police document provides information on an extortion charge against Ford’s friend Alexander Lisi about the unreleased video which is said to show the Mayor smoking crack cocaine.  It alleges Lisi made several threatening phone calls in May to people he believed may have had the video.  The detective who wrote the report says the accused insinuated there would be consequences for the failure to return the video.  Rob Ford has said it was more than a year ago that he smoked crack cocaine.  But it has been confirmed the video was recorded in February of this year.

Meantime, big changes are underway in the Mayor’s office.  Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly says 11 of Rob Ford’s 20 staff members have joined Kelly’s team, including chief of staff Earl Provost and Policy Director Sheila Paxton.  She says “it’s been very stressful to see what the mayor’s going through as a person.  I mean, we know him personally.  And it’s difficult to see anybody having challenges.  I think that the public display has been very difficult for him and for us.”

Rob Ford continues to make the rounds on various television channels and networks.  He told CP24 last night, he’s prepared to fight all challengers in next fall’s election.  “You know, let the voters decide on October 27th.  Do they want slick talking lawyers?  Do they want backroom lobbyists, consultants?  I’ll take on the Tory’s, the Chow’s, the Minnan-Wong’s, the Soknacki’s, the Stintz’s.  I’m willing to debate these guys tomorrow.  Let’s go!  But you know what?” Ford asks, “talk is cheap.  Action speaks louder than words.”  Ford says he’ll also challenge in court, city council’s decision to strip him of most of his powers.