Toronto Councillor Paula Fletcher made a public apology Wednesday afternoon after she yelled at a constituent trying to make a deputation during a public budget hearing.
A video of the fiery exchange, which took place Tuesday, made its way to YouTube.
John Smith told CTV Toronto he was voicing his displeasure with the 2010 budget's proposed tax hikes during a public consultation session when Fletcher accused him of being a mouthpiece for former politician and current CFRB radio host John Tory.
After she initially screamed at him in front of the public and other council members, Smith screamed back, "You should be fired."
Fletcher visibly became more upset and fired back, "Oh come and run against me…come on down baby!"
Budget Chief Shelley Carroll urged her colleague to calm down during Tuesday's hearing. On Wednesday, Carroll read out a public apology from the councillor. In the note, Fletcher said she regretted her tone and emphasized the importance of public involvement in civic affairs.
Smith called the entire incident "absurd." He says he doesn't have any political affiliations but rather is an average citizen with a deep concern about a property tax increase.
"I went home this time last night and was pretty discouraged because I believe that city councillors are there to represent us, they were put there by our choice and we didn't see that," he said. "They were abusive."
Smith isn't the only one reacting to the outburst.
Mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi spoke out at a Toronto Board of Trade lunch on Wednesday. He said Smith is like many residents who want an explanation for what is proposed in the budget.
"The behaviour is not particularly praise worthy," he said. "The bigger issue is Torontonians want answers. They want transparency in the budget process and this is a sham."
