Toronto’s municipal government could be launched into uncertainty if Mayor Rob Ford loses his appeal of a court decision which has removed him from office for conflict of interest.  A three judge panel is scheduled to release its decision this morning at 10:30.  At the heart of the matter is more than $3100 that Ford raised for his private football foundation by using City of Toronto letterhead.  Ford’s opponents say he deliberately flouted conflict of interest rules by taking part in a council vote on whether he should repay the money.  Ford’s lawyer argued the mayor shouldn’t be found guilty because he was an open and honest politician who made a genuine error in judgment.  Mayor Ford says he’s respects the judicial system and looks forward to this morning’s decision, but he is stressed.  “Obviously, but you roll with the punches, and what will be, will be.”

If the ruling stands, then Toronto council could appoint an acting mayor for the balance of Ford’s term or call a by-election at an estimated cost of $7-million.  If he loses his appeal, Rob Ford has said he would run in a by-election, if the city chooses to call one.