Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s Executive Committee are releasing a statement today urging him to confront allegations of drug use.

Ford has remained silent since allegations he smoked crack cocaine while being recorded on a cellphone video were first reported a week ago. Executive committee member Jaye Robinson says the letter will reassure the city that the business of municipal government is moving forward, but the allegations against Ford need to be addressed by the mayor himself.

Meantime, there are reports Mark Towhey was fired because he had been urging  Ford to go to rehab and seek help. As he was escorted from City Hall by security yesterday, Towhey would only say he had offered advice to the mayor which was for him and him alone.