TORONTO - Rob Ford, Toronto's new mayor, has already shown that he is eager to follow through on his campaign promises. Early last month, Ford indicated that he was pursuing a pay freeze for city council, and a reduction in discretionary office budgets. Ford has now announced his intentions to contract out trash collection in Toronto.

The current model has CUPE-backed 'public' employees carrying out trash collection, but their contract is set to expire at the end of 2011. This means that new options are currently on the table - and these options can save taxpayers a bundle of money. Rob Ford and his deputy mayor Doug Holyday have been adamant that outsourcing trash collection can indeed save money and prevent crippling, city-wide garbage strikes.

Etobicoke, Rob Ford's old stomping grounds, is currently the only area in the GTA with privatized garbage collection - and this was the only area in the GTA that continued to enjoy garbage collection during 2009's 39-day garbage strike. But it is not just peace of mind that is garnering attention in this sector, it is the prospect of significant  cost savings.

During his campaign, Ford estimated that approximately $20-million could be recouped by switching to this model on a city-wide basis.

The C.D. Howe Institute thinks the savings would be even more dramatic, closer to $50-million.

With such large savings to be had, it is clear why Ford's camp is so eager to get these reforms moving. This momentum is really quite commendable in a city whose two most recent mayors have been either incapable or unmotivated. What is more, Ford has indicated that this is just the start of a larger movement for City Hall - he will look at outsourcing anything that will help the City balance its books without sacrificing service.

Kudos to Ford for this.

What are some other areas that need similar attention? There are many - Toronto has over 70 agencies, boards and commissions under its purview. From the TTC, to Invest Toronto, to the Parking Authority there are many opportunities to save taxpayers some money. Thankfully we have a mayor right now who is not afraid to do this.