Goodbye, Parkside, Highland, Delta, Sir John A. Macdonald, Mountain, Parkview, Hill Park and Barton. So long. I didn't go to any of those schools but I already miss them. Why you ask? Schools form the heart of communities and neighbourhoods. Schools become oh so much more than education facilities. They generally host arts and culture groups and play a role in outreach to the surrounding community with their bright and young capable minds. They are the centre for food drives, environmental clean ups and sports tournaments. In many cases businesses have located as close as possible to these schools to service (ok make some money but there's nothing wrong with that) in general over a thousand potential customers. These brick and mortar neighbourhood entrepots are at the centre of all that is considered good and bad in a neighbourhood with heavy emphasis on the good. But now due to the lack of spine featured by many long serving school board trustees these neighbourhood focal points will be closed as education is gutted in Dundas, the central lower city of Hamilton and the central mountain.
Where to begin? How about we begin with the lack of renovations over the last decade to most of these schools which is now being used as an excuse to close them in favour of new super schools. Many of the same trustees blindly followed staff recommendations to do nothing while science labs decayed and central plant fell behind the times. This hasn't happened overnight. The neglect at some of these schools is almost criminal and now kids will pay the price. When ARC's were set up to study the closure or renovation question were some schools left off the consideration list? Absolutely. My old school, Westmount was not considered which makes the whole process patently ridiculous. Thirdly where is the new mountain high school going to be located? South east of Limeridge and the Linc we're told. Well based on the way population and demographic shifts are taking place I'd suggest this new school be built as far south as possible because the old city growth is not going to stop at the hydro lines or Twenty Rd, it's going to keep on heading south especially if Aerotropolis takes flight and/or new business announcements take place near Canada Bread. I guess I'm ready to burst because a kid living at Upper Wellington and Concession who might have had a decent hike to Hill Park is now going to be on a bus for at least half an hour each way trying to get to this new school to be built somewhere. I guess I'm ready to burst because a historical building like Delta is now under threat and that a relatively new building like Sir John A. is going to be shut down. If you're a kid living under the brow on say Ferguson Ave. just where will you be going to school?
This group of trustees has just decimated education in this city upending the lives of kids who in 2015 should be enjoying their final year of high school instead of wondering if they should take a brick home as a souvenir. The least scrutinised politicians in this city have just pulled off history. They have done more injury to families, kids, neighbourhoods and this community then any debate about the location of a football stadium did or could. They ought to be ashamed and yet with a multiplicity of school boards in Ontario competing for students and fighting over catchment basins can they be entirely held at fault? Nope, there's lots of fault to be shared with staff and with the Ministry of Education. On the morning after go ahead and shed a tear for a Blue Baron, a Ram, a Panther, a Hawk, a member of the Blue and Gold or a Red Raider because a dark cloud just settled over their present and future likely eliminating their past.
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Burden of proof!
It is awkward isn't it? Those pesky ward boundaries defy logic. Rob Pasuta out in 14 represents just under 15 thousand people, some cows, a Lion Safari and a race track in some peril because of the Provincial Government. While in Ward 7 Scott Duvall represents a rapidly expanding chunk of the city stretching from the brow to the former city limits and closing on 60 thousand citizens as long time dormant chunks of land fill in with development. Seems unfair right? Obviously the numbers suggest it must be, and so some citizens think we need to change those boundaries since Council itself has determined to wait until after the elections still over two years away. With five hundred signatures on a petition the citizenry of Hamilton can get the ball rolling, the debate engaged even if that debate takes them to a higher authority in this case the Ontario Municipal Board. These engaged citizens believe that an example has already been set with the city of London and so a template exists for change.
I'm not sure change is actually necessary and the burden of proof that citizens are somehow being disenfranchised or somehow under serviced by their political representative will be a hard case to make.
Here are a couple of reasons why the boundaries are the way they are. The first is fairly obvious and it's called amalgamation. Some folks were dragged kicking and screaming to the bosom of mother Hamilton. They worried about identity, about an increase in taxes etc, you know all about that debate and some over time compromise has been found on a number of subjects including area rating that have calmed the get the hell out of Hamilton at any cost forces of de-amalgamation.
To those who still believe in representation by population as yourself how would you change the boundary of Dundas? You can extend the boundary of Stoney Creek further to the east but at the cost of ward 11. Are you thinking of adding another ward? If so then the only logical place to put the ward would be south of Stone Church running like a strip mall across the south end of the old city taking away from wards 6 7 and 8. If you do add a ward you are adding under that scenario another vote to old Hamilton creating a 9 to 7 urban vs rural/urban split, a split that I would bet wouldn't sit to well with the 7.
Ask yourself as well, is representation by population done anywhere in this country? The answer is no it can't be.
Any two riding's in Toronto have a greater population than all of Prince Edward Island with has four Federal riding's for a population of 141 thousand. That's not representation by population, that's about a constitution and the nature of the island. I give full marks to any MPP who covers hundreds of square miles by car, and float plane in Norther Ontario to service a riding like Kenora-Rainy River which does not have any relationship to lets say Hamilton Centre. Where the issues differ from rural to urban it really doesn't matter and it really can't be helped if there is no representation by pop.
Rob Pasuta brings great knowledge of rural Ontario and the issues its farmers, workers and residents face every day. That voice needs to be heard and that expertise presented even if the Councillor only has 14 thousand voices to represent. They are in some ways a unique 14 thousand within our city that Councillor Duvall might struggle to represent, and yet he is fully capable of representing a ward where people have very like urban issues to deal with. Think of the enormity of problems that come across the desk of Councillor Brenda Johnson in ward 11. From the PFOS pollution issue, to the expansion of the airport to industrial parks to expanding rural communities like Binbrook to discussions about Marinas along the lake to the protection of fruit lands along Highway 8 this councillor needs to be nimble and frankly quite mobile to do everything she does and in my opinion does well. Heck she even has a mall and transportation node to deal with at Fifty Road.
For the citizens who are pushing this petition and the very real dream of rep by pop, you are to be commended, however if you do manage to take this to a higher authority the theory itself will not and can not trigger action in your favour. Although the Federal Government has added more riding's to growing population provinces Ontario still does not receive what it should based on that principle. Is that right? No it is not, but it is also the law and it is a precedent that has long been established.
And so now the burden of proof that I mentioned before is on the petitioners to show that this Hamilton Council or any individual on this council is not pulling their fair weight or is not servicing the needs of his or her constituents. For a further explanation of that point check out my interview with ward 8's Terry Whitehead from last Thursdays For the Record "council edition". You can find that interview at "youtube.com/c14ftr".
In my opinion it will be hard to show that council is not doing it's job. It will be even harder to prove that any single member of this council no matter the population base is not doing his or her job.
Lastly this city is growing by leaps and bounds. I've mentioned the in fill in 6 7 and 8. Take a look at the developments at highways 5 and 6 and further north. Ancaster is ever growing out it's back door and the urban boundary of Stoney Creek is now under review and folks have you driven along Rymal Rd recently? The growth there is unbelievable. All of this growth is getting national notice because Hamilton is on the move which suggests more able representation by this council than not. This growth also suggests that if you started to change boundaries now, your changes would be out of date within two years. Petitioners you will need to make a very compelling case, which we will all watch with great anticipation.
I'm not sure change is actually necessary and the burden of proof that citizens are somehow being disenfranchised or somehow under serviced by their political representative will be a hard case to make.
Here are a couple of reasons why the boundaries are the way they are. The first is fairly obvious and it's called amalgamation. Some folks were dragged kicking and screaming to the bosom of mother Hamilton. They worried about identity, about an increase in taxes etc, you know all about that debate and some over time compromise has been found on a number of subjects including area rating that have calmed the get the hell out of Hamilton at any cost forces of de-amalgamation.
To those who still believe in representation by population as yourself how would you change the boundary of Dundas? You can extend the boundary of Stoney Creek further to the east but at the cost of ward 11. Are you thinking of adding another ward? If so then the only logical place to put the ward would be south of Stone Church running like a strip mall across the south end of the old city taking away from wards 6 7 and 8. If you do add a ward you are adding under that scenario another vote to old Hamilton creating a 9 to 7 urban vs rural/urban split, a split that I would bet wouldn't sit to well with the 7.
Ask yourself as well, is representation by population done anywhere in this country? The answer is no it can't be.
Any two riding's in Toronto have a greater population than all of Prince Edward Island with has four Federal riding's for a population of 141 thousand. That's not representation by population, that's about a constitution and the nature of the island. I give full marks to any MPP who covers hundreds of square miles by car, and float plane in Norther Ontario to service a riding like Kenora-Rainy River which does not have any relationship to lets say Hamilton Centre. Where the issues differ from rural to urban it really doesn't matter and it really can't be helped if there is no representation by pop.
Rob Pasuta brings great knowledge of rural Ontario and the issues its farmers, workers and residents face every day. That voice needs to be heard and that expertise presented even if the Councillor only has 14 thousand voices to represent. They are in some ways a unique 14 thousand within our city that Councillor Duvall might struggle to represent, and yet he is fully capable of representing a ward where people have very like urban issues to deal with. Think of the enormity of problems that come across the desk of Councillor Brenda Johnson in ward 11. From the PFOS pollution issue, to the expansion of the airport to industrial parks to expanding rural communities like Binbrook to discussions about Marinas along the lake to the protection of fruit lands along Highway 8 this councillor needs to be nimble and frankly quite mobile to do everything she does and in my opinion does well. Heck she even has a mall and transportation node to deal with at Fifty Road.
For the citizens who are pushing this petition and the very real dream of rep by pop, you are to be commended, however if you do manage to take this to a higher authority the theory itself will not and can not trigger action in your favour. Although the Federal Government has added more riding's to growing population provinces Ontario still does not receive what it should based on that principle. Is that right? No it is not, but it is also the law and it is a precedent that has long been established.
And so now the burden of proof that I mentioned before is on the petitioners to show that this Hamilton Council or any individual on this council is not pulling their fair weight or is not servicing the needs of his or her constituents. For a further explanation of that point check out my interview with ward 8's Terry Whitehead from last Thursdays For the Record "council edition". You can find that interview at "youtube.com/c14ftr".
In my opinion it will be hard to show that council is not doing it's job. It will be even harder to prove that any single member of this council no matter the population base is not doing his or her job.
Lastly this city is growing by leaps and bounds. I've mentioned the in fill in 6 7 and 8. Take a look at the developments at highways 5 and 6 and further north. Ancaster is ever growing out it's back door and the urban boundary of Stoney Creek is now under review and folks have you driven along Rymal Rd recently? The growth there is unbelievable. All of this growth is getting national notice because Hamilton is on the move which suggests more able representation by this council than not. This growth also suggests that if you started to change boundaries now, your changes would be out of date within two years. Petitioners you will need to make a very compelling case, which we will all watch with great anticipation.
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Brian Burke has failed!
I haven't really written a lick of sports unless it's Hamilton oriented since leaving the sports media business last September. OK I didn't leave I was punted. Whatever.
It's time however to lay out my views for what they are worth.
The subject happens to revolve around my favourite team now the only team not to make the playoffs since the lockout, and that is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Indeed a new category looms for this teams ineptitude if there's a lockout this fall; the only team not to make the playoffs between "the" lockouts. Can't wait.
Brian Burke said on his arrival in Toronto that he could not start from the ground up for the Toronto market place demanded better. Mistake number one.
Brian Burke upon his arrival in Toronto said he would have a big, fast and rambunctious team. If Colby Armstrong playing with Tim Connolly is the epitome of the above description than I and other Leafs fans misinterpreted. This team has never played tough and never made their building a place to avoid. Mistake number two.
Brian Burke knew coming to Toronto that he needed a first line centre, like a really good first line centre. He has Mikhail Grabovski who at times can be brilliant, but he's no true number one. Mistake number three.
Brian Burke knew when he came to Toronto that he would need a top ten NHL goalie. He hasn't found one yet. Mistake number four.
Ron Wilson. Mistake number five.
Phil Kessel. Mistake number six. I have defended THE trade numerous times. I'm through defending. If 29 other teams leave Phil to his own devices, he's an excellent player. The moment any of those 29 lay on the body he disappears. Watch his body language around the big boys who hit in the league, especially Zdeno Chara. Phil looks like a deer in the headlights.
I know, I know, not to many people like playing against Chara but at least they show up for work.
What to do smart guy you might say? They need to do what they probably should have done years ago and that's make sure they are the worst damn team in the league next year. They have tried the trading route and the free agent signing route. They've spent as much as they can without success. The only other recourse to blowing it all up and going with the kids is to fire Brian Burke and that's not likely to happen. Brian himself could offer up another alternative which is a resignation letting someone else have a go at it. Why so down on Brian? I'm fed up with my team losing. I'm sick to death of sitting down to watch them and then turning to another channel when they let in two goals on four shots in seven minutes. I've shut them off this season more often than I've watched them to the conclusion of a game. In other words my blue and white affection is disappearing against my will.
What should they do? Oh boy where to start? They need to find a keeper but there aren't any under the age of 35 who are worth a damn on the free agent market.
They need to eliminate the right side of their defence. Schenn has regressed, Komisarek is passed his due date and the captain outside of his big shot really isn't a good skater, nor a real tough guy. He is making way too much money to be just mediocre. Liles has just been given an extension which may also turn out to be a mistake. Prior to his concussion he was playing terrific offencive hockey, but after he came back his offencive stats headed south of his defencive stats and that's saying something. Gardiner and Gunnarsson and Franson are keepers because they all have an upside. Up front, thanks for the scoring Phil but with two more years left on that deal I won't be able to watch him without thinking of Tyler Seguin let alone Taylor Hall. Tim Connolly was a gulp decision last summer and he has now proven the Sabres correct. He is also passed his due date unless we want to use him as a third line checking centre man. You don't want to do that! Fine! He and Mathew Lombardi can help each other move.
Colby Armstrong? A chirpy bust.
Mike Brown? More hustle than most but really we can't do better?
Jay Rosehill? Time for a permanent stay in the "A".
I'd keep Lupul because I think he has found his way back from purgatory in Anaheim and to me he was the best Leaf until his injury.
I like Frattin's speed, Bozak's creativity, Kulemin's work ethic and MacArthur's quick release. I'd keep them along with Mikhail. Joey Crabb can play on my team any time because he will go into Chara's corner even if it's just to find Phil. Big David Steckel I'd keep around for face offs and special teams. Joe Colborne in my opinion will never be. And Nazem Kadri? Don't get me started. He might be the second coming of Ramzi Abid.
There is some talent on the Marlies that may grow into NHL talent over the next couple of years but, until this collection of players is bolstered by real leaders it's not going anywhere. If anyone thinks that we are just one trade away from the playoffs well, I have a railway system in Northern Ontario I can sell you.
It's time however to lay out my views for what they are worth.
The subject happens to revolve around my favourite team now the only team not to make the playoffs since the lockout, and that is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Indeed a new category looms for this teams ineptitude if there's a lockout this fall; the only team not to make the playoffs between "the" lockouts. Can't wait.
Brian Burke said on his arrival in Toronto that he could not start from the ground up for the Toronto market place demanded better. Mistake number one.
Brian Burke upon his arrival in Toronto said he would have a big, fast and rambunctious team. If Colby Armstrong playing with Tim Connolly is the epitome of the above description than I and other Leafs fans misinterpreted. This team has never played tough and never made their building a place to avoid. Mistake number two.
Brian Burke knew coming to Toronto that he needed a first line centre, like a really good first line centre. He has Mikhail Grabovski who at times can be brilliant, but he's no true number one. Mistake number three.
Brian Burke knew when he came to Toronto that he would need a top ten NHL goalie. He hasn't found one yet. Mistake number four.
Ron Wilson. Mistake number five.
Phil Kessel. Mistake number six. I have defended THE trade numerous times. I'm through defending. If 29 other teams leave Phil to his own devices, he's an excellent player. The moment any of those 29 lay on the body he disappears. Watch his body language around the big boys who hit in the league, especially Zdeno Chara. Phil looks like a deer in the headlights.
I know, I know, not to many people like playing against Chara but at least they show up for work.
What to do smart guy you might say? They need to do what they probably should have done years ago and that's make sure they are the worst damn team in the league next year. They have tried the trading route and the free agent signing route. They've spent as much as they can without success. The only other recourse to blowing it all up and going with the kids is to fire Brian Burke and that's not likely to happen. Brian himself could offer up another alternative which is a resignation letting someone else have a go at it. Why so down on Brian? I'm fed up with my team losing. I'm sick to death of sitting down to watch them and then turning to another channel when they let in two goals on four shots in seven minutes. I've shut them off this season more often than I've watched them to the conclusion of a game. In other words my blue and white affection is disappearing against my will.
What should they do? Oh boy where to start? They need to find a keeper but there aren't any under the age of 35 who are worth a damn on the free agent market.
They need to eliminate the right side of their defence. Schenn has regressed, Komisarek is passed his due date and the captain outside of his big shot really isn't a good skater, nor a real tough guy. He is making way too much money to be just mediocre. Liles has just been given an extension which may also turn out to be a mistake. Prior to his concussion he was playing terrific offencive hockey, but after he came back his offencive stats headed south of his defencive stats and that's saying something. Gardiner and Gunnarsson and Franson are keepers because they all have an upside. Up front, thanks for the scoring Phil but with two more years left on that deal I won't be able to watch him without thinking of Tyler Seguin let alone Taylor Hall. Tim Connolly was a gulp decision last summer and he has now proven the Sabres correct. He is also passed his due date unless we want to use him as a third line checking centre man. You don't want to do that! Fine! He and Mathew Lombardi can help each other move.
Colby Armstrong? A chirpy bust.
Mike Brown? More hustle than most but really we can't do better?
Jay Rosehill? Time for a permanent stay in the "A".
I'd keep Lupul because I think he has found his way back from purgatory in Anaheim and to me he was the best Leaf until his injury.
I like Frattin's speed, Bozak's creativity, Kulemin's work ethic and MacArthur's quick release. I'd keep them along with Mikhail. Joey Crabb can play on my team any time because he will go into Chara's corner even if it's just to find Phil. Big David Steckel I'd keep around for face offs and special teams. Joe Colborne in my opinion will never be. And Nazem Kadri? Don't get me started. He might be the second coming of Ramzi Abid.
There is some talent on the Marlies that may grow into NHL talent over the next couple of years but, until this collection of players is bolstered by real leaders it's not going anywhere. If anyone thinks that we are just one trade away from the playoffs well, I have a railway system in Northern Ontario I can sell you.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
This is no tempest in a tea pot!
This notion that people are sick to death of the Peggy Chapman affair is plain wrong. Every where I go people ask, "what's up with the Mayor?". Even for those people who would rather talk about anything else than a significant pay increase for the Mayor's Executive Assistant here's why this story needs to be seen out to it's conclusion hopefully tomorrow night, and why it's important for our city.
Number one, I think everyone would agree that upon further review back in December the Mayor in his efforts to lay blame elsewhere for a 33 per cent pay increase or 30 thousand dollars for Ms Chapman gave himself a black eye. This was a self inflicted punch to the face. His office leaked the amount and when people began asking questions he tried to suggest that Human Resources approached him about a review of the EAs pay. That was patently false and when staff called him on it, he backed down and admitted he instigated the review and then made the decision. It really wasn't about the money, it was more about the Mayor once a little bit of heat was applied to the front burner trying to slide away and blame someone else. When council heard the details they called the Mayor to task which is point two of this discussion. In January thoroughly upset that the integrity of a department and it's senior manager had been tarnished by the Mayor's original stance council threatened to censure him at that point in time. Behind closed doors for several hours the Mayor argued back and forth with councillors asking them to look beyond the process to the money he was saving in his department. He finally accepted the will of council and admitted to them he had done wrong and he apologised. Some two months later after going off the deep end over a cartoon in the editorial pages of the Spectator the Mayor went ballistic in an email he assumed wouldn't be released by the managing editors of the local daily. Naive or what? If you've read the email you know how vitriolic it was, claiming the daily was out to get him and his family. This episode number two erupted not only because of the cartoon but because of the imminent publishing of the "sunshine list" across all of Ontario from Provincial to Municipal and Health Care executives we by law were about to learn who made over 1 hundred thousand dollars. Peggy Chapman's name was going to be on the list because she cashed in vacation time pushing her from 90 thousand bucks to just over 1 hundred thousand dollars. Rumours had been swirling and thus the Spectator's Andrew Dreschel picked up the phone and asked the Mayor to comment. Not only did he comment he spilled the exact beans which the Spectator did not have until that point in time. Thus the e mail to the Spec which published on a Wednesday just before the next GIC meeting (General Issues Committee). At that meeting Councillor Sam Merulla who had read Dreschels column where the e mail was printed for the first time put forward a notice of motion of censure because in that e mail the Mayor once again reiterated that he had not been the one to promote a pay raise for Chapman in the first place. Wow. The reaction, the body language as the ramifications began to dawn on Councillors was an amazing sight to see.
The ramifications were clear, the Mayor had back tracked from the apology he had given only two months before. Censure was on again. Censure indeed will take place tomorrow evening but beyond censure what can council collectively do to punish the Mayor who by the way went on an email rampage over the weekend sending nasty notes including some filthy language to those he perceives most want to take him down a notch. The buzz is all over the city about what the Mayor was saying in those emails which began this past Friday evening. This afternoon in camera, council discussed a personnel matter. I have no doubt they concluded exactly what their collective approach will be tomorrow evening and I can assure you that from two sources I have spoken to, they have the votes to censure this Mayor.
So what are the ramifications in detail?
The Mayor, Bob Bratina on two occasions has not told the whole truth and nothing but the truth on the process regarding the pay increase.
He has privately and publicly now either forgotten his apology (I'm being nice here) or with a huge streak of stubbornness has decided to revoke his apology to his council colleagues.
He has recently and privately attacked select members of council for daring to challenge and/or punish him for his attitudes.
He has unilaterally demanded that senior staff, those who could possibly have known what names were on the sunshine list to sign sworn affidavits that they in fact did not leak information that was going to be public within a week of leaking. He can not do this and nor can any other individual member of council. Only through a vote at council can such an action proceed legally.
He has dug himself a hole that he is not apparently prepared to climb out of.
What are the ramifications for the city of Hamilton? Across the country people have a certain perception of Hamilton don't they? This will reinforce that won't it?
When council censures the Mayor tomorrow evening and the news makes it's way across the nation people will say, "take a look at this, there goes Hamilton again". "They couldn't get the Pan Am stadium right and damn near lost the Ticats now their Mayor is getting spanked in public". It isn't going to look good and that's a fact, but here's the good news. Despite the antics of this Mayor this city is on the move. Wherever I go I see new development, new initiatives, new ideas and new blood pushing this city forward. We not only have turned a corner we are pressing the pedal to the medal on a number of economic fronts. Rest assured, from what I have seen of this council there are more than enough leaders and qualified people who won't let this city tumble off the tracks
Number one, I think everyone would agree that upon further review back in December the Mayor in his efforts to lay blame elsewhere for a 33 per cent pay increase or 30 thousand dollars for Ms Chapman gave himself a black eye. This was a self inflicted punch to the face. His office leaked the amount and when people began asking questions he tried to suggest that Human Resources approached him about a review of the EAs pay. That was patently false and when staff called him on it, he backed down and admitted he instigated the review and then made the decision. It really wasn't about the money, it was more about the Mayor once a little bit of heat was applied to the front burner trying to slide away and blame someone else. When council heard the details they called the Mayor to task which is point two of this discussion. In January thoroughly upset that the integrity of a department and it's senior manager had been tarnished by the Mayor's original stance council threatened to censure him at that point in time. Behind closed doors for several hours the Mayor argued back and forth with councillors asking them to look beyond the process to the money he was saving in his department. He finally accepted the will of council and admitted to them he had done wrong and he apologised. Some two months later after going off the deep end over a cartoon in the editorial pages of the Spectator the Mayor went ballistic in an email he assumed wouldn't be released by the managing editors of the local daily. Naive or what? If you've read the email you know how vitriolic it was, claiming the daily was out to get him and his family. This episode number two erupted not only because of the cartoon but because of the imminent publishing of the "sunshine list" across all of Ontario from Provincial to Municipal and Health Care executives we by law were about to learn who made over 1 hundred thousand dollars. Peggy Chapman's name was going to be on the list because she cashed in vacation time pushing her from 90 thousand bucks to just over 1 hundred thousand dollars. Rumours had been swirling and thus the Spectator's Andrew Dreschel picked up the phone and asked the Mayor to comment. Not only did he comment he spilled the exact beans which the Spectator did not have until that point in time. Thus the e mail to the Spec which published on a Wednesday just before the next GIC meeting (General Issues Committee). At that meeting Councillor Sam Merulla who had read Dreschels column where the e mail was printed for the first time put forward a notice of motion of censure because in that e mail the Mayor once again reiterated that he had not been the one to promote a pay raise for Chapman in the first place. Wow. The reaction, the body language as the ramifications began to dawn on Councillors was an amazing sight to see.
The ramifications were clear, the Mayor had back tracked from the apology he had given only two months before. Censure was on again. Censure indeed will take place tomorrow evening but beyond censure what can council collectively do to punish the Mayor who by the way went on an email rampage over the weekend sending nasty notes including some filthy language to those he perceives most want to take him down a notch. The buzz is all over the city about what the Mayor was saying in those emails which began this past Friday evening. This afternoon in camera, council discussed a personnel matter. I have no doubt they concluded exactly what their collective approach will be tomorrow evening and I can assure you that from two sources I have spoken to, they have the votes to censure this Mayor.
So what are the ramifications in detail?
The Mayor, Bob Bratina on two occasions has not told the whole truth and nothing but the truth on the process regarding the pay increase.
He has privately and publicly now either forgotten his apology (I'm being nice here) or with a huge streak of stubbornness has decided to revoke his apology to his council colleagues.
He has recently and privately attacked select members of council for daring to challenge and/or punish him for his attitudes.
He has unilaterally demanded that senior staff, those who could possibly have known what names were on the sunshine list to sign sworn affidavits that they in fact did not leak information that was going to be public within a week of leaking. He can not do this and nor can any other individual member of council. Only through a vote at council can such an action proceed legally.
He has dug himself a hole that he is not apparently prepared to climb out of.
What are the ramifications for the city of Hamilton? Across the country people have a certain perception of Hamilton don't they? This will reinforce that won't it?
When council censures the Mayor tomorrow evening and the news makes it's way across the nation people will say, "take a look at this, there goes Hamilton again". "They couldn't get the Pan Am stadium right and damn near lost the Ticats now their Mayor is getting spanked in public". It isn't going to look good and that's a fact, but here's the good news. Despite the antics of this Mayor this city is on the move. Wherever I go I see new development, new initiatives, new ideas and new blood pushing this city forward. We not only have turned a corner we are pressing the pedal to the medal on a number of economic fronts. Rest assured, from what I have seen of this council there are more than enough leaders and qualified people who won't let this city tumble off the tracks
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Spread the news!
There is a re-birth happening at the Head of the Lake. Hamilton is expected to generate close to 900 million dollars in building permits this year, it's second highest number dating back to 2007. Today at the General Issues Committee which had a lot on it's plate Neil Iverson Director of Economic Development gave his annual update. All the 2011 numbers are in and here are the highlights; building permits 731 million. The number of industrial buildings available to the market place decreased from 6.1 per cent to 3.4 per cent outperforming Burlington, Oakville and Mississauga. Downtown Hamilton office space for properties with at least 5 thousand square feet has dropped from 15 to 13 to 12 per cent since 2009. Assessment growth held at 1.3 per cent despite the fact 2011 came in three hundred million dollars shy of the record building permit year of 2010.
What does the future look like? In 2011 over 3 hundred companies were extensively interviewed by the department to find out what shape we are in. Fourty six per cent of companies said they will be hiring in 2012 with 37 per cent reporting room for expansion with 62 per cent of the companies suggesting in the survey they are growing. Over 77 per cent reported they would be introducing new products over the next two years.
Although steel and steel related industries remain a big player, Hamilton Health Sciences remains the largest employer with the Agra business becoming a very large player especially in the Red Hill Business Park and on the Harbour. The only area of concern was raised by Ward 5's Chad Collins who suggested that although he has been a supporter of banking business park lands around the airport he needs to know from airport officials themselves what they foresee in the short and long terms before he is willing to put any more financing into that particular portfolio especially with expansion of business park lands currently at an expensive OMB hearing. Staff has been asked to bring all interested parties together for a presentation before GIC sooner than later. By the way the Ward Councillor for the airport will be our guest tomorrow on "For the Record, Council Edition". Brenda Johnson will discuss airport development, PFOS contamination, economic development in her ward and of course the story of the week another paranoid implosion emanating from the Mayor's office. More on that is still to come. #HamOnt
What does the future look like? In 2011 over 3 hundred companies were extensively interviewed by the department to find out what shape we are in. Fourty six per cent of companies said they will be hiring in 2012 with 37 per cent reporting room for expansion with 62 per cent of the companies suggesting in the survey they are growing. Over 77 per cent reported they would be introducing new products over the next two years.
Although steel and steel related industries remain a big player, Hamilton Health Sciences remains the largest employer with the Agra business becoming a very large player especially in the Red Hill Business Park and on the Harbour. The only area of concern was raised by Ward 5's Chad Collins who suggested that although he has been a supporter of banking business park lands around the airport he needs to know from airport officials themselves what they foresee in the short and long terms before he is willing to put any more financing into that particular portfolio especially with expansion of business park lands currently at an expensive OMB hearing. Staff has been asked to bring all interested parties together for a presentation before GIC sooner than later. By the way the Ward Councillor for the airport will be our guest tomorrow on "For the Record, Council Edition". Brenda Johnson will discuss airport development, PFOS contamination, economic development in her ward and of course the story of the week another paranoid implosion emanating from the Mayor's office. More on that is still to come. #HamOnt
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
A toxic relationship!!!
Toxic is a strong and harsh word don't you think? At what was a very polite and more often than not amiable Planning Committee meeting this day Ward 4's Sam Merulla used that harsh word to described the ongoing problems at the City Motor Hotel on Queenston Rd a story I'm sure most of you are aware of. From prostitution to drug deals to a recent public shooting incident with police calls every day, Merulla is pushing for an amendment to city bylaws that would place hotels and motels in the same category as bed and breakfast businesses currently covered. The motion was unanimously received and you should watch for it on the March 28th City Council agenda.
As well that evening keep an eye out for mention of this issue regarding sub licensing of taxi cabs. Representatives from the cab industry went before planning to ask that bylaw enforcement of what is an illegal action be stepped up or else there would be dire consequences for the cab industry in this town. When city legal staff were asked for input they advised that they had tried a prosecution under the existing bylaw and won the case only to lose on appeal. The reason, the current wording is "antiquated" and needs revising. Those revisions will be back before council before the end of the year.
Also before planning this day a proposal to expand the development at 401 Rymal East and 1620 Upper Wentworth better known as the Village of Wentworth Heights. There had been some design concerns that have been favourably resolved between staff, the developer and Councillor Scott Duvall who attended committee to explain his approval of the revised plans. This expansion is worth 60 million dollars with the committee voting unanimously to accept. As I mentioned this meeting was civil and business like with next up the General Issues Committee tomorrow morning at 9.30am.
As well that evening keep an eye out for mention of this issue regarding sub licensing of taxi cabs. Representatives from the cab industry went before planning to ask that bylaw enforcement of what is an illegal action be stepped up or else there would be dire consequences for the cab industry in this town. When city legal staff were asked for input they advised that they had tried a prosecution under the existing bylaw and won the case only to lose on appeal. The reason, the current wording is "antiquated" and needs revising. Those revisions will be back before council before the end of the year.
Also before planning this day a proposal to expand the development at 401 Rymal East and 1620 Upper Wentworth better known as the Village of Wentworth Heights. There had been some design concerns that have been favourably resolved between staff, the developer and Councillor Scott Duvall who attended committee to explain his approval of the revised plans. This expansion is worth 60 million dollars with the committee voting unanimously to accept. As I mentioned this meeting was civil and business like with next up the General Issues Committee tomorrow morning at 9.30am.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Sentiment but no cigar!
The motion; Whereas the Caterpillar Corporation has breached the Investment Canada Act, and has been subsidized by Canadian taxpayers who have been betrayed by the closure of its Caterpillar Plant in London, Ontario, be it resolved, the City of Hamilton review its policy related to any business relationship with the Caterpillar Corporation and boycott Caterpillar and encourage all Hamilton, Ontario and Canadian businesses from doing business with the Caterpillar Corporation. Pretty clear right? Not so much. The issue of course the Caterpillar pullout from London. The sympathy for the workers who have now lost their jobs was palpable. The sentiment is to naturally support those workers and that was expressed by the majority of those who spoke at Hamilton City Council this evening. But. And there's always a but the motion failed 10 to 4 with Councillor Lloyd Ferguson not involved due to a conflict of interest. Voting for a boycott were Duvall, Collins, Merulla the author and McHattie. Why didn't this go through? Several councillors believe that if a boycott were put in place companies who have relationships with Caterpillar would then be hurt with job losses resulting, companies like Toromont who had appeared before the General Issues Committee. Some felt like Councillor Brad Clark that this was not a municipalities purview, that although pressure should be applied and concerns expressed to higher levels of government cities are not in the business of worrying about the Investment Canada Act. Others thought if the motion had used the word condemned instead of boycott they could have supported. In the end this long and sometimes tedious debate almost erupted into open warfare when on a second go round mover Merulla tried to imply that Councillor Clark a former Provincial Conservative Cabinet Minister and former federal conservative candidate somehow in the same sentence was related to robocalls in Hamilton East and Stoney Creek in the last federal election. Like where was that going? The Mayor stepped in to caution Merulla at that point and then finally after some byplay ruled Merulla out of order who then suggested an amendment or was it a new motion, or was it an amendment to an amendment to a new motion, who knew? We were all looking at each other as Merulla continued to chirp and the Mayor appeared to be ready to blow. Finally the Mayor ruled everyone knew the intent so lets get on with the vote which failed.
In other news, baseball as far as Pan Am baseball or softball is concerned is dead. A recommendation to refer to the GM of Public Works for a report to the GIC on any interest the city of Hamilton might have was lost on a tie vote. The Mayor who received through his office the request for expressions of interest pleaded with councillors to at least gather information from staff to see if this request made sense for Hamilton to even consider. Leading the charge against was Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie who said he had no stomach to revisit any Pan American games initiatives based on how Hamilton he felt had been treated in the past regarding the stadium debate and the Velodrome. Voting against gathering any information at all were McHattie, Merulla, Morelli, Collins, Clark, Pearson, Johnson and Partridge. The Mayor asked the clerk plaintively do ties mean a loss? "Yes". The correspondence was received. Good bye.
In brief the expanding where you can't smoke bylaw has been put off for further study and input until October. A motion to appoint Farr and McHattie to a special committee comprised of city and Hamilton Wentworth District School Board trustees and support staff was passed unanimously. They should report back within a month re potential sites that will keep the school board downtown. And finally a little kfuffle near the end when a motion to forward some monies to Opera Hamilton enabling them to sign a significant guest performer in the fall raised a few alarm bells since Opera Hamilton has had some fiscal problems in the past. In the end the motion to make sure they were forwarded monies to sign the deal even though the 2012 budget has not been passed and won't be until March 28th was passed with two dissenting voices, Whitehead and Jackson. Good night.
In other news, baseball as far as Pan Am baseball or softball is concerned is dead. A recommendation to refer to the GM of Public Works for a report to the GIC on any interest the city of Hamilton might have was lost on a tie vote. The Mayor who received through his office the request for expressions of interest pleaded with councillors to at least gather information from staff to see if this request made sense for Hamilton to even consider. Leading the charge against was Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie who said he had no stomach to revisit any Pan American games initiatives based on how Hamilton he felt had been treated in the past regarding the stadium debate and the Velodrome. Voting against gathering any information at all were McHattie, Merulla, Morelli, Collins, Clark, Pearson, Johnson and Partridge. The Mayor asked the clerk plaintively do ties mean a loss? "Yes". The correspondence was received. Good bye.
In brief the expanding where you can't smoke bylaw has been put off for further study and input until October. A motion to appoint Farr and McHattie to a special committee comprised of city and Hamilton Wentworth District School Board trustees and support staff was passed unanimously. They should report back within a month re potential sites that will keep the school board downtown. And finally a little kfuffle near the end when a motion to forward some monies to Opera Hamilton enabling them to sign a significant guest performer in the fall raised a few alarm bells since Opera Hamilton has had some fiscal problems in the past. In the end the motion to make sure they were forwarded monies to sign the deal even though the 2012 budget has not been passed and won't be until March 28th was passed with two dissenting voices, Whitehead and Jackson. Good night.
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