The way the stadium was handled speaks volumes about both Eisenberger and Bratina. Similar principles involved in that discussion will appear in future issues. I know your point, and you're right that there will be a lot of quibbling over issues that have been put to bed- but how someone did or didn't go to bat for the best result for the city in the past, has a lot of bearing over whether he should be trusted to do so in the future.

The stadium issue is one memory that will have a long lifespan. But it's ironic that the way Bratina handled that made him look like a leader able to bring resolution to a problem (albeit behind closed doors), whereas on other key files since then he's been the opposite.

I think LRT, the casino, and one-way streets will be the hottest topics. They probably polarize the central city vs. suburban areas the most.

Completley disagree.

If anything, this whole stadium location going back to neverland does nothing but prove Eisenberger right.

I think many, myself included, view Bratina's stadium "solution" as a squandered opportunity and a failure.:rant:

http://rthtools.org/bratinas_positio...ic/bratina.png

Why would Bratina mention he had support for all day GO? We didn't get all day GO. It's pointing out a failure.

This is my perception exactly.

By the way, I think that many on this forum will tend to support McHattie or Eisenberger or, if not, at least have "urban" viewpoints on many issues. If this election is at all framed in "city versus suburban" issues, McHattie and Eisenberger will both lose in spectacular fashion.

Bratina was one of the most consistently 'urban' voting councillors prior to his mayoral run. Very similar to Jason Farr. They understand their constituents. He has happened to antagonize council more than his predecessors, but I don't think it's changed anything. The key point that overwhelms any policy angle a councillor may claim to have is that the city is broke and can't raise new money. Bratina couldn't have been a better friend to the liberals and all he got was a pittance for so-called all day Go.

I'm surprised Hamilton doesn't have Rob Ford type trying to get elected. I pay as much in taxes as my friends with houses worth twice as much in Toronto. I think the answer is that the likes of Pasuta, Jackson, Ferguson and Clark could really care less about their jobs and are just pulling in salaries.

I think both will run. But whoever screws up or is doing weak in the polls will likely pull his name and throw his support to the other candidate before the election.

Opinion about the solution is one thing - yes, it's not the preferable outcome (and he will wear the t-shirt for that ;)).

I mean the way he took action. He actually took charge and did something to bring the issue to a close, like a leader should.

Compare that to his track record on transit, the Mayor's office personnel issues, the uneven interaction with the local media, his relative silence on heritage issues, his relationship to city council, etc... all have been handled in a very un-leader-like manner.

If a candidate quits the mayoral race, can he or she become a candidate for ward councilor? Would it just depend on the cut-off date for announcing candidacy?

^ No, it's run for Mayor or nothing.

With all due respect, I understand your opinion, but again, completely disagree.

If you'll recall, the old Ivor Wynne stadium site was chosen onlly because council was led to believe that there was only enough money for half of a stadium. The north stands were supposed to remain, and only the south side was to be demolished and rebuilt.

Council agreed. made sense at the time, but lo and behold, looky, looky, sometime later it was established that there was enough money for a whole new stadium after all.

IMO, council was duped.

My question is: Was Bratina a duper or dupee?

I firmly believe that if the stadium was being built at West harbour the Tiger-Cats would have closed out Ivor Wynne Stadium this past year and would playing at West harbour in 6 months. There simply is no other place for them to play.

I retract what I said about Bratina showing leadership re: the stadium. Re-reading the stories of the day, he was actually more of a middleman than anything in the decision to reconstruct at the IWS site.


Yes they were led to believe it was the cheapest option, also with the fewest site-related risks. And it was the only one acceptable to the Cats that could be agreed upon before the latest deadline that had been imposed by the Pan Am committee. And Young's 180 on what would make for a profitable franchise was an amazing spin :irked:.

Then it turned out to be more expensive, so the province topped up funding... then it turned out the north stands couldn't be renovated to current building codes, but apparently could be rebuilt within budget... then the decision to re-orient the field... then the underwhelming design that had limited local input... What's next?

I don't want to revisit the whole debate, but I don't agree with how the city handled the stadium, nor with how the Ti-Cats handled it, nor with how the Pan Am organizers have handled it either. This is a prime case study in how not to plan and execute a project. :rolleyes:

Right now all I want is to watch some football there. :cheers:

Baldasaro runs to fix ‘broken system’
(Flamborough Review, Kevin Werner, Jan 11 2014)

Michael Baldasaro wants Hamilton politics to be about the people of the city, not just the residents who have money or influence.

That’s why Baldasaro, 65, registered to run for mayor Jan. 2. He quietly filled out his nomination forms as Ward 1 councillor Brian McHattie held a news conference on the ground floor of city hall.

“I wouldn’t be standing here if there wasn’t a need to for somebody to communicate with the real people, the ones who don’t have money, that don’t have influence,” said Baldasaro in an interview.

While he has made his name over the years by running for municipal, provincial and federal office championing marijuana legalization, he has made it a point to talk about the “ordinary” people who are ignored by politicians and see a system that has failed them.

“The city needs somebody from the people,” he said. “Same old suits.”

Pointing to McHattie during his news conference, Baldasaro says politicians are never around except during an election.

“I never see any of those guys,” he said.


Read it in full here.

Completely agreed

"Early Birds" - Meet Crystal Lavigne
(The Hamiltonian, Jan 11 2014)

Can you tell us why you chose to run in this election? What do you hope to accomplish?

I chose to run in the election because we need a drastic change of leadership at City Hall and for the city of Hamilton. Right now the city of Hamilton is stagnant and is going to continue down that path if we don't start making new changes at City Hall. I hope to be able to bridge the generational gap at City Hall. I hope to lead Hamilton into the future, setting the stage for success not only on a municipal level, but one that will be noticed provincially and perhaps, federally as well. For a large city, Hamilton is an alright place to live. Alright isn't good enough- I want Hamilton to be the BEST place to live. The city in which to build a future. Where families stay because it is a safe place to live, work and play.

Can you briefly describe your experience, and/or what you believe you have to offer as a candidate.

As a mom to five amazing children, I believe I have a lot of quick-thinking, fair and rational problem solving skills to bring to the table. I can offer the voice of reason, stability, structure and calmness in some of the most chaotic situations. I believe in balance. I am a self-determined, self-driven achiever of goals, and believe that my willingness to be open and communicate with those at City Hall and people of Hamilton will be an important asset to have as mayor.

I normally wouldn't post to someone's personal Facebook page, but that's how she requested people contact her. Unfortunately, she has two, and I'm not sure which is more "official."

https://www.facebook.com/crystal.lavigne.716
https://www.facebook.com/crystal.mahoneylavigne

She also "cleaned up" the personal one that she had before entering the mayoral race. She had some rather choice words regarding immigration and multiculturalism and some rather outspoken Ford Nation support on there. No thanks.

Councillor continues to mull mayoral bid
(Ancaster News, Kevin Werner, Jan 14 2014)

Lloyd Ferguson will be seeking re-election as Ancaster’s councillor.
But not if he decides to run for mayor, instead.

“I’m keeping my powder dry,” said Ferguson. “I’m listening to the community, listening to my constituents.”

But what a sizable number of people in Ancaster have been telling the businessman-turned-politician is to remain a councillor.

“I’m getting that (response),” acknowledged Ferguson. “I got it at Tim Hortons. Somebody said, ‘Stay where you are.’ The problem is when you run for mayor (and) lose, you’re out. But that is a calculated risk I will have to give consideration to.”

Ferguson said he expects to make a decision on his political future by the spring.

Residents will be able to talk to Ferguson about what he should do, and other issues, at his New Year’s levee scheduled to be held Jan. 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Ancaster’s Old Town Hall.


Read it in full here.

Wicked. Anyway, with a name like Crystal, it's little surprise. She no doubt spent her formative years in a trailer park somewhere.

But Crystal's the prejudiced one, right?