[markbarbera]

Would someone please list off all these "former media personalities" that have allegedly underserved us in public office? I can only think of four elected officials, past and present, that could be considered media personalities: Stan Keyes as a former MP, Jennifer Mossop as MPP, Bill Kelly as a former city councillor, and Bob Bratina as a current councillor.

Mr. Keyes was MP for over a decade, and served as a cabinet minister for several years, giving Hamilton a seat in cabinet, something we have been lacking since 2006. Jennifer Mossop served only one term before deciding to leave politics, but was a capable parliamentary secretary for the provincial government during that time. Bill Kelly served his ward well during his three terms as councillor before his unsuccessful run at federal politics. Bob Bratina is serving his consituency well, a better performer than most in our current council.

I guess it bothers me when someone's candidacy is written off because of some pre-conceived notion of what kind of people would serve Hamilton well. It bothers me more when the facts surrounding the preconception is at best weak. Specifically, I don't know enough about Dan McLean's political opinions to pass judgement on his abilities to hold the job. But that is something fleshed out during the electoral process.

Perhaps I have the wrong end of the stick here. It is possible there are many more media personalities that have held public office here that I am not aware of, and they have been ineffective in their roles. If so, please enlighten me with examples.