2014 Mayoral Election - Page 12

thistleclub · #**221** Posted **Apr 20, 2014, 3:57 PM**

Two interesting data visualizations of Hamilton's current council from CityBlocs: one showing linkages between two councillors when they vote together 85% of the time, the other 65% of the time.

It is unclear how variables such as health-related absences were factored into the data, but it's intriguing to see that there is apparently greater unanimity within wards 2-6 than 1-5.

SteelTown · #**222** Posted **Apr 30, 2014, 2:54 PM**

Larry Di Ianni supports former rival Fred Eisenberger at Stoney Creek announcement

Cory Ruf
https://twitter.com/CoryRuf/status/4...560768/photo/1

ihateittoo · #**223** Posted **Apr 30, 2014, 3:31 PM**

does this seal the deal? or raise some eyebrows?

very interesting.

coalminecanary · #**224** Posted **Apr 30, 2014, 6:22 PM**

weird!

I'd like to hear Fred's comments on aegd

durandy · #**225** Posted **Apr 30, 2014, 7:58 PM**

http://www.thehamiltonian.net/2014/0...yoral-bid.html

The word “Aerotropolis” may be catchy to some, but it is a misnomer. The Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD) is a large swath of land around the airport that will be used for future commercial business development. It doesn’t necessarily need to be airport-related, but it is a logical place to grow Hamilton’s commercial job creating tax base.

It should never be allowed to turn into residential development, as Hamilton has enough space for that type of growth elsewhere. Currently, Hamilton is almost at capacity for shovel ready employment lands. As we attempt to aggressively attract more commercial/industrial enterprise and jobs, ready lands will be needed to situate them.

While my preference is to stay focused on repurposing brownfeilds, the unfortunate reality is that our brownfields are scattered and complex, and are not usually the type of land new enterprise is seeking. But there are creative ways to reuse brownfeilds and that too should be a priority. The bottom line is we need aggressive economic development. That is why I as Mayor advanced an unprecedented $1.5 million increase in the department’s annual budget so that they would have the additional manpower and resources to generate more economic activity. The results have been evident in the new businesses that have been secured over the past 4 or 5 years. But we need to do much more if we hope to grow the commercial/industrial tax base, create jobs and take the pressure off of the residential taxpayer. All that effort and investment will be for naught if we have no place to put these new businesses.

coalminecanary · #**226** Posted **Apr 30, 2014, 10:23 PM**

That's unfortunate because it's not a logical place to grow the tax base at all. There are significant restrictions to the types of developments and businesses allowed around airports. We would have been better off aggressively pursuing businesses to locate near the QEW instead of handing it over to walmart...

Dr Awesomesauce · #**227** Posted **May 1, 2014, 12:29 AM**

Re DiIanni supporting Eisenberger

Four years too late, jerk face! Four years of Bratina has been more than I can cope with.

mattgrande · #**228** Posted **May 2, 2014, 12:10 AM**

First mayoral debate is apparently happening right now. Mr Coleman livestreaming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHKGUB2Qczg

mattgrande · #**229** Posted **May 2, 2014, 1:46 AM**

I'm no closer to knowing who to vote for... I like McHattie, I like Eisenberger, I even like a lot of what Clark is saying (although less than the other two).

Ejaz Butt is too soft spoken to be a leader. Lavigne impressed in some spots, but fell flat in others.

Of note, all six candidates oppose a downtown casino, and support an expanded Flamborough casino.

Baldasarro only mentioned pot once, but water fluoridation three times...

CaptainKirk · #**230** Posted **May 2, 2014, 3:46 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattgrande

I'm no closer to knowing who to vote for... I like McHattie, I like Eisenberger, I even like a lot of what Clark is saying (although less than the other two).

Ejaz Butt is too soft spoken to be a leader. Lavigne impressed in some spots, but fell flat in others.

Of note, all six candidates oppose a downtown casino, and support an expanded Flamborough casino.

Baldasarro only mentioned pot once, but water fluoridation three times...

Agreed. Already liked McHattie and Eisenberger, and liked Clark more after tonight's event. Want to hear more of what he has to say.

oldcoote · #**231** Posted **May 2, 2014, 1:11 PM**

Let's not forget that while Eisenberger had some great ideas, he lacked the klout to get anything done the last time he was mayor.
I think McHattie and Clark have more sway with council.

PBRSTREETGANG · #**232** Posted **May 2, 2014, 2:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldcoote

Let's not forget that while Eisenberger had some great ideas, he lacked the klout to get anything done the last time he was mayor.
I think McHattie and Clark have more sway with council.

Not sure I'd agree with that characterization of FE. Got the Lister done, didn't he? The putative stadium fiasco was hardly his fault. Let's not equate soft-spokeness with lacking strength and ability.

bigguy1231 · #**233** Posted **May 2, 2014, 3:45 PM**

It doesn't really matter who the mayor is when it comes to policy at city hall. The mayor is just one vote on council and is nothing more than the frontman for that policy. Council dictates the agenda not the mayor.

movingtohamilton · #**234** Posted **May 2, 2014, 3:48 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

It doesn't really matter who the mayor is when it comes to policy at city hall. The mayor is just one vote on council and is nothing more than the frontman for that policy. Council dictates the agenda not the mayor.

A mayor with actual strength as a leader, a consensus-builder, a thinker and a do-er, becomes much more than a "frontman". He/she can set the tone and pace of policy. He/she can inspire people, be provocative and thoughtful.

The dullard currently serving us is a frontman, and not much more.

bigguy1231 · #**235** Posted **May 2, 2014, 4:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by movingtohamilton

A mayor with actual strength as a leader, a consensus-builder, a thinker and a do-er, becomes much more than a "frontman". He/she can set the tone and pace of policy. He/she can inspire people, be provocative and thoughtful.

The dullard currently serving us is a frontman, and not much more.

Not really. Even seemingly strong and popular mayors have a difficult time setting the agenda. In most cases it's all smoke and mirrors. It may seem like they are getting what they want done but the reality is they are just on the side of the majority of council. Big issues don't drive councils ward issues do. Making sure the garbage is picked up and the snow is plowed is more important on a ward basis than public transit is.

movingtohamilton · #**236** Posted **May 2, 2014, 4:06 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

Not really. Even seemingly strong and popular mayors have a difficult time setting the agenda. In most cases it's all smoke and mirrors. It may seem like they are getting what they want done but the reality is they are just on the side of the majority of council. Big issues don't drive councils ward issues do. Making sure the garbage is picked up and the snow is plowed is more important on a ward basis than public transit is.

If all of what you posted is factually correct, and is specific to Hamilton, then we will never get past the fuster-cluck of the small-town approach to anything.

As residents we can demand more than mediocrity, and fight for it too.

bigguy1231 · #**237** Posted **May 2, 2014, 10:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by movingtohamilton

If all of what you posted is factually correct, and is specific to Hamilton, then we will never get past the fuster-cluck of the small-town approach to anything.

As residents we can demand more than mediocrity, and fight for it too.

Most people are content with the mundane when it comes to municipal politics. I think you will find that to be true in most cities not just here in Hamilton. Local politics are about local issues as simple as I mentioned earlier.

mattgrande · #**238** Posted **May 3, 2014, 9:07 PM**

Got robocalled by Brad Clark. He's hosting a telephone town hall on May 7. I didn't catch the other details, sorry.

bigguy1231 · #**239** Posted **May 3, 2014, 9:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattgrande

Got robocalled by Brad Clark. He's hosting a telephone town hall on May 7. I didn't catch the other details, sorry.

I also got a call from them today. Didn't get any details either, I just hung up.

Dr Awesomesauce · #**240** Posted **May 4, 2014, 1:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainKirk

Agreed. Already liked McHattie and Eisenberger, and liked Clark more after tonight's event. Want to hear more of what he has to say.

Don't drink the Kool-aid, man. Clark's a professional politician and in that company - next to an addled pot advocate - he'd start to look awfully good.

In my experience (i.e. watching Council meetings on TV), he's always come across as a 'status quo' kinda guy, not to mention being seriously crusty.

Not gonna get my vote > not even close.