2014 Mayoral Election

[HillStreetBlues]

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

All voters to one extent or another look out for their own interests. Most are happy with their local councilor as long as they take care of the basics and most councilors are very good at doing that. Thats why they get re elected over and over again. Municipal politics is pretty basic. See to it that roads are plowed and garbage is picked up and all will be good.

I know that this opinion is very common (that’s why turnout is so low municipally- “municipal politics is pretty basic,” so it’s not a big deal if I don’t make it out), but it’s dead wrong. Firstly, most councillors are not “very good” at doing the basics. City staff is fairly good at doing the basics (because the basics are basic! And cities have been doing them for a long time.) Councillor so-and-so is not out troubleshooting waste collection when it’s garbage day in his ward.

Secondly, the elementary nature of much of what we traditionally associate with the municipal level of government is no longer even close to the only thing a municipality does. I think that, in a city of any size (even much smaller than Hamilton), it would behoove us to realize that budgets have become very large, and the breadth of different services very wide. We need much more professional councillors than we have here in Hamilton, and to get them we need to regard them as professionals who are managing much more than “basic services.”

[thistleclub]

Eisenberger says he's still current enough to be mayor
(CBCHamilton, Samantha Craggs, Oct 4, 2013)

A former Hamilton mayor says he’s still current enough to run for the city’s top job in 2014.

Fred Eisenberger spent one term as mayor, but hasn’t been on council since 2010, when Bob Bratina was elected mayor.

Eisenberger went on to spend two years as CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute. But he says he’s kept abreast of municipal politics.

He announced his intention last week to seek election in fall 2014. Nominations open on Jan. 1.

Eisenberger talked to CBC Hamilton about campaign debt, joining Twitter and his former ally-turned-rival, mayoral hopeful Coun. Brian McHattie.

Next week, we'll post our interview with McHattie.

AUDIO

Highlights:

Why do you want to get back into municipal politics? (at 0:10 seconds)

“Obviously I’ve got some experience that I can call on to help serve the city of Hamilton. I’ve served it before and I’ve kind of assessed whether or not I have the fire and enthusiasm and energy to come back and do it again, and I believe I do.”

What problems do you think Hamilton has that you can solve? (0:53)

“We’ve got a revenue problem. We, over the decades, have lost a significant amount of industrial capacity and that’s caused an awful strain on our revenue stream from a commercial-industrial perspective, and put an awful strain on the residential tax base. We need to continue to push for new commercial-industrial tax base and new jobs in that area to sustain our city, and to put balance back into the tax regime.”

A criticism of you might be that you haven’t been in municipal politics for a couple of years. You’ve been out of the game. (4:30)

“You’re never really out of the game. You have political capital. And by virtue of being the mayor and on city council for many years, and chair of the Hamilton Port Authority, I’ve got experience and understanding of our city. You don’t spend four years as mayor and not know and get to know the city more than most people in our community. I have that knowledge.”

Is there anything Bob Bratina has done in the last couple of years that you would have done differently? (5:30)

“My approach to politics has always been that you need to have positive, good working relationships with council, with staff, with other levels of government. That needs to be priority No. 1 because to get things done effectively, you need to have that kind of working relationship. And then as well, a good, positive working relationship with the media. Not a cozy one, but certainly a respectful one that allows the mayor and council to get their message out to the general public.”

Brian McHattie has also announced that he plans to run. Are you worried about splitting the vote? (7:10)

“I think the pundits can analyze that. My experience has been that the first order of business for anyone that wants to be a candidate is do you want to do it? Do you have the energy and fire in your belly to see it through? Is there something you want to bring to the table, an issue you want to raise that you think is important for the city? That’s really the only test I put before myself and the answer to all of those is yes.”

One of the more polarizing issues when you were mayor was the stadium debate. How do you think that might impact your campaign? (9:05)

“We’ll see. I think in hindsight, most people would probably agree that I was right about the stadium location. It’s an issue that’s done and gone at this point. The stadium is being built and so be it. The principles that I worked from were what’s in the best interest of the city.”

How much money do you hope to raise and where will you get it? (10:10)

“I have my supporters. We will start thinking about those issues shortly and start mapping out and planning how that’s going to work. I’m not too terribly concerned about that.”

Do you think you’ll be tweeting? (13:50)

I’m sure I’ll be tweeting and I’ll be reinvigorating my 5,000 Facebook friends. Social media will certainly be very high on getting the message out.

[ScreamingViking]

I think he would come back to the mayor's office with more potential and useful experience. His time with the urban institute may have provided him with some different perspectives and let him make some great connections with people in other cities and senior levels of government (which would be advantageous for high profile initiatives like LRT and with issues that involve the broader region).

Having spent 4 years away from the kids in the Main St. sandbox isn't a bad thing either... he may be able to re-establish relationships without as much baggage.

But the baggage of the stadium debate would still be heavy.

[durandy]

Originally Posted by HillStreetBlues

I know that this opinion is very common (that’s why turnout is so low municipally- “municipal politics is pretty basic,” so it’s not a big deal if I don’t make it out), but it’s dead wrong. Firstly, most councillors are not “very good” at doing the basics. City staff is fairly good at doing the basics (because the basics are basic! And cities have been doing them for a long time.) Councillor so-and-so is not out troubleshooting waste collection when it’s garbage day in his ward.

I can name more than one councillor who gets elected purely because they make sure your garbage is picked up the day after the garbagemen didn't pick it up.

As for your other comment, you're right but I don't think an imaginary ínformed electorate or a fulsome civic conversation is going to be the thing that fixes it. Municipal politics are hobbled by the lack of leadership, both by the absence of political parties and the lack of an executive arm or strong mayor.

[thistleclub]

The games mayoral rivals play
(Hamilton Spectator, Andrew Dreschel, Oct 25 2013 2013)

The 2014 mayoral election is a year away, but the early warning systems are already clanging at city hall.

That's no surprise, what with the number of early bird candidates stacking up to take on Mayor Bob Bratina, who's made it clear he intends to seek another term.

So far, Councillor Brian McHattie and former mayor Fred Eisenberger say they're definitely going after the top job, while Councillor Lloyd Ferguson has signalled he may be joining the field when the time is right.

That makes it all but impossible not to filter their comments and comportment through the prism of the coming race.

Consider this week's board of health meeting dealing with Ferguson's high-profile push to equip local restaurants and municipal buildings with epinephrine auto-injectors to resist life-threatening allergic reactions.

A serious issue seriously dealt with, to be sure.

But to the amusement of councillors and reporters, Bratina seemed to be demonstrating a pronounced allergic reaction to the positive media attention his potential rival was garnering for his efforts.

It began when Councillor Terry Whitehead asked the clerk to screen a CTV News clip highlighting the EpiPen issue and Ferguson's "groundbreaking motion, likely a world first."

Bratina, who chairs the board, wanted to know how the CTV piece got on the agenda, suggesting the staff report should be heard first.

Too late. The laudatory clip was already rolling on the overhead screen.

"Is this much longer?" Bratina groused as the broadcast laurels accumulated on Ferguson's brow.

Later, after the video and a presentation were over, Bratina grilled the clerk.

Turns out the CTV link was provided by Ferguson's office for "context" to the debate.

Bratina left the room, missing the debate, Ferguson's demo of how the simple devices work, and the unanimous vote in favour of a pilot project.

His prickly reaction wasn't lost on Sam Merulla, who somewhat mischievously suggested running the video at Wednesday's council meeting.

At that council meeting, Merulla couldn't resist poking Bratina's apparent tender spot. He applauded Ferguson's leadership and labelled the CTV item an "exciting" broadcast, which gave Hamilton national coverage.

"It's a rarity when we have somebody bring forward an initiative that is leading internationally," he said, adding he wished he'd thought of it.

You don't have to dig deep for that subtext: Bratina has been notoriously slack at championing initiatives as mayor.

McHattie echoed the praise for Ferguson.

"This demonstrates strong leadership," he said, noting the broadcast shows Hamilton in a positive light.

Why so nice, considering Ferguson might be a mayoral rival? Well, McHattie does tend to fancy the high road. On the other hand, he may have been indulging in a little payback.

During another part of the board of health meeting, Bratina implicitly took McHattie to task for referring to air pollution in Hamilton as a "health crisis," despite incremental improvements.

Whitehead joined the Ferguson parade, thanking him for making Hamilton look "cutting edge" internationally.

"Clearly, on some issues you need leadership and I think there was some leadership shown on this particular file."

Did somebody say 'leadership?'

Before council finally approved the pilot program, Ferguson thanked his colleagues for all their support, supplementing their gold stars with a collective blue ribbon.

Throughout the love-in, Bratina sat silently in his chair, staring stonily into the distance — like someone contemplating the unforgiving year ahead.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Does McHattie know something we don't? I can't imagine him having broad enough support to win a mayoral election. I hope I'm wrong, however. My guess is he's had it with council and is taking one last run at the top job before hanging up his robe...or whatever the hell it is councillors wear.

[thistleclub]

What will drive Hamilton voters?
(Hamilton Spectator, Matthew Van Dongen, Oct 28 2013)

Brace for a collision between car commuters, bus boosters and light-rail advocates as Hamilton's marathon race for mayor really starts to roll.

Expect the election to play out in the shadow of a stadium that is also the city's biggest and most bitterly debated infrastructure investment in recent history. It could even turn on a toss of the dice over a controversial casino.

Above all, the municipal vote will hinge on the question of leadership, say opinion leaders polled by The Spec a year before the Oct. 27, 2014 vote. The right champion for the economy, transit and a council still divided along suburban-urban lines.

With campaign-style jousting already under way, The Spectator gives you a taste of a few meaty issues that could frame the battle for the city's top job.

Transportation

Keanin Loomis wants our next mayor to show "vision, leadership and ambition" in transforming our transportation system — which the chamber of commerce head considers the "biggest drag" on Hamilton's economy.

Different candidates will define transit leadership in different ways, predicts Marvin Ryder, an assistant professor in McMaster's school of business. He argues Mayor Bob Bratina "bet heavily" on bringing all-day GO Train service to Hamilton as a winning formula — even as Metrolinx pushes timely service further into the future.

Bratina has also infuriated transit advocates by refusing to champion a much-debated light-rail transit line that would run east-west through the city. His known competitors, Councillor Brian McHattie and former mayor Fred Eisenberger, are fervent LRT supporters — but they'd face a challenge keeping council support on the rails if Ontario doesn't pay the $1-billion tab.

It's not all about light rail. City bus ridership is languishing, and the debate over two-way traffic conversions and complete streets remains hot. Ancaster Councillor and rumoured mayoral candidate Lloyd Ferguson, an LRT fan, has warned against shrinking too many major traffic arteries for bike lanes or two-way conversions because of congestion.

The stadium

Just before the election, Hamilton voters should wander into a new $145-million Tim Hortons Field for the first time. Ryder wonders which memories will stick with them at the polls. "Will it be the Ticats' first game in the new stadium? Or will it be that empty wasteland in the west harbour? I think it's a very open question."

Eisenberger was pummeled in the last election over the bitter battle — an effort that saw the city spend millions to buy out reluctant homeowners for a failed west harbour stadium.

Bratina helped broker a deal with the Tiger-Cats — who had threatened to leave town over the west harbour plan — to rebuild Ivor Wynne instead.

But that forced compromise wasn't popular, said Larry Di Ianni. The former mayor, who said he isn't considering another run at the job "at the moment," suggested residents won't easily forget the divisive and sometimes ridiculous stadium battle.

"I think the considered opinion of the majority is the stadium is in the wrong place," Di Ianni said. "It's possible someone could be held to account for that."

Council relations

Bratina's thorny relationship with council looms large in the upcoming election.

In 2012, Bratina was found to have broken council's code of conduct after lying about who initiated a $30,000 raise for his chief of staff, Peggy Chapman. That finding spurred a unanimous council censure. Both were firsts for a Hamilton mayor.

The mayor is also awaiting the results of a second ethics complaint investigation spurred by a confrontation with city manager Chris Murray during a fractious LRT debate.

Finally, council tried to rein in the mayor's ability to lobby senior levels of government on his own by creating a "governmental relations" team to "assist" him in high-level talks.

An effective mayor needs a "thick skin" and a "strong relationship" with a majority of council colleagues, said Terry Cooke, past chair of the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth and champion of the eventual amalgamated city.

Cooke wouldn't discuss the record of Bratina or any other potential mayoral candidate. However, he said that in general, finding common ground in politically diverse Hamilton isn't easy. "When I left (politics), I said it was time to let someone else use my Kevlar vest. I was only half-joking."

Economy

Expect anyone on the current council gunning for the mayor's chair to "take credit for all the cranes," said Ryder, pointing to a construction boom that featured $1 billion in building permits in 2010.

The visible reminder of new prosperity may sway voters, he said. But on the other hand, "a lot of people are ready to just vote for the guy likeliest to keep their taxes down."

He said council should be proud of recent budget restraint, including an average 1.9 per cent tax bump in 2013. But that record could easily be forgotten in another "nasty showdown" next spring over a bulging police budget already north of $140 million.

Would-be leaders in pursuit of a zero-increase budget can't forget those Hamiltonians living in poverty, said Cooke, head of the Hamilton Community Foundation. "I think the debate has to include a conversation about how we build on momentum in our inner city neighbourhoods."

Casino

A $200-million downtown hotel and casino was shunted to the back burner this term after council voted to keep rural Flamboro Downs as its preferred gaming site.

But if the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commission survives a change in leadership and an auditor's review of its expansion plans, the controversial casino proposal might still come alive to rile up a divided electorate.

"Our (chamber of commerce) membership is quite split, so it should obviously be an issue," said Loomis.

Cooke said many social and health agencies, including the foundation, are on the record stating a casino "would be particularly bad news" for downtown residents.

"I think (candidates) would have to declare themselves on that one pretty quickly," he said.

[coalminecanary]

Originally Posted by Dr Awesomesauce

Does McHattie know something we don't? I can't imagine him having broad enough support to win a mayoral election. I hope I'm wrong, however. My guess is he's had it with council and is taking one last run at the top job before hanging up his robe...or whatever the hell it is councillors wear.

This is exactly what I have been telling people. He has been murmuring about leaving his seat for some time - perhaps he figures it's better to go out in a mayoral attempt rather than just drop off council? I have a hard time believing he'd muster enough citywide support to win.

My hope is that we see a whole bunch of councillors throw in for mayor - even if one of the nitwits wins, it's only 4 years of pain and if it gets a handful of others out of council then it's totally worth it.

[HillStreetBlues]

Originally Posted by coalminecanary

My hope is that we see a whole bunch of councillors throw in for mayor - even if one of the nitwits wins, it's only 4 years of pain and if it gets a handful of others out of council then it's totally worth it.

You’re exactly right, this would be an excellent outcome.

[ScreamingViking]

Perhaps fewer incumbents and a greater number of key issues would draw more people out to vote.

That is probably a false hope.

[durandy]

just watch, we'll next see Tom Jackson murmur about running. They just do it to make people think they are actually doing any work to confirm their council spot. McHattie different story, while I like the guy he's not exactly a formidable presence. Merulla on the other hand might have a real chance, what with likely union and NDP support and greater flair.

[thistleclub]

Table is set for more citizen engagement
(Hamilton Spectator, Howard elliott, Oct 29 2013)

The ingredients are all on the table for an exhilarating degree of citizen engagement in next fall's municipal election.

Even a year out, we have the makings of a vigorous race for the mayor's chair. Former mayor Fred Eisenberger has signalled he will run, as has Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie. Incumbent Bob Bratina is probably in, and respected suburban councillor Lloyd Ferguson is apparently leaning that way. If only those four run, there should be enough competing visions to spark public interest.

There is encouraging grassroots interest, even this far out. The Hamilton Civic League is conducting an exhaustive poll trying to ascertain what matters to Hamilton voters. If enough respondents give it critical mass, it could be an important democratic tool leading up to and during the campaign. (To complete the survey, go to civicleague.ca)

McHattie's early entrance to the mayor's race already has potential successors musing about running in Ward 1. An incumbent stepping aside isn't that common in Hamilton, and it's good in the sense that new blood and ideas surface and get attention.

The power of incumbency is on many minds. It's a force to be reckoned with in any jurisdiction, but more so in Hamilton simply because we have so many long-term councillors. That has led to calls for term limits, which is an issue that deserves wide discussion. Because a change in provincial legislation is required to impose term limits, it won't happen for the 2014 election. But it could for the next one.

On one hand, term limits would address the issue of the incumbency juggernaut. But others argue the electorate will impose term limits when it's appropriate — it's called voting day — and inflexible legislation isn't the answer. Vigorous debate, and perhaps even a question on the election ballot, are appropriate.

Transportation and related issues — walkable neighbourhoods and two-way street conversions are examples — could well be ground zero for the battle of competing visions in the election. LRT will continue to be pushed by progressive forces, including a robust urbanist contingent, the chamber of commerce and the development community, but opposed by a sizeable contingent that thinks it unnecessary and unaffordable. How that debate plays out will say a lot about Hamilton's vision and confidence going forward.

Downtown renewal is already well under way, so doesn't need as much focus during this election as in the past, but the type of development is bound to remain controversial. The casino debate is not dead by any stretch, so expect that to resurface.

A year is a long time to build and maintain citizen engagement. Let's hope the current encouraging signs continue to bear fruit.

[thistleclub]

McHattie first to register for mayoral race
(Hamilton Mountain News, Kevin Werner, Dec 31 2013)

Hamilton councillor Brian McHattie will be the first mayoral candidate out of the gate when he registers at city hall Jan. 2 for the 2014 municipal election.

The Ward 1 councillor is expected to be surrounded by family members and supporters when he officially puts his name down on what is expected to be a crowded mayoral field. The municipal election is scheduled for Oct. 27, 2014.

This will be the second time McHattie has run for mayor. Back in 1997 he launched a challenge against long-time incumbent mayor Bob Morrow, placing fourth after receiving 5.4 per cent of the vote. Morrow continued on as mayor until Ancaster mayor Bob Wade upset his goal of becoming the first mayor of the new amalgamated city in 2000.

In the 2003 municipal election, McHattie upset incumbent Ward 1 councillor Marvin Caplan, capturing 57 per cent of the vote. Over the next two municipal elections, he has boosted his vote percentage from 62 per cent in 2006 to 64 per cent in 2010.

McHattie over the years has become well-known around the council table fighting for environmental issues, pushing for sustainable development, curtailing urban boundary expansion, and supporting alternative modes of transportation, including light-rail transit. McHattie was born in Weston, Ont., and moved to Hamilton in 1987.

He worked for Environment Canada, the Hamilton Conservation Authority and was working towards a PhD when he won political office in 2003.

Potential candidates for municipal office need to register before they can officially receive campaign donations under the Ontario Municipal Elections Act.
McHattie is also scheduled to officially kick off his mayoral campaign later in January.

Mayor Bob Bratina is expected to seek re-election, although he has given no hint as to when that will happen. Bratina will be issuing his State of the City address Jan. 8 at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s breakfast meeting in the StelcoTower in downtown Hamilton.

[thistleclub]

McHattie makes 2014 mayoral run official
(Hamilton Spectator, Jan 2 2014)

It's already a race for mayor in Hamilton just halfway through the first day of registrations for the 2014 municipal election.

Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie made official his long-expected run at the mayor's chair Tuesday morning, promising to be a more activist and co-operative mayor than incumbent Bob Bratina.

McHattie suggested the current mayor has alienated council colleagues and been largely sidelined as a result.

"It needs to be a much more collaborative approach," he said. "It's not really clear to us at council what he's doing at Queen's Park or in Ottawa."

McHattie said he'll consult citywide with residents before releasing a formal platform, but he highlighted jobs, air quality and transparency at city hall as areas in need of improvement.

Bratina is expected to run again but wouldn't confirm that plan Tuesday.

He argued his relationship with councillors, most of whom voted to censure him in 2012, has been good when it mattered.

"I had support for issues that I championed, that were close to me," he said, pointing to all-day GO transit and the controversial Pan Am stadium compromise location.

The day's second mayoral race registrant dismissed both council veterans out of hand.

"They're the same-old same-old," said Michael Baldasaro, himself an election fixture in Hamilton.

Would-be councillor Matthew Green lined up at City Hall before 8 a.m. on Thursday, to get a head-start on the long march to voting day.

To be fair, it's been a long wait already.

"I've been thinking about it since Grade 4," said the grinning Ward 3 candidate, the first to register for the Oct. 27 municipal election.

The 33-year-old community organizer was followed quickly Ward 1 candidate Jason Allen.

The 41-year-old Metrolinx employee was the first to throw his hat in the ring to replace incumbent McHattie.

[thistleclub]

Hamilton’s debt mayor’s 'biggest concern'
(Hamilton Mountain News, Kevin Werner, Jan 1 2014)

Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina is hinting there could be a few new projects in store for the city that will kick off 2014 with a bang.
But what’s haunting the mayor is the city’s looming debt problem that has Hamilton’s future at a crossroads.

“My biggest concern going forward is our debt load will go from here to here,” said Bratina, during an interview at his 2014 New Year’s Day levee at city hall. “That’s something we have to look at.”

His fear is Hamilton could become like China where it used debt financing to build its infrastructure at a rapid pace in its municipalities, leaving the country with a large debt, and empty buildings.

“I’m terrified what happened in China,” he said. “That building boom occurred in municipalities. They have cities with big apartment blocks with nobody in them. We need to be aware of that.”

The city’s financial staff has already warned councillors late last year about the city’s rising debt levels. In 2013 the tax and rate supported debt is about $294 million, but it’s expected to jump to over $800 million in 2014, and nearly $1 billion in 2015 and 2016. In addition, the city’s infrastructure deficit is at a worrying $1.5 billion. The city’s credit agencies have the municipality at AA, which is considered strong.

As Bratina eyes a re-election bid this fall, he says there must be a discussion among candidates about the city’s finances and what direction Hamilton needs to take.

He’s calling the city’s debt problem “the biggest issue” facing the city since “it will set the stage for (how Hamilton grows) over the next four years.

Bratina, who is expect to register to run again for mayor, but needs to take care of a few things first, follows a “mantra” that says “live within your means, do as much as you can, and make the most with what you have.”

Meanwhile, Bratina says there are a couple of “new projects” that will be unveiled shortly that should excite the community. But he refused to talk about them now.

Read it in full here.

[thistleclub]

Fred Eisenberger: On Running for Mayor
(The Hamiltonian, Jan 3 2014)

Clr. McHattie recently registered as a mayoral candidate and is apparently beginning a consultative process to finalize his platform. Although Mayor Bratina has not formally registered, he is expected to. Some speculate that if you do run, it may split the vote which will bolster the chances of the incumbent, if he does run. Does this give you any cause for pause? You had previously indicated that you would also be running. Is your resolve still the same?

Thank you for the question Diane. I will reiterate my previous comment to you... ”Now more than ever, our city needs strong leadership, clear vision and a well developed plan, along with the ability to collaborate effectively, build positive relationships with all of our institutions, organizations and other levels of government to build pride and confidence in our community and its people. I have been encouraged many, many times over the past few years to give the important position of Mayor of the city of Hamilton serious consideration , and I am. My focus has always been to build a clean, green and prosperous city that will once again embrace innovation, ambition and compassion to the benefit of all the diverse people that make up our city. I am consulting broadly on all of this throughout the community. I thank all of those that are sending my notes of encouragement and I look forward to my final decision in the coming ,months. I will be sure to keep all of the media posted......”. Let me add the following:

“My consultations in the broader community the past year or more has gone very, very well and has been very informative. . I have learned much from my time as Mayor and as the Chief Executive officer and President of the Canadian Urban Institute ( an organization dedicated towards building sustainable, liveable cities in Canada and throughout the world) and from the many citizens and leaders I have conferred with over the past 4 years. I look forward to filing the nomination papers in the near future and then let the voters decide who has the best experience, passion and ability to lead our city forward.”

I wish the Hamiltonian and all of your viewers and subscribers a healthy and prosperous 2014.

Cheers

Fred Eisenberger

[thistleclub]

The election is on. Now, make it personal
(Hamilton Spectator, Matthew Van Dongen, Jan 4 2014)

The 2014 municipal election race is on — but don't feel bad if the finish line seems depressingly far away.

High-profile mayoral candidates started declaring themselves early last fall and election-tinged jousting at council meetings already feels old, 10 months before voting day.

Just remember: you can't afford to tune out.

Local government — like it or not, the most accessible level you've got — is responsible for a yearly $1.3-billion budget that costs the average residential homeowner close to $4,000 in taxes and water rates.

And this year, current and aspiring politicians are staring down a series of budget-busting, history-making calls. Think a $1-billion light-rail line across the city. Two-way street conversions in a historically one-way town. A controversial downtown casino pitch that just won't die.

These decisions can change the value of your home, the face of your neighbourhood, your route to work — maybe even the number of wheels you need to get there.

You choose the decision-makers Oct. 27. We're here to help with a list of looming choices and still-reverberating decisions that could influence your vote.


Van Dongen’s list of hot-button issues is as follows:

01. LRT
02. Casino
03. Stadium
04. West harbour
05. Taxes
06. Council friction
07. Poverty/homelessness
08. Two-way streets
09. Heritage
10. Scandal

Read it in full here


The casino issue is certainly open to electioneering but it's arguably all about posturing and speculation. The OLG’s Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) submission deadline has no real meaning to candidates or the voting public because (a) it’s only the pre-qualifying round; (b) to date, none of the interested parties have been revealed; and (c) the important phase of the procurement process is the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage, which will proceed at a time of OLG’s choosing (ie. "Target release in the coming months"). The OLG’s first three gaming RFPQs closed by March 14, 2013, yet AFAIK, none of the potential players have yet been outed... around 300 days later. The GTA West RFPQ evaluation phase would almost certainly last as long. The RFP timeline is anyone's guess, and it's only during the RFP phase that facility siting is determined.

[coalminecanary]

How is the stadium an issue, it's already being built

[Jon Dalton]

I guess they just need to have issues. Even though there is no point arguing over it, Eisenberger lost the West Harbour stadium and Bratina settled for Ivor Wynne. The other candidates will have a field day.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by Jon Dalton

I guess they just need to have issues. Even though there is no point arguing over it, Eisenberger lost the West Harbour stadium and Bratina settled for Ivor Wynne. The other candidates will have a field day.

It wouldn't be an election without being able to point fingers over past issues.