2010 Mayoral Election [Archive] - Page 2

SteelTown

Jan 2, 2010, 5:16 PM

Jackson ponders mayoral campaign
Councillor in third decade in office

By Gord Bowes, News Staff
News
Jan 01, 2010
http://www.hamiltonmountainnews.com/news/article/198720

Tom Jackson is considering a run for mayor this fall.

The veteran Ward 6 (east Mountain) councillor said his name will be on the ballot in this year’s municipal election, he just hasn’t decided which position he will be running for.

"I'm getting a lot of encouragement to run for mayor, but I haven't made my mind up yet," Jackson told the Mountain News this week.

He said he is conferring with family and advisors about a possible run for the mayor's office.

The perennially popular Jackson has represented Ward 6 since 1988.

“I believe, God willing, I still have a few more years of public life left in me,” Jackson said.

The 2010 election will be held Oct. 25. Municipal politicians are elected to four-year terms.

Nominations can be filed at the city clerk’s office beginning Monday.

Scott Duvall said he will be seeking a second term as the Ward 7 (central Mountain) councillor. He said fixing streets and sidewalks remain one of his priorities.

Ward 8 (west Mountain) Coun. Terry Whitehead is also looking to be re-elected. “I’ve got a few checks to mark off my list still,” he said.

SteelTown

Jan 2, 2010, 5:17 PM

So far it's shaping up to be Eisenberger vs Jackson. Two former Conservative candidates for MP. Add in Ferguson and it's a trio of Conservative ideology.

realcity

Jan 2, 2010, 10:00 PM

Jackson floats this rumour all the time. He's a nobody to most of the City -- because he does nothing... a huge fence-sitter. A total career politician... If you don't do anything, you can't do anything wrong.

SteelTown

Jan 5, 2010, 1:17 AM

‘New people need to come to city council’
Few comers as registration opens for municipal election

January 04, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/697793

Today was the first day that candidates can formally file their nomination papers for the Oct. 25 municipal election. Once they register, candidates can start raising money for their campaigns.

The first person through the gate was newcomer Jose Pablo Bustamante, who filed his papers to run for Ward 10 councillor just after 9:30 a.m.

Bustamante originally hails from Panama and now runs his own telecom and IT business in Stoney Creek. He says he’s “not afraid” to run against incumbent Maria Pearson.

“New people need to come to city council and new ideas have to flow,” he said. “We’ll see what happens. I have nothing to lose.”

Councillor Scott Duvall, who filed his nomination papers at 2 p.m., was the first sitting council member to throw his hat back into the ring. He said a break in his schedule allowed him to “ just get it over with.”

There were no mayoral candidates among the earlybirds who registered today.

So far, Mayor Fred Eisenberger is the only person to publicly confirm he’ll be in the mayoral race.

Councillor Tom Jackson said he will be running on the municipal ballot “one way or the other this year,” but said he’s still talking to family and political advisors about a mayoral run.

matt602

Jan 5, 2010, 4:48 AM

Pretty disgusting that we're getting candidates with attitudes like "I have nothing to lose" and "get it over with".

This city's politics are utterly pathetic.

emge

Jan 5, 2010, 5:55 AM

So who's going to step up? I think we need more people interested in politics willing to just give it a shot.

Then again I'm young and far too loudmouthed to ever be a politician - but there's a lot of people who I could see giving it a shot ;)

vid

Jan 5, 2010, 7:10 AM

Then again I'm young and far too loudmouthed to ever be a politician

You probably won't win, but you could at least get some ideas out there.

Oracle of Hamilton

Jan 7, 2010, 4:57 PM

Right now there are no worthy candidates that have come forward.Tom Jackson has come across as a fence sitting ditherer, a career kissass small minded politician who does not take a stand on issues. What has he really done for Hamilton over the years? Instead, he has presided over massive tax increases, municipal amalgamation in which the old City of Hamilton got screwed, scandals, and total incompetence. We need a man or woman with balls to turn Hamilton around.

realcity

Jan 7, 2010, 9:22 PM

^ Oracle with his first post^ Props

BTW I agree. Jackson is a nothing.

highwater

Jan 7, 2010, 10:59 PM

I think Oracle has posted on RTH a couple of times, so I'm going with legit.

SteelTown

Jan 7, 2010, 11:05 PM

Either way, Welcome Oracle!

It's shaping to be an extremely boring Mayoral election. We've had two fierce mayoral elections and now it's a bunch of medicore candidates.

SteelTown

Jan 8, 2010, 8:15 PM

Stoney Creek incumbents to run again

By Abigail Cukier, News Staff
News
Jan 08, 2010
http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/news/article/199332

All three Stoney Creek councillors intend to run again in this year’s municipal election on Oct. 25.

Ward 11 Councillor David Mitchell says he cares too much about his community to stop working on council. He also thinks Hamilton needs his voice.

“I bring another perspective of the real world where I live,” he said, referring to the rural areas. “The knowledge I bring to the city as a farmer and businessman and the way things are done, that’s very valuable.”

Mitchell says his council colleagues sometimes need reminding that what works for the inner city or even the suburbs may not work for Winona, upper rural Stoney Creek or Glanbrook.

Looking ahead to 2010, Mitchell has a long list of what he is looking forward to seeing happen in his ward. These include the extension of Dartnall Road into the North Glanbrook Industrial Park.

He also would like to see the name of the development be changed to the Red Hill Business Park to make it more recognizable to companies outside of Hamilton and to highlight the Red Hill Valley Parkway access.

He is also eager to see the shovel in the ground for the Winona commercial development, which includes a Wal-Mart. The development is being challenged at the Ontario Municipal Board.

“I have no control over the Wal-Mart. I cannot control private sector investment, but I want to see commercial development started, as it is needed in the area and there are several locations where things could take place,” he said.

More park space for Winona, expansion of the Winona Seniors Centre, as well as development of the new Winona public school are also on his wish list.

Ward 10 Councillor Maria Pearson is excited about the year ahead and is working with staff to keep things moving on the capital works front.

“We will continue to see more urbanization. Those are the projects I like –where residents see their tax dollars at work and see the results,” she said.

Pearson said she received many compliments on the $3 million upgrades to Millen Road and is looking forward to work being completed on Margaret Avenue and Barton Street.

Without hesitation, Pearson says she will run for council again.

There has been talk that the Hamilton East-Stoney Creek federal Liberal riding association is considering Pearson as a nominee. She did not deny her interest.

“We will see what happens with that. But I love what I do. My heart is in Hamilton and Stoney Creek. I want to get things done here,” she said.

Ward 9 Councillor Brad Clark also has a lot on his list for 2010, including seeing planning for the lower Stoney Creek community centre completed.

The 29,000-square-foot, $13-million centre is slated to be built next to Stoney Creek Arena. The City of Hamilton received funding from the federal and provincial governments through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. As part of the grant requirements, the project must be substantially completed by next March.

Clark would also like to secure private or federal government funding for an interpretive centre at Battlefield House Museum and Park to be built in time for the War of 1812 bi-centennial celebration. He says the gateway at King Street and Centennial Parkway should be completed this year.

He also hopes the study into the Smith’s Knoll excavation will proceed and restoration to Green Acres pool will continue.

Clark also looks forward to approval from the minister of Municipal Affairs of the city’s designation of the Eramosa Karst feeder areas to be protected, as well as the province’s transfer of the land to the Hamilton Conservation Authority.

“If the land is not transferred, it may be protected but it will just sit there,” he said.

Clark registered as a candidate for Ward 9 on Tuesday, citing the projects mentioned.

“Clearly I am not done. There is an awful lot of work here. These projects have a lot of meaning for me and our community.

“People have suggested to me running for mayor. While that’s flattering, at the end of the day, look at all the projects that are halfway or three-quarters of the way done in Ward 9. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to leave my constituents. I want to make sure these get completed.”

PHEW! No Brad Clark for Mayor.

SteelTown

Jan 8, 2010, 8:18 PM

So it looks like all the incumbent councillors are running again. But that could change if Ferguson or Jackson runs for Mayor.

There's also a chance Bratina might not run for councilor since it's been suggested he might run for MP for Hamilton Centre against Christoperson.

highwater

Jan 8, 2010, 11:16 PM

Mitchell says his council colleagues sometimes need reminding that what works for the inner city or even the suburbs may not work for Winona, upper rural Stoney Creek or Glanbrook.

Ah! So that's why he's working so hard to turn everything into a suburb. So there won't be any more confusion.

SteelTown

Jan 8, 2010, 11:43 PM

Reverend Michael Baldasaro just filled the papers to run for Mayor.

Oracle of Hamilton

Jan 9, 2010, 12:19 AM

Thanks for your welcome Steeltown, Highwater, and Realcity!
The topic of municipal elections in Hamilton is a hot one as it should be and deserves regular monitoring and updates.
It's truly unfortunate that the incumbents are lining up fast and furious to declare their candidacies. When incumbents do this early, they are trying to scare off any potential challengers and pick the pockets of donors early in the season.
Regarding the stoney creek candidates, I found it laughable that Clark says he has unfinished business and needs to run again. You know he is doing this on a temporary basis till he can join up with Hudak and go provincial. BTW he screwed his mayoral ambitions by being involved in tapegate. And what on earth are the Liberals thinking by courting Maria Pearson for Hamilton East/Stoney Creek? If all they want is a pretty face then that's fine. But if they want someone who can courageously and tenaciously represent this area that has been hard hit by the de-industrialization of Hamilton, then they are barking up the wrong tree.
It's early yet in Hamilton for credible mayoral challengers to bare their teeth .. keep your fingers crossed, I sense once the 2010 municipal budget deliberations reveal the financial and operating morass we are in, a few people will step up to the plate.

SteelTown

Jan 13, 2010, 5:04 PM

Dan McLean leads in web poll for mayor

By Kevin Werner
News
Jan 13, 2010
http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/news/article/199630

Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger’s former chief of staff has helped to create a website that is encouraging people to run against his former boss.

Ken Audziss and Strategy One created the website www.draftamayor.com in an attempt to generate public interest in municipal elections in a variety of cities in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba.

“The project is most certainly not about Fred or Hamilton,” stated Audziss.

Audziss was the campaign manager for Eisenberger when he pulled his upset victory over former Hamilton mayor Larry Di Ianni in the 2006 municipal election. Audziss became Eisenberger’s chief of staff before leaving the mayoral office in 2008. Audziss is the president of the Hamilton East-Stoney Creek federal Conservative riding association.

“Our primary goal is to get citizens engaged in the process of selecting the leader of their community’s council,” stated the organizers. “We also want to encourage credible candidates to enter mayoral races so that issues facing various municipalities are discussed and debated during the campaign giving voters a clear choice on election day.”

The website will not endorse mayoral candidates.

People can comment on who they want to run for mayor in a number of cities, including Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, Brampton, Vaughan, Windsor, Oshawa, London, and Barrie.

There are seven names proposed for mayor of Hamilton. Topping the list is former CH TV broadcaster Dan McLean, with 167 votes. McLean is the current federal Liberal candidate for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. Close behind is veteran Hamilton mountain councillor Tom Jackson with 140 votes, followed by Ancaster councillor Lloyd Ferguson with 103 supporters, then Eisenberger with 84 votes, but close behind is Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins receiving 81 votes, and even former Hamilton mayor Larry DiIanni with 50 votes. Bringing up the rear is Ancaster resident Diane Elms with 16 votes. Elms ran in the 2006 municipal election. The list of names and the number of votes were as of earlier this week.

In the comment section, Jared states he wants to see McLean run for mayor because “he doesn’t have a hope running for the Liberals against (incumbent Conservative MP) David Sweet.”

Brent supports Jackson because “Tom has a good profile, (and) is able to bring people on council together (unlike Fred).”

In an email message, the operators of the site stated that it was produced in partnership between Strategy One and Momentuum BPO, a Toronto-based campaign and election services consulting firm. The draft a mayor idea started for the Toronto election, but Audziss said he expanded it to include Ontario and the other provinces.

The initial reason for the website was to “ignite interest” in the 2010 municipal election in Toronto. The idea was expanded to include all of Ontario, organizers say.

Municipal elections in the past have attracted few people. In the 2006 contest in Hamilton, only about 36 per cent of the eligible people voted.

Organizers say the response to the website has been “tremendous” with “over 5,000 people participating in the first phase.”

Organizers plan on producing “additional features” and provide local poll results as the municipal election draws near. Audziss stated the website will include candidate biographies, other websites, contact information, and a section to allow citizens to identify issues that are of most concern to them in their municipality.

SteelTown

Jan 13, 2010, 5:08 PM

It's pretty bad when you have your own former chief of staff trying to find a replacement for the Mayor's Office.

I don't know why we can't have any good candidates out there. It's not going to be a huge uphill battle to defeat Mayor Fred.

SteelTown

Jan 16, 2010, 4:49 PM

The mayor's batting average

January 16, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/706136

More transparency. More money for economic development. Safer streets.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger's pledges and promises were thick during his 2006 election campaign. Over the past three years, he's attempted to make good on the hundreds of goals listed in his 24-page election document.

By Eisenberger's tally, 77 per cent of his high-profile campaign promises are either completed or in progress -- a result he says he's very happy with.

Out of the 25 promises reviewed by The Spectator, 10 are completed, 11 are not complete and four are in progress.

Some promises that Eisenberger's office has checked off his list, such as speeding up the harbour cleanup and hiring 100 new police officers, have been listed as incomplete in The Spec's tally.

Many of the promises that weren't delivered died on the council floor, such as Eisenberger's attempt to limit councillors to two terms.

In the past, Eisenberger has drawn criticism for not consulting with council before votes. While former mayor Larry Di Ianni and his staff frequently lined up support before introducing issues, Eisenberger often walked into votes without council support.

As a mayor's success is traditionally measured by his ability to push his agenda through council, Eisenberger's ability to lead is seen as a weak point.

"I think he's vulnerable on the leadership issue," said Di Ianni.

Still, Eisenberger says he likes the collaborative approach and doesn't intend to change his style.

"If the theory is that everything that I want I need to be able to force through council -- I don't think that's sustainable," said Eisenberger. "If I had complete and total authority and control, then everything that I put forward would have been completed and done."

Eisenberger also says he doesn't intend to change his approach to campaign promises heading into this election.

Some of Eisenberger's incomplete campaign promises are likely to reappear on his platform this year, he says, plus several new goals.

"I don't think I'm going to be changing my attitude in terms of putting forward what the city needs."

SteelTown

Jan 16, 2010, 4:51 PM

Is the mayor a man of his word?
The Spec has reviewed Fred Eisenberger's highest-profile promises to see how he's faring in the early days of campaigning for a fall election

January 16, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/706131

Done

Freeze mayor's salary for two years.

Eisenberger fulfilled this promise months after taking office.

Bring flowers back to the medians.

Council gave this the go-ahead during the 2007 budget process.

Start a mayor-for-the-day program.

This program runs regularly for students in Grade 5 and up.

Install bike racks on city buses.

The HSR finished installing racks on all 204 of its buses in October 2007.

Enact an anti-idling bylaw.

Council passed the bylaw in May 2007, though it was at risk of dissolving because council had no way to enforce it.

Create an integrity commissioner.

Develop a code of conduct for council.

After months of delay, Earl Basse began his tenure as integrity commissioner Jan. 1. This is a big victory for Eisenberger, though it took the majority of his term to fulfill this promise.

Embrace community advisory councils.

Council OKed the creation of community councils in May 2008. There are three -- it's still optional for local councillors to create them.

Maintain area rating.

Eisenberger wants to maintain the controversial system, though he argues it needs to be updated. He led the charge to defer any changes to area rating until after October's election.

Revitalize economic development through a non-profit agency with a $3-million budget.

Though the city didn't form a new non-profit agency, council doubled the economic development budget to $3 million.

Not done

Hire 100 new police officers.

The complement of police officers in Hamilton grew from 758 in 2006 to 793 in 2010 -- an increase of only 35 new positions.

Speed up the harbour cleanup.

Eisenberger's office counted this promise as complete due to a funding boost for cleanup from the province. However, in November, Environment Canada said an environmental assessment -- expected last August -- won't be finished until this spring. Reasons cited for the delay include a lack of local funding and design changes.

Ban all corporate and union donations to candidates seeking re-election.

Eisenberger faced roadblocks from both council and the province on this issue.

"Council decided not to go down that path, and chose to ask the province to change the legislation to ban corporate and union donations across the board," he said. "They chose not to do that."

Prohibit elected officials from accepting fees, gifts or personal benefits from their constituents.

Council voted to implement a $200 threshold for reporting gifts, but gifts from constituents are still allowed.

"A ban means that you couldn't take a cup of coffee," he said. "We've set some parameters ... I think that's much improved."

End the lawsuit against the federal government, its employees and former politicians, over the Red Hill Valley Parkway.

Eisenberger has made repeated attempts to drop this suit, though he hasn't been able to get it past council.

Replace ward numbers with names.

According to Eisenberger, there wasn't enough of an appetite on council to make the switch.

"I really didn't want to have that fight, to be honest," he said.

Impose limits of two, four-year terms for mayor and council.

This is another promise that requires provincial approval -- and so far, that hasn't happened. Eisenberger says council hasn't been interested in imposing term limits voluntarily.

Create a development office to help new immigrants open businesses.

Eisenberger says Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO) has sufficiently met this need in Hamilton.

Kill the tax-free portion of mayor's and council's salaries.

Council voted against this proposal in 2007 when they voted to raise their salaries.

Institute free parking in the downtown core after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Though there is some free parking downtown in the evenings, it doesn't go as far as Eisenberger promised in his campaign.

However, Eisenberger says the current system is "robust enough" and providing entirely free parking would be "more complicated."

Hire an independent auditor.

After reviewing the city's auditing process, Eisenberger says the process was "independent enough" and didn't need to be updated.

In progress

Create a lobbyist registry.

The city has created a volunteer lobbyist registry - but there's only one name on the list. The accountability and transparency committee has only just begun its research into the process.

Reduce rural and suburban taxes by increasing the downtown tax base.

The city has boosted its commercial and industrial tax base over the past year. However, residents still provide the city with more tax income than any other sector.

Create a waterfront development corporation.

In September, council directed staff to come up with a detailed proposal for a waterfront corporation that includes a specific mandate, governance structure and potential startup and operating costs.

Pressure the provincial government to take downloaded social services off the city's tax base.

It will take seven years for the province to fully upload social services. Hamilton won't see any benefits until 2012.

SteelTown

Jan 16, 2010, 4:55 PM

Politicians switch to election mode
Next few months will be 'more politics than policy,' says former Di Ianni aide

January 16, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/706084

It's an election year, and that means city politics will be a bit like a magic show.

Voters will see the tricks but won't know what goes into making them happen. And just like a magic act, most of the work will be invisible to the audience.

Though campaigns for the Oct. 25 municipal election won't heat up for months, in backrooms around the city, claws are being sharpened.

According to former regional chairperson Terry Cooke, a municipal candidate needs three things to get elected: money, organization and name recognition. He calls it "the holy trinity."

To get there, incumbents will be making phone calls and sitting down for one-on-ones with big players to try to extract support. For a mayoral run, candidates need about $250,000 -- though dark horse Fred Eisenberger ran his 2006 campaign with just $60,000.

Unlike in Toronto, where several high-profile contenders have already stepped forward to vie for outgoing Mayor David Miller's chair, insiders predict Hamilton's mayoral race will be limited to incumbent Eisenberger and two or three high-profile council members.

That means councillors will be watching each other closely in the coming weeks as they gauge who has the ability -- and the courage -- to challenge Eisenberger.

Around the council table this year, speakers' lists at council will grow as each vies for the spotlight. According to former mayor Larry Di Ianni, the notorious spats and tantrums should die down.

"I think they're going to mind their Ps and Qs a little bit so they don't exacerbate the shouting matches or the fights," he said.

Insiders say Eisenberger should have no trouble finding councillors willing to take his place at events should he be unable to attend. Ribbon-cuttings and community events will see an influx of council members shaking hands and posing for cameras. As Di Ianni says, "The best tool that an incumbent has is to be seen in the position."

At the same time, councillors will start weighing their day-to-day decisions with a political eye.

Mario Joannette, Di Ianni's former executive assistant and campaign manager, said it won't be long before council starts running from decisions that leave them open to mudslinging.

"For the next few months, it's going to be more politics than policy."

The good news is Hamiltonians will see improvements in their wards as councillors seeking re-election start collecting victories to highlight during campaign season.

City Hall watcher and McMaster professor Marvin Ryder argues incumbents will start fighting for tangible improvements -- a new stop sign, repaved roads -- that they can tout to their constituents. Councillor Dave Mitchell already came forward this week with a motion to put a stop sign at the corner of South Service and Fifty Roads.

Ryder also argues the election could keep taxes down.

"Historically, every year that we have a municipal election, councillors work to have the smallest tax increase (possible)."

Eisenberger hopes to limit obvious politicking around the council table until August or September. In his view, Hamilton has big decisions to make this year and an election shouldn't deter council from the work that needs to be done.

Part of the logic behind stretching municipal terms from three years to four was to allow councillors more time to forge and implement a community agenda. However, October's election has already flavoured a council debate about area rating, the controversial system that taxes Hamiltonians differently based on where they live.

In November, council voted to defer a decision on area rating to allow a year-long public consultation process. The process was Eisenberger's idea.

Insiders say this manoeuvre could make area rating the sleeper issue of the election. If Eisenberger hadn't pushed for a year of consultation, someone in Hamilton would have gotten angry -- either suburban residents dealing with a big tax hike or urban residents upset about a lack of progress.

"I think people concede that was a political gambit," said Di Ianni.

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 12:07 PM

Mayor Teresa Cascioli?
Former beer baroness asked to consider run

January 22, 2010
Emma Reilly
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/709807

Hamilton-born millionaire Teresa Cascioli has been tapped to run for mayor.

The 48-year-old philanthropist and entrepreneur says she has been approached to run in October's municipal election and is weighing her options.

"Let's just say that I've been approached to consider it, but I haven't really thought it through yet," she said yesterday. "I think the bottom line is that obviously there is a desire for change. And I think that's why I'm being approached to consider it."

Cascioli, daughter of Italian immigrants, is most known for transforming the near-bankrupt Lakeport Brewing into a fierce competitor in the beer market. Cascioli became the hometown talent behind Lakeport's 24 for $24 campaign.

Labatt later bought Lakeport in a $201-million deal. Cascioli collected $43 million for her efforts.

Though she spent most of her life in Hamilton -- including 12 years in the city's finance department -- Cascioli currently lives in Burlington. That could present a roadblock as anyone running for council has to be a resident of Hamilton.

This isn't the first time Cascioli has been courted to enter politics. After she left Lakeport in 2007, Cascioli was approached by each of the big three federal and provincial parties. She ultimately declined in order to focus on her philanthropic work.

Cascioli said if she decides to run this year, she'd likely throw her hat into the ring by March.

"I think the most important thing that people need to focus on is what it is that they want for the city and who would be best to execute that," she said. "And really, no matter who gets in, it's really about holding them accountable for doing what they say they're going to do."

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 12:07 PM

Oh yes! Please run for Mayor.

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 3:21 PM

I’m stoked now. I REALLY hope Teresa runs for Mayor. We need a successful businessperson and a female Mayor would perhaps shake things up. It's time for a change and I love this quote..

"I think the bottom line is that obviously there is a desire for change. And I think that's why I'm being approached to consider it."

highwater

Jan 22, 2010, 4:01 PM

I couldn't find anything on the Spec website about the results of Fracassi's lawsuit (http://thespec.com/article/206669) against her. Anyone know if it was settled?

highwater

Jan 22, 2010, 4:14 PM

Cascioli currently lives in Burlington. That could present a roadblock as anyone running for council has to be a resident of Hamilton.

Our head of EcDev doesn't live here, why should our Mayor? I'm sure she'll bring in lots of fresh ideas from the outside. Maybe she can show us how Burlington off-loaded all their social costs onto another municipality. Just because she doesn't have to live with the consequences of her decisions is no reason to disqualify her.

emge

Jan 22, 2010, 5:12 PM

I really hope we get a decent race for Mayor this time. Make it interesting. Make it competitive.. and hopefully end up with a really well-qualified mayor with high expectations of the city... and the guts and negotiating skills to get things done.

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 5:17 PM

Teresa will obviously have to move if she wants to run for Mayor. It's not like she's a complete stranger to Hamilton, born, raised, educated and made her millions in the Hammer.

The lawsuit is still on-going.

flar

Jan 22, 2010, 5:23 PM

Myabe she can snag one of Harry's condos :shrug:

I'm sceptical of her without knowing her views on urban issues and Hamilton issues. And how do we know she won't sell out to her corporate buddies, some of whom might be the developers and speculators that run with Hamilton's elite?

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 5:28 PM

I'm sure she'll fund her election campaign on her own money, she's got like $45 million from Labbatt.

flar

Jan 22, 2010, 5:30 PM

I think it's more a matter of not pissing off her friends, but I don't know who her friends are.

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 5:35 PM

She knows a lot of business people in Hamilton and the GTA. She got a Commerce degree from McMaster. She's very close to Ron Joyce.

I think we all know how she came into Lakeport when it was bankrupt and turned it around. I'm sure she'll remind us all about that if she runs for Mayor. Either way this brings excitement to the election.

FRM

Jan 22, 2010, 5:46 PM

I agree with flar, just because she knows how to sell beer doesn't mean she knows how to run a city. But from the looks of it she seems like a smart business oriented person that should know how to grow a city properly...

omro

Jan 22, 2010, 5:49 PM

Ah, but she could do a beer for votes trade and whole slews of people in Hamilton would vote for her ;)

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 6:01 PM

A buck a beer!

She very business orientated and a huge supporter of small businesses so that will appeal to a lot of people especially BIAs.

I meet her before and she’s very likeable and approachable. But she’s also a bull, don’t piss her off. She’ll be a strong defender for Hamilton. Exactly what we need.

highwater

Jan 22, 2010, 7:02 PM

But from the looks of it she seems like a smart business oriented person that should know how to grow a city properly...

This is not a safe assumption. Alot (I'd argue most) of our self-appointed business elites are completely clueless about smart growth and sound urban principles, and in fact regard them as 'anti-business'. This is a completely dated POV of course, but we are talking about Hamilton elites here. Always a generation behind.

highwater

Jan 22, 2010, 7:04 PM

But she’s also a bull, don’t piss her off. She’ll be a strong defender for Hamilton. Exactly what we need.

Unless she decides that urbanists piss her off, in which case she'll be a divisive force that will set us back.

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 7:24 PM

Either have a hot head than a pissy poor weak leadership like Fred.

omro

Jan 22, 2010, 7:59 PM

Either have a hot head than a pissy poor weak leadership like Fred.

Fred sounds like he couldn't work within the weak mayor system, unlike others have been able to. Which is a failure on his part.

Would he have been any better if the mayoral system were stronger?

Jon Dalton

Jan 22, 2010, 8:04 PM

Personality and leadership are obviously great but it depends where she will focus it. I vote based on the candidates' ideas for economic development and their understanding of urban principles. So far we have no idea where Theresa stands on those issues, so I'll reserve judgment until then. Beer is a simple economy compared to a 500,000 person city, and if it appears she doesn't have a clue, then screw it.

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 8:06 PM

He made his job actually weaker. He demoted himself from the Chair. Instead councilors get to chair the chamber when it's his or her turn. Usually the Mayor is always the chair.

markbarbera

Jan 22, 2010, 8:06 PM

Before she could run she would have to pack up and move from cosy millionaire's row in Burlington. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather have a full-time Hamiltonian as mayor.

Jon Dalton

Jan 22, 2010, 8:14 PM

Before she could run she would have to pack up and move from cosy millionaire's row in Burlington. Call me old-fashioned, but I'd rather have a full-time Hamiltonian as mayor.

Well we've had a mayor from Ancaster, then a mayor from Stoney Creek. Would a mayor from Burlington be much different?

I do agree by the way. It just would not be a showstopper for me. For all I know she could have spent more years in Hamilton proper than the previous two mayors.

Business connections outside of Hamilton (where business actually exists) would be a huge selling point.

markbarbera

Jan 22, 2010, 10:23 PM

Well we've had a mayor from Ancaster, then a mayor from Stoney Creek. Would a mayor from Burlington be much different?

Very much different, as in illegal. Ancaster and Stoney Creek are both part of the City of Hamilton, and Burlington is not (it is a city onto itself). In order to run for mayor of a municipaity in Ontario you must be a resident of that city. So, if Teresa Cascioli wants to be mayor of Hamilton she will need to move to Hamilton. I was speaking literally, not philisophically.

SteelTown

Jan 22, 2010, 11:23 PM

http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/Story.aspx?ID=1187686

CHML callers showing their support for Teresa.

Jon Dalton

Jan 22, 2010, 11:45 PM

Very much different, as in illegal. Ancaster and Stoney Creek are both part of the City of Hamilton, and Burlington is not (it is a city onto itself). In order to run for mayor of a municipaity in Ontario you must be a resident of that city. So, if Teresa Cascioli wants to be mayor of Hamilton she will need to move to Hamilton. I was speaking literally, not philisophically.

I realize.... and that's no obstacle to someone with $45 million cash. Living in Hamilton would just be a technicality. There's just no difference in perception whether a mayor is from Ancaster or Burlington. I don't think the majority of voters would make that distinction.

bigguy1231

Jan 23, 2010, 3:52 AM

Very much different, as in illegal. Ancaster and Stoney Creek are both part of the City of Hamilton, and Burlington is not (it is a city onto itself). In order to run for mayor of a municipaity in Ontario you must be a resident of that city. So, if Teresa Cascioli wants to be mayor of Hamilton she will need to move to Hamilton. I was speaking literally, not philisophically.

All she has to do is own a property here to be eligible. If she pays property taxes here she can vote here and run here. We have had councillors in the past who had businesses here and lived elsewhere. Nothing illegal about it.

bornagainbiking

Jan 23, 2010, 11:36 AM

Think about it.
You have a Hamilton native, who attended Mac and got a business degree and worked for the city for 13 yrs.
Then took a bankrupt beer company turned it around to a point where labatt took a view if you can't beat them buy them and she made a huge return.
So considering all the people we have and have had that ran us into the current state(huge new office bldg for personal office and our infrastructure is crumbling)
And people doubt her qualifications or ability? She has demonstrated what she CAN do!!!!!
If she could do for Hamilton what she did for Lakeport we would be in a way better position,
Give her a break, she has demonstrated her skill in spades.
So quit picking the fly crap out of pepper (waste of time) be positive and have a focus.
Negativity is killing this town.
Hands down Teresa Cascioli has my vote and some of my time should she run. Less talk and study with more action run this city like a business and what would be considered profit would really be a reduction in taxes. Spend the money as if it were your own.:banana: :banana: :cheers: :cheers:
Please run Hamilton needs some strong leadership and I am fairly certain many people are in for a wake up call as things WILL change and it could be painful for the reluctant ones. this change would be good for the people not the ones with personal agendas.

omro

Jan 23, 2010, 12:42 PM

That sounds great, in theory.

My understanding, albeit limited, of the Mayoral system at play here suggests that a Mayor has far less power than a company's CEO.

highwater

Jan 23, 2010, 3:29 PM

She has demonstrated what she CAN do!!!!!

She has demonstrated what she can do with a beer company. We really have no idea if she has any clue about smart growth, sound urban principles, economic and environmental sustainability, etc, etc. Responsible citizens are right to ask these questions of anyone who proposes to lead them, and not simply jump on a bandwagon because of name recognition and accomplishment in areas unrelated to running a large, diverse, city.

I have nothing against Cascioli, but I'm reserving my support till I see if she understands what it takes to grow a dense, vibrant city. In any case I think this is all rather moot. I heard bits of her interview on Talk820 and she sounded less than enthusiastic, and since a mayoral run would require her to move to Hamilton, I'd be very surprised to see her go through with this.

Realpolitik

Jan 23, 2010, 5:10 PM

Does Teresa have what it takes to articulate a compelling Vision for Hamilton?
One that will pull not only the citizenry, but the business and chattering classes, the federal and provincial governments, the media, and investors into an implementation strategy. Does she have the moxie, the burning desire to kick Council ass to get things done? Can she make a clean sweep of the City's top management all of who owe their positions to having mastered the ability to doublespeak, and kissass?
I THINK NOT!

emge

Jan 23, 2010, 8:37 PM

Can anyone articulate a vision that'll do all that? Probably not. But some will come a lot closer than others!

I'll have to see what she's got and what her ideas about cities are first... but someone with a successful business record (and not just the ability to make concrete) may have a shot. I'd like to see her run, at least. Fresh blood.

SteelTown

Jan 23, 2010, 11:46 PM

Realpolitik

Jan 24, 2010, 11:54 PM

Thanks Steeltown.
Fred fails miserably in that department as well.
Just because no one credible, with business experience, has jumped in yet we should not fall for the first one that comes along.
We need an astute, tough as nails, take no prisoners Mayor and I know he or she is lurking out there and will come out of hiding when Hamiltonians resign themselves to another four years of incompetence just before nominations close. Wait for the bombshell !
:whip:

SteelTown

Jan 25, 2010, 12:18 PM

Cascioli would eat Eisenberger alive

ANDREW DRESCHEL

Teresa Cascioli and Councillor Lloyd Ferguson are pretty much polar opposites.

She’s flamboyant and formidable.

He’s understated and according to Hoyle.

But suddenly they’re riding the same wavelength.

Both are giving serious consideration to running against Mayor Fred Eisenberger in October’s municipal election.

And both are highly successful businesspeople who would bring a hard-headed business perspective to running the city.

Cascioli, 48, is the former suds queen who grew Hamilton’s Lakeport Brewery into Ontario’s third largest beer company, before selling it to Labatt in 2006 and pocketing $43 million.

Ferguson, 59, who was elected to represent Ancaster in 2006, is the retired general manager of Dufferin Construction, one of the country’s largest heavy civil engineering firms, where he was responsible for a $350-million budget and some 850 employees.

The two have something else in common: They don’t need the mayor’s $147,000 salary.

Cascioli, a valued community philanthropist, is obviously independently wealthy. And Ferguson draws a good pension from Dufferin.

That means if they do throw their hard hats into the ring, they’d be seeking to make a mark, not a career.

What a race it would be.

I don’t know how she’d do at the ballot box, but Cascioli would eat Eisenberger alive on the campaign trail.

Then she’d snack on Ferguson for dessert.

She’s smart, tough, harddriving and — when she has a mind to be — positively forbidding.

Once she has done her homework she doesn’t tic and twitch – she executes.

Neither Eisenberger nor Ferguson are pushovers, but Cascioli would turn the race into a cage fight.

The fact that she has no elected experience is a drawback, but not a fatal one. She knows about team building and she has seen municipal politics up close.

Before going into business, Cascioli worked 12 years for the former Hamilton-Wentworth region.

After holding various treasury roles, she wrapped up her public sector career as manager of finance for the city.

If, however, Cascioli is serious about kicking political backside, she’s going to need a change of address.

Living in Burlington won’t fly in Hamilton.

For his part, Ferguson, who was a councillor in the former municipality of Ancaster for 10 years, also knows a thing or three about leading.

He ran Dufferin as a democracy and debated issues with his management team, but he never forgot his vote was the one that counted.

It’s no secret he believes Eisenberger needs to be tougher on council decorum and less reliant on consensus building.

Or that he feels council tilts too far to the left, and needs to get its spending and hiring under control.

As mayor, he’d love to have somebody from economic development next door to his office.

That’s how much importance he places on investor relations and cutting through red tape.

If Cascioli runs, she’ll announce in March. Ferguson figures early spring. Both are potentially strong contenders who would turn the election into something more than a cakewalk for Eisenberger, who has name recognition and all the
other advantages of incumbency in his camp.

But that’s if they take the plunge.

And that’s a mighty big if at this point.

SteelTown

Jan 25, 2010, 2:04 PM

So far the list for possible Mayor candidates is:

Fred Eisenberger
Lloyd Ferguson
Tom Jackson
Teresa Cascioli

highwater

Jan 25, 2010, 2:18 PM

Where did you find the Dreschel column? I thought the Spec wasn't putting their columnists online anymore.

highwater

Jan 25, 2010, 3:55 PM

Dreschel is such a fanboy, but no worse than most political commentators in that they focus on the personalities and sizzle as if the whole thing were just a game. Call me old-fashioned, but when I want to know who's hot and who's not, I turn to the celebrity pages. When I read political commentary, I'd like to see at least a passing reference to the issues. Who gives a crap if Cascioli would 'eat Eisenberger alive'? :rolleyes: I want to know if she has the first clue about cities and what they need to function now and in the future, but I guess writing about issues is hard!

bigguy1231

Jan 25, 2010, 4:08 PM

I hate to throw cold water on the discussion, but the mayor is only one vote on council. If the other elected officials decide they want to put whomever gets elected in their place, it doesn't matter who gets elected.

Maybe, more focus should be on who the others running for council are going to be. We have to elect a group that is going to work from the same playbook for the most part. The mayor is just the face of council, the rest are the collective brain. Good or bad as that may be.

SteelTown

Jan 25, 2010, 4:41 PM

^ Yep and he couldn't get a single member of council to vote on his pilot project for the median along the Linc and Red Hill. That's weak leadership. Obviously he didn't meet with any councilors for support before the vote.

Anyways I think Dreschel article is pointing out that Eisenberger is very beatable. I'm surprised there hasn't been more possible candidates popping up. The next session 2010-2014 has a chance to build a legacy for a Mayor because of the 2015 Pan Am Games. He or she could be the Mayor that built the stadium. Could be the Mayor that lined up the corporate support for the stadium, the Mayor that got Foot of James built, the Mayor that cut the ribbon for the B-Line, etc. Millions perhaps billions of money will be flowing to the city within four years.

realcity

Jan 25, 2010, 8:07 PM

Terry Cooke.... where are you?

oldcoote

Jan 25, 2010, 8:07 PM

The Mayor's job is to facilitate progress. Crack heads that need to be cracked, and play the give and take game so that we can move beyond the constant bickering.
Sadly, Fred is not that guy.

SteelTown

Jan 25, 2010, 8:42 PM

If we could get a mixture of Di Ianni's sternness and Eisenberger's views it would be a lot better. Eisenberger has a good vision and views but it just gets butchered away from council and city staff, mostly because of the lack of leadership. I feel sorry for him but after awhile if you can’t cut it than you’ve got to step aside and let someone else do it.

Plus Eisenberger is horrible at trying to sell his views/vision. When he makes a speech it’s a major snooze-fest. He tries adding jokes but he’s a dreadful speaker.

SteelTown

Feb 19, 2010, 2:44 AM

Cascioli Opts Out Of Political Arena

Ken Mann
2/18/2010
http://www.900chml.com/Channels/Reg/NewsLocalGeneral/Story.aspx?ID=1198056

The former head of Lakeport Breweries will not be seeking to become the next mayor of Hamilton.

CHML News has learned that Teresa Cascioli will not be running for a mayoral position in Hamilton in this year's municipal election.

Cascioli will instead continue to support Hamilton with her namesake charitable foundation, saying "I want to thank all of those who extended their support. I truly appreciate all of the kind words of encouragement. Thank you Hamilton for believing in me!"

She adds that "I prefer to continue to offer my time and resources to the various Hamilton organizations that are in need of my assistance in a philanthropic way rather than a political one".

Cascioli is the founder of the Teresa Cascioli Charitable Foundation whose mandate is to support the essential needs of the Hamilton community; namely, food, shelter, education and health.

realcity

Feb 19, 2010, 3:40 PM

Isn't she a Fracassi...? Does she use her maiden name? The Fracassis of Philip Environmental? The Taro Dump scandal, (DiIanni was representing Stoney Creek at the time I think?), we never did find out what was illegally dumped in Taro, or did we? Then along came St. Lawrence Cement (Dufferin Construction -- Lloyd Fergusson?) who purchased a portion of Taro and made the investigation go away. The same Philip Environmental with the phony stock pile of nickel (or whatever it was) to falsely pump up a stock price, then dump their personal shares. And along the way screwed the Waxman's, or one of them? Or did they profit? I can't remember. Then the Waxmans sued each other. Then the Fracassis used the 'pump and dump' proceeds to buy Lakeport from Colt Beverages, a company that knew nothing about brewing beer. Then make Teresa Cascioli (a married into the family member?) a puppet CEO, (with no prior business experience) because the Fracassi name was knee deep into a SEC investigation from the Philip Environmental scam. Then sold it to Labatts before the SEC ruling. Is this the same family? That sued each other of over the millions from the Labatts sale. Is this the same family? Do people have a short memory? Or am I wrong? I'm just asking. I'd like to know. Can someone correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not making any accusations nor would I want to wrongly accuse anyone.

Ya exactly what Hamilton needed as a mayor.

realcity

Feb 19, 2010, 3:54 PM

Of course the Spec or AM900 has yet to mention Cal DiFalco, a respectable gentleman who genuinely wants to help Hamilton. And easily the grass-roots front runner. But the Spec loves Teresa.

What's that? Mr DiFalco hasn't officially put his name in yet? That's right he hasn't... but neither did Ms Cascioli. and look at the ink she got. She was practically anointed mayor by The Spec.... a la DiIanni 2003

realcity

Feb 19, 2010, 3:55 PM

Is DiIanni a Liberal? I can't remember?

matt602

Feb 19, 2010, 4:28 PM

Is DiIanni a Liberal? I can't remember?

Yes.

realcity

Feb 19, 2010, 4:43 PM

What was Eisenberger? A Tory? with a progressive vision/view.... interesting

markbarbera

Feb 19, 2010, 4:50 PM

Like most Tories, Eisenberger does much better politically when he adopts a more progressive view than traditionally espoused by dye-in-the-wool Tories.

SteelTown

Feb 25, 2010, 5:23 PM

Potentially some good news for council.

Coun. Margaret McCarthy calling it quits
Veteran Flamborough politician won't run again

February 25, 2010
Emma Reilly
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/728301

Councillor Margaret McCarthy has confirmed she won’t seek re-election in this fall’s municipal election.

The veteran councillor was first elected to Flamborough Town Council in 1994 and continuing serving on Hamilton’s city council after amalgamation.

She says she’s fulfilling a promise to her husband that this would be her last term.

McCarthy is the first incumbent councillor to confirm that she won’t run again. Councillors Brian McHattie, Sam Merulla, Scott Duvall, Brad Clark and Russ Powers have already filed their nomination forms for this fall’s election.

The election is scheduled for Oct. 26.

matt602

Feb 26, 2010, 4:40 AM

Potentially only because theres little chance of a competent, progressive-minded councilor replacing her.

SteelTown

Mar 10, 2010, 12:10 PM

Tom Jackson confirmed he won't run for Mayor. So that leaves it to Lloyd Ferguson. If he doesn't run it could come down to Michael Baldasaro and Fred Eisenberger :-|

realcity

Mar 10, 2010, 4:20 PM

Big surprise. Every election he puts his toe in the water, then cries, "it's freezing". I wish he would run, so he would lose then we'd get him off council.

highwater

Mar 10, 2010, 7:49 PM

If he's the only alternative to Fred, there's a good chance he could get in on an anti-Fred backlash. This scenario is my worst nightmare. Ferguson would set this city back twenty years.

SteelTown

Mar 10, 2010, 8:22 PM

Plus he has more money than Fred.

SteelTown

Mar 11, 2010, 12:11 AM

I wouldn't mind Maria Pearson running for Mayor.

highwater

Mar 11, 2010, 12:50 AM

:previous: Or just vote for DeSantis and be done with it.

matt602

Mar 11, 2010, 3:38 AM

:previous: Or just vote for DeSantis and be done with it.

indeed.

realcity

Mar 11, 2010, 3:34 PM

Pearson... is the only councilor not worse then McCarthy and Mitchell. I don't see her even getting re-elected.

If Brad Clark didn't screw up with tapegate he'd have his name in the running.

Hamiltonnow

Mar 12, 2010, 2:07 AM

bigguy1231

Mar 12, 2010, 3:51 AM

I think we should encourage Mr. Cal DiFalco to run for Mayor. He runs this blog www.thehamiltonian.net He is also VERY smart . see this http://caldifalcosblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/tranforming-hamiltons-cores.html

The Spec goes after Cascioli and anyone but who might actually be the stroingest candidate. They are purposefully ignoring this DiFalco guy cause he's not in the "club". But check him out. If you want real guts and leadership- he's the guy

James

HamiltonNow

He doesn't have a chance. Nobody knows his views or intentions. He may be an intelligent guy with guts, but unless he has the wherewithal to raise 200 grand to run a campaign he has absolutely no chance.

Besides that he has given no indication that he wants to run for the position.

Hamiltonnow

Mar 12, 2010, 1:54 PM

You're right. I don't know if he has any intention and I dont know what his money situation is. Irks me though that the media went after Cascioli. She didnt declare any intent either. Besides this DiFalco guy is bright and not afraid to stand up against the sorry status quo we have. I would love to see him debate the others. Hope he decides to run. I doubt it. We never seem to get that calibre of individual running or even being approached. Lets face it Cascioli, Baldaserro. Eisenberger, Ferguson. Jackson; not the sharpest tacks in the box.

James

highwater

Mar 12, 2010, 2:29 PM

...unless he has the wherewithal to raise 200 grand to run a campaign he has absolutely no chance.

I don't know about that. Look at Eisenberger. He ran a grassroots campaign and beat moneybags DiIanni without any corporate or union donations. It can be done. However, Eisenberger did have the political track record that DiFalco lacks. DiFalco would be a long shot for sure, I just don't think money is the make or break issue it once was, in fact, if Ferguson decides to run and accepts donations from all his developer and construction buddies, I think it would seriously hurt his chances. The last election taught us that.

realcity

Mar 14, 2010, 12:16 AM

If it means anything all of council has been less then stellar. I'm beginning to think it's Staff that's the bigger problem. But we can't get rid of them. Council is worried about getting re-elected so they worry about the calls from constituents complaining about snowplowing and potholes, and fail on the bigger picture. Then staff takes over and dictates the big picture, the same staff since 1983, and now they are getting their sons a job so the status quo of decline will go on for another generation.

realcity

Mar 14, 2010, 12:23 AM

We vote for 11 city-wide councilors as a whole city *so there can't be a tie in votes*. And a mayor that has executive powers only, and 15 ward reps council that controls budget along with the city-wide council.

The mayor puts forth a an executive order for a new highway or new park, new stop sign etc. And it costs so much $. That would also mean giving the executive office *mayor's office* more money for more staff. Both levels of Council votes if they will allow the $ to be spent. That way the mayor has the vision but it can only be executed if councils approves the funds.

A lot like the US Congress and President. We used to have two aldermen per ward, so it would go back to that somewhat, but one is representative of the ward and one is representative of the whole city, the councilor of the whole City doesn't have to worry about ward potholes but can vote for the greater/bigger picture of the city. It would stop the Chad Collins and Merulla style of defending their NIMBYs.

For an executive order to be passed it would need the majority approval of both the ward reps and the 11 city council reps. Then then it's passed.

It wouldn't even need to give equal representation for wards. Something that we did after amalgamation. ie. one vote in Flamborough is worth 1.5 votes for the mountain as it currently stands. A vote in Flamborough out weighs most Hamilton ward votes simply because of the unequal population/ward distribution.

I don't mind that this would cost another say million or so annually for 11 more councillors offices and an expanded mayoral office. It's worth having a more effective municipal government. Our city budget is now $1 billion dollars, it's hardly a drop in the bucket, but at least we'd get this city moving forward and out of the 30 year rut.

bigguy1231

Mar 14, 2010, 4:51 AM

I don't know about that. Look at Eisenberger. He ran a grassroots campaign and beat moneybags DiIanni without any corporate or union donations. It can be done. However, Eisenberger did have the political track record that DiFalco lacks. DiFalco would be a long shot for sure, I just don't think money is the make or break issue it once was, in fact, if Ferguson decides to run and accepts donations from all his developer and construction buddies, I think it would seriously hurt his chances. The last election taught us that.

I don't disagree, but being a newby to the political scene money would be a big factor in getting his message out. I don't remember anyone who has been elected mayor of this city who didn't have at least some experience as a councillor before running for the position. If he does decide to run for office, maybe it should be at the councillor level first. Let's face it, other than a few of us who care to follow these things, most people in this city have never really heard of him.

Let's hope we get at least a couple of challengers to the current mayor. I have nothing against him personally, but I can't help but think we can do much better. We need a leader, not a follower. We need someone who will command the respect of council and lead this city to better days. Unfortunately we are not getting that right now.

SteelTown

Apr 2, 2010, 9:02 PM

Long-time Mountain butcher tosses apron into mayor race
McLardy for Mayor

By April Loof, News Staff
News
Apr 01, 2010
http://www.hamiltonmountainnews.com/news/article/206601

Vowing to bring thrift to Hamilton city hall, well-known Mountain butcher Danny McLardy has announced he’s running for mayor.

“I’m gunny give Fred a run,” the Scotland-born McLardy said following a meeting with supporters at Jack Wobbly, one of his favourite watering holes.

He was expected to file his nomination papers today (April 1), adding supporters of former Mountain MP Duncan Beattie will be assisting with his campaign.

McLardy said spending is out of control at city hall and his ideas for savings include: revamping municipal business hours to 6 a. m. to noon to save on heat and hydro, and providing every household a shovel rather than paying for snow clearing on streets and sidewalks in the winter. In addition, McLardy said he would install tolls on all Mountain accesses.

“If you’re gunny come up the hill, you have ta pay,” McLardy said.

In a bid to bring municipal matters closer to the people, McLardy said he would move the mayor’s office from city hall to a store front location on Concession Street and would charge each citizen 50 cents an hour to see him.

Out-of-towners and the media would be charged a dollar an hour.

The mayoralty hopeful also has a plan to increase employment in Hamilton. He said he used to play soccer with the owner of Bright ‘N’ Go, a Scottish company that makes solar-powered cars, and he feels confident the company would move to Hamilton if it could find five or six acres of available space with a pub nearby.

McLardy said he would make Robbie Burns Day a civic holiday each January 25th with a parade along Aberdeen Avenue.

He said Hamilton residents will also be able to deduct the cost of phone calls to Scotland from their property taxes. “Unless they’re Celtic supporters,” he said. “There’ll be no tax break for them.”

bigguy1231

Apr 2, 2010, 10:43 PM

:previous:

April Fools

SteelTown

May 14, 2010, 11:12 AM

Di Ianni ponders run to reclaim mayor's seat

May 14, 2010
Andrew Dreschel
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/769206

Former mayor Larry Di Ianni is considering a rematch bout with Mayor Fred Eisenberger in the October municipal election.

Di Ianni, who lost to Eisenberger in the 2006 campaign, says he's thinking of stepping up because he believes Hamilton needs to have a serious mayor's race.

"Obviously if I ran, it's because I think I could do a better job than Fred," Di Ianni said.

He points to several issues tempting him to take the plunge, including lack of leadership and council cohesion over taxation and the city's handling of the Ticats and Pan Am stadium controversy.

His comments come fast on the heels of Ancaster Councillor Lloyd Ferguson's decision not to throw his hat in the mayoral ring after mulling it over for months.

Ferguson says he intends to seek re-election as Ward 12 councillor on the advice of family members and supporters who were afraid of losing him as a community voice.

Ferguson's decision to opt out follows those of potential high-profile contenders Teresa Cascioli and Councillor Tom Jackson.

That leaves pot advocate Michael Baldasaro and Mahesh Butani, a boutique property developer and blogger, as the only registered candidates, which virtually gift-wraps a second four-year term for Eisenberger.

If Di Ianni does enter the race, however, that cakewalk could turn into an unpredictable slugfest.

Eisenberger praised Ferguson's contribution to council but had little to say about Di Ianni's potential candidacy.

"I will be running and folks who make those decisions will have to sort through their issues on their own, and that applies to Larry Di Ianni as well," Eisenberger said.

Di Ianni says a second contest would present "an interesting dynamic."

That's putting it mildly. Grudge match is more like it.

In 2006, the incumbent Di Ianni lost to the underfunded Eisenberger by a mere 452 votes in a major upset played out against the backdrop of Di Ianni's conviction for illegally accepting campaign donations in his 2003 mayoral victory.

The judge found the violations were unintentional and praised Di Ianni's long record of public service. But the charges formed the basis of Eisenberger's campaign call for political reform.

Di Ianni says he knows some will try to make an election issue of the conviction if he stages a comeback.

But he says he proved they were honest accounting mistakes by running error-free campaigns for mayor in 2006 and for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MP in the 2008 federal election, when he ran unsuccessfully as a Liberal candidate.

"I don't think there is a person that is more careful about that issue than I, so I would hope people would weigh that in the balance."

Di Ianni supports the west harbour location for the stadium but believes the city needs to show the same spirit of compromise as his council did when it delayed demolishing the Lister building after the province intervened.

He says by agreeing to a moratorium, they ended up securing provincial funding that enabled the city to preserve the Lister.

A councillor for the former city of Stoney Creek for 18 years, Di Ianni was elected to the amalgamated Hamilton council in 2000.

In 2003, he defeated David Christopherson in the race to replace retiring mayor Bob Wade.

As mayor, Di Ianni earned a reputation for being staunchly pro-business, cobbling together council coalitions on big votes, and developing strong ties with the governing provincial Liberals.

But he was also a lightning rod for community activists who were suspicious of his pro-development stance.

Di Ianni says he's being encouraged to take on Eisenberger on a daily basis. But he knows that knocking off an incumbent is never an easy task.

Still, he figures he has the luxury of taking time to make up his mind because of his built-in name recognition. The deadline for registering is Sept. 10.

Count on this: If Di Ianni does opt in, what was shaping up to be a sleepy election will turn into a loud wake-up call for voter engagement.