[SteelTown]

Ecklund may jump into mayor's race
City lacks leadership, says Mountain businessman

By Kevin Werner
News
May 27, 2010
http://www.hamiltonmountainnews.com/news/article/211274

Hamilton businessman Chris Ecklund is seriously debating whether to run for mayor in this fall’s municipal election.

Ecklund, president and chief executive officer of Canadian Process Serving, and founder of the City of Waterfalls brand for Hamilton, said in an interview there have been a “number of people” who have approached him to run for mayor.

“They are all saying the city needs somebody like you,” he said. “I am considering it.”

Ecklund, 47, said he is giving himself until the middle of June to make a final decision. He said if another person, such as former Hamilton mayor Larry Di Ianni, jumps into the race, then he will bow out.

“The best person for the job is Larry,” said Ecklund.

Ecklund’s biggest concern is the city isn’t providing the proper leadership Hamilton needs at this crucial time. For instance, he says the west harbour site, the preferred location for the Pan Am Stadium by council, “is the future of the city.”

The city and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats have agreed on a facilitator, former Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Chief Executive Officer Michael Fenn, to establish an agreement between the two parties on the future of the stadium.

“We should do what is right and don’t play politics,” he said.

Ecklund, who lives on Hamilton Mountain, also has a website, Putting Community First, where Di Ianni posts opinion pieces. Di Ianni recently confirmed to Hamilton Community News he is also considering taking a run at his former job. He served as mayor from 2003 to 2006. He was upset in 2006 by current mayor Fred Eisenberger by a few hundred votes.

Ecklund said he has been contacted by Eisenberger’s former chief of staff, and campaign manager, Ken Audziss.

Ecklund says he considers the recently discussion he had with Audziss positive.

“It is really something when the former chief of staff is reaching out,” he said.

Audziss, who helped to orchestrate Eisenberger’s mayoral victory in 2006, stated in an email he has been approached by four possible Hamilton mayoral candidates, including Eisenberger.

“I have not decided who (if anyone) I will support in Hamilton’s mayoral race,” stated Audziss.

Eisenberger said recently he expects to officially file his papers for mayor in the next few weeks.

Candidates who have already registered to run for mayor include Mahesh Butani, Andrew Haines, and Michael Baldasaro.

[highwater]

Oh. My. God. We're so screwed.

[LikeHamilton]

Oh. My. God. We're so screwed.

2nd that!!

:eek:

[SteelTown]

Di Ianni better run for election.

[BCTed]

---- Yuck. ----

[highwater]

Di Ianni better run for election.

Are you nuts? Anyway, you appear to be in luck. If you like DiIanni, then you'll love Ecklund.

[SteelTown]

No, if it takes Di Ianni to run for Mayor without Ecklund throwing his name to the election than I'll take Di Ianni.

[JoeyColeman]

Mayor Fred Eisenburger filed his papers today:

http://hamilton.ca/CityDepartments/CorporateServices/Clerks/MunicipalElection/Nominated+Candidates.htm

[highwater]

When are you running Joey? ;)

[JoeyColeman]

When are you running Joey? ;)

Already answered: http://www.globecampus.ca/blogs/colemans-campus/2009/12/16/students-vote-or-face-consequences/

[SteelTown]

Eisenberger seeks re-election

June 02, 2010
Daniel Nolan
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/780002

Mayor Fred Eisenberger is seeking re-election to the job he won in a squeaker over Larry Di Ianni in 2006.

Eisenberger has quietly registered as a candidate in the Oct. 25 election.

Eisenberger said he still plans to have an official campaign launch, but decided to register to begin organizing his campaign and start raising funds.

"A lot of our supporters were eager to get going," the mayor said last night.

"It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. This is just paperwork."

He said it has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the city's mayor.

The former Ward 5 councillor and Hamilton Port Authority chairperson won the job by 452 votes over incumbent Di Ianni four years ago. The upcoming election could be a repeat of 2006 as Di Ianni has expressed interest in running again.

There are presently three other registered candidates: Michael Baldasaro, Mahesh Butani and Andrew Haines. So far, 21 people have registered to run in the city's 15 wards.

[SteelTown]

Message to Larry: run for mayor please

By MARK CRIPPS MANAGING EDITOR, TALES FROM THE CRYPT
Columns
Jun 10, 2010
http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/opinions/article/212521

It’s been said before, I know. It probably almost sounds redundant. But in Hamilton, every municipal election is the most important ever for the city.
The problem is, as it stands today, the race for mayor is boiling down to a thoroughbred versus a pack of 100-1 underdogs.

With all due respect to the fine, but relatively unknown, citizens who have put their name forward as candidates for mayor, Fred Eisenberger is the clear favourite to win a second term.

I believe the race could become a fair contest, if, as rumoured, former Mayor Larry Di Ianni throws his name into the mix.

I spoke with Di Ianni this week, and he confirmed serious contemplations are taking place on whether he will challenge Eisenberger in the municipal election October 25.

“I’m looking at it,” he said. “I haven’t made a final decision, but there appears to be good support out there. I’d like to give it another shot if there is winnability.”

Crucial for Di Ianni, he said, are the following components for his final decision –desire, message, team and financing.

He already has strong name recognition. He also has a proven track record of success.

“As soon as I get enough data back, I will make a decision. I expect that to happen sooner rather than later.”

The fact that I am encouraging Di Ianni to run is not a reflection of any specific opinion of Eisenberger’s tenure. Our current mayor is an extremely likeable guy.

I just believe a good race will help flush out the critical issues that need to be discussed and debated in an election campaign.

Eisenberger has been a visionary on the environmental front, bringing forth important initiatives like the green and clean city and energy efficiency. He is also responsible for establishing the code of conduct for councillors and the implementation of an integrity commissioner.

During Di Ianni’s tenure, the city realized the completion of the much-needed Red Hill Valley Parkway. He was also a key driver in the Lister Block redevelopment, city hall renovations, new farmers market and the development of airport lands.

A big difference between the two men, however, is highlighted by how they deal with council.

Di Ianni was a strong consensus builder, and a person who values advice. Eisenberger is a visionary bulldozer. A case can be made that both tactics can be effective, however, I would suggest consensus building is critical when you have a council makeup like the one we have in Hamilton.

During the last campaign, too much, in my opinion, was made of a campaign financing error by Di Ianni. A group of citizens, many of which opposed the Red Hill Valley Parkway, hammered relentlessly on Di Ianni over the fact he was charged under the Municipal Act.

Di Ianni, while admitting his mistake and atoning for the error, couldn’t seem to catch a break for his penance.

Now that he has served a four-year sentence away from politics, I believe most fair-minded citizens would be willing to forgive and forget. I’m sure there are still those who want another pound of flesh. You have to question their true motives beyond the veil of accountability.

Dysfunction and integrity breaches have not escaped Eisenberger. He was reprimanded for having an off-the-record conversation about a personnel matter with a local reporter. He had a falling out with his campaign manager and chief of staff. He is still facing potential ramifications over a wrongful dismissal suit involving another former staffer.

The Pan Am Games fiasco could prove to be the biggest failure of Eisenberger’s tenure. He also flip-flopped on a promise to protect area rating, and judging by the cat calls aimed in his direction from citizens lined up to watch the recent Flag Day parade in Stoney Creek, the meter issue could haunt the mayor more than he appreciates. I hope those loonies are worth it.

I want a good race for mayor. I’m not placing any bets, but may the best horse win.

[flar]

Larry DiIanni? isn't this the guy who became the first Ontario mayor ever charged under the Provincial Offences Act?

Surely there must be a better candidate among the half million people living in Hamilton.

[SteelTown]

Di Ianni plays coy on mayoralty run

June 18, 2010
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/791511

Hamiltonians will know whether Larry Di Ianni will enter the mayor's race by the end of June.

Di Ianni says he's still considering whether to run in October's municipal election and will make a final decision within the next few weeks.

"I'm feeling encouraged, but I haven't made a final decision."

If Di Ianni runs, he'll face incumbent Fred Eisenberger, Michael Baldasaro, Mahesh Butani, Andrew Haines and Glenn Hamilton.

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 to become mayor. He lost to Eisenberger by 452 votes in last election.

[thistleclub]

From the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce...

Chamber’s Survey Results Shows that Jobs and Prosperity Essential to Hamilton’s Success

HAMILTON (June 22, 2010)… Hamiltonians have spoken and candidates for this fall’s municipal election need to know that jobs and prosperity are on the top of everyone’s mind. The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington and the Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association today released the results of a recently commissioned professional research public opinion survey as a lead up to this year’s municipal election. A total of 750 respondents, representing all wards within the municipality, were asked a variety of questions regarding jobs, prosperity, taxes, the Airport Employment Growth District (AEGD), Light Rail Transit (LRT), the Pan Am Games and other key issues that are crucial to Hamilton’s economic growth.

“When asked in their own words, without any prompting, what they believed were the most important issues in the community: taxes (35.2%) was the most frequently mentioned, followed by jobs and prosperity (29.3%), then health care (22.9%) and the downtown core (22.3%),” said Richard Koroscil, Chair of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “We all know that residential taxes are higher than they should be in Hamilton largely because we don’t have a strong enough industrial and commercial tax base. So in fact taxes and jobs/prosperity are two sides of one coin.”

Survey Highlights

Out of the specific topics surveyed, the most relevant issues were as follows: the Pan Am Games (27.9%), the development of airport land (18.9%), GO Transit location (15.7%), Economic Development management (14.7%), Light Rail Transit (14.0%) and Public Transit management (2.5%). The final 6.3% were undecided.

Another interesting result showed the sectors that the public believed had the most potential to create jobs were as follows: hi-tech and advanced manufacturing (70.0%), health care services (69.1%), education (60.9%), research/ bioscience (59.5%), green energy (57.9%), food & beverage (44.4%), logistics and transportation (39.1%) and cultural/creative (35.1%).

“A group of Hamilton Business Leaders consisting of Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington and the Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association have joined together to be influential, not just informative, during this municipal election,” said Koroscil. “Commissioning the poll was the first step. Over the next few months, we will be employing a very proactive and comprehensive election campaign strategy which will engage the community and champion issues that are critical to promoting jobs and prosperity.”

The city-wide results for Hamilton were released at today’s news conference. Ward by ward results of the survey are set to be released over the summer months as part of the election campaign strategy.

[MPB]

Hamilton, Ontario, June 25, 2010

Mayoral candidate Mahesh P. Butani is pleased to announce the launch of his campaign web site: www.ButaniForMayor.com.

Mahesh Butani's ideas and vision to redirect the City of Hamilton towards a vibrant and sustainable economy are presented here - along with his priorities for making this happen.

Specific initiatives on various fronts will be available in the 'solutions' section in the coming days.

Visitor to the web site are welcome to comment/participate in discussions on the evolving Blog on this web site.


Thank You

###

[bigguy1231]

It looks like Chris Ecklund has decided against running for Mayor.

There is a story in the Mountain News this week.

[SteelTown]

Chris Ecklund said he wouldn't run for Mayor if Larry Di Ianni decided to run. Therefore, when will Di Ianni announce his mayoral run?

[bigguy1231]

Chris Ecklund said he wouldn't run for Mayor if Larry Di Ianni decided to run. Therefore, when will Di Ianni announce his mayoral run?

I just noticed today that Larry DiIanni's blog on Ecklunds website has been removed. It was there a few days ago. So maybe DiIanni is going to throw his hat into the ring. He would have to remove the blog otherwise it might be construed as a campaign contribution.

[SteelTown]

He'll run and I'll bet the main theme will be about leadership. Something I've and others have pointed out in the past about Fred's weakness in leadership skills.

Larry will probably wait until the stadium saga is resolved before announcing his mayoral run, probably mid August.

[SteelTown]

Di Ianni blames Pan Am mess on mayor

Andrew Dreschel
July 12, 2010

If Larry Di Ianni enters this fall’s mayoral race, count on him delivering a blistering attack on Mayor Fred Eisenberger’s handling of the Pan Am stadium debate.

Di Ianni says he’s doing his final due diligence before announcing whether he’ll seek a rematch with Eisenberger, who narrowly turfed him from the mayor’s office in 2006. But judging by the way he’s already honing his messages, he
sounds like he’s on the brink of declaring.

Di Ianni blames the city’s dispute with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, which has endangered both the new stadium and the team, on Eisenberger’s alleged leadership deficit.

[highwater]

A Di Ianni candidacy will re-open the Red Hill debate. Great. Just what we need.

[markbarbera]

A Di Ianni candidacy will re-open the Red Hill debate.

How so? Certainly not through debate over the stadium fiasco. DiIanni is solidly in support of the site at Barton and Tiffany.

[highwater]

No, but he isn't just a challenger, he's also an incumbent and will have to run on his record. The RHVP is the biggest 'accomplishment' of his term and well, it hasn't exactly lived up to its billing. If he runs, there will be lots of questions about what exactly the RHVP has achieved to date, and if relying on a decades old EA may not be partly responsible for the current flooding issues. Voila. Welcome to Red Hill debate II.

[MPB]

Media Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Sub: Mahesh P. Butani mayoral candidate announces release of Specific Initiatives on the "Solutions (http://www.butaniformayor.com/solutions.html)" page of his website: www.ButaniForMayor.com



Hamilton, Ontario, July 09, 2010 — Mayoral candidate Mahesh P. Butani is pleased to announce the release of his Specific Initiatives.

This release highlights his vision and approach on the critical issue of creating new jobs in our local economy.

Under his overall theme of InnovateHamilton - InnoHa!, Butani presents a very unique and highly innovative approach to economy rebuilding called HAMILTONGreenPORT. This initiative will reset our city's trajectory by establishing the first true multimodal axis, which will facilitate growth of new businesses and create new kinds of jobs.


This release also presents RemoTWorx, a novel initiative to convert Hamilton from a growing bed room community to a LIVING room community by localizing commuter jobs, and creating a new breed of employees, who work remotely for registered businesses from certified off-site locations.

Butani also provides a few highlights of some key targeted projects in the downtown under CoreHEALTH.


Details of these specific initiatives are available on the 'Solutions (http://www.butaniformayor.com/solutions.html)' page of: www.ButaniForMayor.com, and -more- initiatives will be released in the coming days.


Thank You,

Contact:

Mahesh P. Butani
www.ButaniForMayor.com
Mahesh P. Butani for Mayor
Hamilton, 2010

[SteelTown]

Di Ianni’s decision set for next week

By Kevin Werner, News Staff
News
Jul 15, 2010
http://www.stoneycreeknews.com/news/article/215299

It may not have taken on the North American importance of NBA star Lebron James’s decision on where to play basketball next year, but Larry Di Ianni is expected to decide next week if he is ready for a rematch against Fred Eisenberger for the city’s mayor’s chair.

Di Ianni said he will make an announcement in the early part of next week, possibly July 19.

“We are about to take the final leap,” said Di Ianni. “I have been talking about what the issues are, and consulting with other people. It has been a very good process.”

The former Stoney Creek councillor prior to amalgamation, Di Ianni represented Stoney Creek on the amalgamated city of Hamilton council from 2000 to 2003, before emerging as the winner in an emotional mayoral fight against David Christopherson in 2006. In the 2006 municipal election, Eisenberger edged Di Ianni by just over 400 votes.

Since his defeat, Di Ianni became the federal Liberal candidate for Hamilton East- Stoney Creek in the 2008 election, but NDP incumbent Wayne Marston won by a comfortable margin of over 6,600 votes. Di Ianni has also become a political commentator during elections, and has been a regular blogger writing about city-wide issues on a local businessman’s website.

“I feel very encouraged,” said Di Ianni of his decision. “I don’t underestimate the challenge for sure, nor the impact the decision will have on my life. We will see.”

If Di Ianni jumps into the race, he will join Eisenberger, Michael Baldasaro, Glenn Hamilton, Mahesh Butani and Andrew Haines, as the declared candidates for the Oct. 25 race.

[matt602]

If? Obviously he is going to run.

[SteelTown]

Like we need a date set to hear if he won't run for Mayor? Jeez it's so obvious he'll run.

[thistleclub]

http://www.collectpeanuts.com/Collection/Images/Books/2009107/IMG_1017.jpg

[Jon Dalton]

the week's almost over

[SteelTown]

Di Ianni to announce election plans
Will hold press conference Monday

July 23, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/812005

Larry Di Ianni has announced a press conference Monday morning to announce his ”mayoral intentions” for October’s municipal election.

Di Ianni revealed he was considering challenging incumbent Fred Eisenberger in May.

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 to become mayor. He lost to Eisenberger by 452 votes in last election.

The press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Terra Greenhouses in Waterdown.

[SteelTown]

It's a re-match.

[SteelTown]

Head to head, again
Larry Di Ianni and Fred Eisenberger will duke it out to wear mayor's chain

July 24, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/813352

Larry Di Ianni is running for mayor and will make the formal announcement on Monday.

It's a heavyweight rematch of the 2006 race, but this time with Fred Eisenberger the incumbent and Di Ianni the challenger.

The Spectator takes a look at the records, successes and defeats of two Hamilton leaders fighting for another term in office.

THE CAMPAIGNS

Then:

Di Ianni came into the 2006 race a clear front-runner. Though a serious challenger emerged in Eisenberger when he registered to run, the sense among the community was that the race was Di Ianni's to lose.

Eisenberger ran a spartan campaign, raising only $28,000, refusing corporate and union donations and turning to social media such as YouTube to get his message across. Di Ianni's high-profile campaign cost $236,000 with more than half the cost going toward advertising, brochures and signs. Eisenberger ran on an integrity platform, while Di Ianni relied on his record as mayor and urged residents to stay the course.

There was some tension between the two campaigns, with Di Ianni's campaign manager accusing Eisenberger of poaching ideas from Di Ianni's platform.

Other candidates:

Pot advocate Michael Baldasaro; evangelical Christian Diane Elms; tool-and-die supervisor Gino Speziale; patent and trademark lawyer Steve Leach; Martin Zuliniak, son of former Dundas councillor John Zuliniak.

Now:

This time, Di Ianni is the challenger and Eisenberger the incumbent.

When Eisenberger registered earlier this year, he had little competition. Several high-profile contenders, including Ancaster Councillor Lloyd Ferguson and former beer baroness Teresa Cascioli, decided not to run against him. That changed when rumours of Di Ianni's candidacy began circulating in May.

Unlike the last race, both men now have a track record as mayor and their share of successes and failures. Both men are veteran campaigners, each with several council runs, multiple mayoral campaigns and unsuccessful runs for a federal seat (Di Ianni for the Liberals, Eisenberger for the Tories) under their belts. Residents can expect old tensions and new battles to surface between the pair. Which candidate will be able to more effectively fundraise? And who will garner the support of key community groups such as the Chamber of Commerce?

The outcome of the stadium location debate looms large over the campaign, particularly for Eisenberger. For Di Ianni, is the damage from the campaign expense convictions behind him?

Other candidates: Graphic artist Andrew Haines; online activist Mahesh Butani; property manager Glenn Hamilton; pot advocate Michael Baldasaro; blogger Edward Graydon.

LARRY DI IANNI

Born: 1948, Villetta Barrea, Italy

Married: 38 years Children: Three

Profession before politics: Educator and school principal

Political experience

Councillor for the former city of Stoney Creek for 18 years; Hamilton mayor from 2003 to 2006.

Highs: Di Ianni was the first mayor to land money from the province to offset the city's high cost of social services. He also secured $20 million in provincial money for the Glanbrook Industrial park. He championed several key initiatives that were completed during Eisenberger's term, including the Red Hill Expressway and protecting the Lister Block.

Lows: Di Ianni's 2006 mayoral campaign was played out against the backdrop of his guilty plea for violations of elections financing laws. City Hall watchers have argued that Di Ianni paid the price for an OPP probe into Councillor Sam Merulla that surfaced one week before the election, and that Di Ianni was held responsible for all of the alleged ethical lapses at City Hall. Di Ianni also backed the failed bid for the Maple Leaf pork processing plant. He told the company he could deliver a council majority in favour of the land purchase. He did, ultimately, but it was too late to save the deal.

What he has said about Eisenberger:

"I knew he was a feisty competitor. I didn't take anything too lightly. We worked pretty hard."

-- Di Ianni, speaking to The Spectator after his defeat in 2006

FRED EISENBERGER

Born: 1952, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Married: 32 years Children: Two

Profession before politics: Real estate agent, planning consultant

Political experience

Councillor from 1991 to 2000; mayor from 2006 to present.

Highs: Eisenberger landed the Lister Block deal, saving one of Hamilton's most high-profile heritage buildings. He has benefited from recessionary spending from upper levels of government, including $200 million for water and wastewater and $30 million for cleaning up Randle Reef. The Pan Am Games were awarded during his term. He also secured Hamilton's first integrity commissioner.

Lows: It took time for Eisenberger to adjust to the role. His first year in office saw antics around the council table, complaints about his lack of leadership and several major staff changes. Eisenberger has consistently lost votes -- even on minor issues like naturalizing medians -- and often fails to secure council support. Eisenberger has been a staunch advocate of the west harbour for the Pan Am stadium and the Tiger-Cats refusal to accept that location has been a significant political blow.

Eisenberger was also the subject of an integrity investigation after his taped off-the-record conversation with Spectator columnist Andrew Dreschel was leaked to other media.

What he has said about Di Ianni:

" ... Larry was one of the primary reasons I got into politics in the first place. Twenty years ago I was trying to sell a house that Larry owned at the time. We got to talking about politics and my aspirations."

-- Eisenberger, speaking to The Spectator after his 2006 victory

[SteelTown]

Hamilton is in for a mayoralty rematch

July 24, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/813330

Larry Di Ianni and Fred Eisenberger are facing off in a second mayoralty battle, reviving a political rivalry that began four years ago.

Di Ianni will hold a news conference Monday morning where he is expected to formally announce his candidacy.

It sets up a rematch of the 2006 race in which Di Ianni was ousted in a stunning defeat by Eisenberger. Eisenberger beat Di Ianni by a margin of only 452 votes.

This time, each candidate has a term in office behind him and brings a record of successes and failures to the campaign. The dynamic of the last race, when Eisenberger was the challenger and Di Ianni the incumbent, is reversed.

According to city hall watcher and McMaster professor Marvin Ryder, the race will be especially interesting given both Di Ianni's and Eisenberger's histories in office.

"Both men bring baggage to the table, and for some members of our citizenry, there will be a love or a hate instantly for both men," Ryder said. "There will be some -- I don't want to use the word 'nastiness' -- but there will be some heated discussion."

Di Ianni declined to comment in advance of Monday's news conference.

Roksana Pawlowski, a volunteer media officer for Eisenberger's campaign, said the mayor was unable to grant requests for comment. Instead, Pawlowski e-mailed the following statement on behalf of a vacationing Eisenberger.

"My campaign will officially launch at some point in the near future. Until then I am concentrating on being mayor and continuing to work hard on behalf of everyone in our community."

[drpgq]

This one is a hard one to handicap. Although there will probably be some angry people no matter what happens with the stadium and that could end up being the deciding issue.

[SteelTown]

'New look' Di Ianni challenges Eisenberger

July 26, 2010
Emma Reilly
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/814226

Larry Di Ianni says he wants his old job back.

And this time, he's benefitting from some hard-learned lessons.

"This is a new and improved Larry," he said. "This is someone who has learned some political lessons, but also has seen the community, and the importance of council, from a different perspective."

Di Ianni, who served as mayor from 2003 to 2006, will announce his candidacy for mayor today at a press conference at Terra Greenhouses in Waterdown. He says he chose the small family business to show that he wants to be a mayor for the whole city -- not just the inner city or the suburbs.

But Di Ianni knows he will have demons to battle -- especially his conviction for illegally accepting campaign donations in his 2003 mayoral run. Though the judge and a forensic accountant found the violations were unintentional, he has had difficulty shedding the misstep.

However, Di Ianni says he's confident residents will be able to look beyond his mistake.

"It will boil down to this: if people believe that I purposely tried to circumvent the system, I'll never be forgiven," he said.

"But if people believe what the judge said, and what the forensic accountant said -- that these were errors, and I took responsibility for those errors, and I'm sorry that those errors were committed, and I learned from these errors -- then I think fair-minded people will assess what I have to offer beyond that."

Di Ianni also points out that he has run two campaigns -- his mayoral campaign in 2006 and a federal campaign in 2008 -- without financial problems.

His main competitor in the mayoralty race is incumbent Fred Eisenberger, who defeated Di Ianni by only 452 votes in 2006. Eisenberger is on vacation and could not be reached for comment.

While Di Ianni said the race won't be a grudge match and he considers Eisenberger as a friend, he doesn't hesitate to point out his rival's weaknesses.

"I've been listening to what people are saying, and the common theme is one of concern about leadership, about taxation levels, and about council decorum.

"And I think out of all of those issues comes the necessity to provide an alternative," he said.

If he wins, Di Ianni says he will govern based on one motto: "If it's good for Hamilton, I'll support it. If it's not good for Hamilton, I will not support it. I don't care who the individual or the group that are making the requests are. Everything is going to go through that filter."

And if he loses?

"I will do exactly what I'm doing now. I will continue to volunteer. I will continue to enjoy my family. I fully expect, however, that may not be necessary," he said.

"I don't have any delusions about how difficult it will be -- but I think it will be doable."

[SteelTown]

Vote Mayor Fred Clean and Green

Cleaning up Randle Reef: Mayor Fred’s leadership helped secured $60 million in funding to clean up this environmental hotspot in Hamilton Harbour.

Waste Water: Mayor Fred’s determination and leadership helped secure $200 million in federal and provincial funding to upgrade for the Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. This will help protect the environment while improving water quality in Hamilton Harbour.

Cleaner air: Mayor Fred’s leadership helped bring in a new anti-idling bylaw to help make our air cleaner and reduce the emissions that contribute to global warming.

Improving GO Transit: Mayor Fred’s leadership, working with Metrolinx and the provincial government, will mean all-day GO train service is coming to Hamilton with a new station near Liuna Station.

Light Rapid Transit: Mayor Fred’s leadership secured $3 million in funding to complete engineering work for a Light Rapid Transit line, now underway, that needs to be done in advance of a final funding decision by the provincial government.

Waterfront: Hamilton now has a waterfront that Toronto can only dream of, and with Mayor Fred’s leadership, there are now advanced plans to further improve our waterfront, making it a truly people place that our community deserves.

Cycling: More cycling means less cars on the road and a cleaner environment. Mayor Fred’s leadership led to the installing of bike racks on city buses.

More beautiful community: Mayor Fred’s leadership brought in a new program to plant traffic islands with annual flowers from Gage Park, transforming urban blight into beauty spots that help make our community more livable.


Prosperous

Economic Development: Mayor Fred’s leadership led to the investment of an additional $1.5 million in the city Economic Development Department. This directly led to new businesses locating in Hamilton such as the Tim Hortons Coffee Roasting Facility, Canada Bread which is soon to be Canada’s largest bakery, and Max Aicher, which is taking over and restarting U.S. Steel’s Bar, Bloom and Billet Mill.

Pan Am Games: Mayor Fred played a leading role in bringing the 2015 Pan Am Games to Hamilton, which will mean a new stadium, velodrome, warm up facility, and swimming pool.

Rejuvenating downtown: Mayor Fred has led the way on downtown renewal, leading to significant steps to renew our downtown, with a renovated city hall, a renovated library, farmer’s market, and Lister Block, plus advanced plans to remake downtown Gore Park and York Street.

One stop shopping at city hall: Mayor Fred, working with our city’s Planning Division, established new Business Facilitators who are accessible on the main floor to help developers through the planning process.

Area rating: Mayor Fred’s leadership led to a new and innovative citizens’ jury process to ensure we have the best taxation system that is fair no matter what part of our city you live in.

Wage freeze: Mayor Fred voluntarily froze his salary to set a good example for everyone in the city government.

Strategic leadership: Mayor Fred led a strategic planning process with a new city vision to guide the efforts of council and the city administration. That vision is: “To be the best place in Canada to raise a child, promote innovation, engage citizens, and provide diverse economic opportunities.” That says it all!

Immigration: As an immigrant himself, Mayor Fred understands the special challenges that newcomers face. He also has a special understanding of the vitality that newcomers bring to our community. That’s why Mayor Fred has led the way for the development of an immigration strategy for Hamilton to ensure that our newcomers get all the support they need so they can help build the Hamilton of tomorrow.

Integrity Commissioner: Mayor Fred worked to establish a new Integrity Commissioner to ensure that our city government is clean, seen to be clean, and never returns to the bad old days of the past.

[markbarbera]

Mayor Fred is padding his resume a bit there.

The Mayor secured funding from the feds and province for Randle Reef but has yet to deliver the city's portion of the funding, leaving the project in an embarassing state of limbo.

I may be wrong, but the traffic island flower planting seems to predate Mayor Fred. Wasn't he the one that unsuccessfully pushed for the Linc's shoulders to be naturalized?

Downtown revitalization credit is a bit misplaced too.

City Hall renovations was the previous mayor's initiative. Eisenberger tried to kill the reno, and build a new city hall, remember?

Lister Block rehab pre-dates Eisenberger.

At the start of his term, Royal Connaught was derelect. At the end it is derelect and dillapidated.

Mayor Fred can take credit for deferring a decision on area rating until after the election.

While his lists the businesses that arrived under his watch, he neglects to name those who folded up their tents while he was mayor. And there were quite a few.

I had voted for Eisenberger and was a defender of him on this blog for the first half of his tenure. But he consistently has underperformed and is at best a mediocre mayor. My vote is up for grabs this time around, so I'll be paying close attention to what is said by all the candidates over the next couple months.

[SteelTown]

Looks like Bob Bratina will run for Mayor as well.

Ward 2 looks like a wide open race.

[mattgrande]

Looks like Bob Bratina will run for Mayor as well.

Ward 2 looks like a wide open race.

One of the Ward 2 guys (Hoojung Jones) has their address listed as Ancaster... I don't think I'll be voting for them!

[SteelTown]

Is Matt Jelly running for Ward 2?

Bratina running will split Eisenberger's votes. Both Bratina and Eisenberger are progressive candidates and Di Ianni is a fiscal conservative/pro-business candidate.

[highwater]

Is Matt Jelly running for Ward 2?

No, but Martinus Geleynse is: http://martinusg.squarespace.com/

Bratina running will split Eisenberger's votes. Both Bratina and Eisenberger are progressive candidates and Di Ianni is a fiscal conservative/pro-sprawl, anti-progressive business candidate.

fixed it for ya. ;)

[SteelTown]

Oh sweet Martinus for Ward 2? Now that's fresh and progressive.

[drpgq]

I like Martinus, but ironically, he doesn't live in Ward 2 either.

[paleale2]

I just met Martinus the other day. I do like his vision for Hamilton!
Also has a great website outlining his platform, background, vision etc.....

A very promising candidate IMHO !!!

[SteelTown]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs381.snc4/44437_470551932246_374180572246_7027729_5619534_n.jpg
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7027729&fbid=470551932246&id=374180572246

[mattgrande]

So during the last Hamilton election, I lived with my parents still. I now live in a different ward. Do I need to register or something to vote?

[highwater]

Have you filed a tax return from your latest address? If so, you should get a registration card in the mail.

[mattgrande]

Yes, I've been there about three years now. Awesome, thanks.

[SteelTown]

Return of Ian Deans
Former MPP throws hat into mayor's race

By Mark Newman
Sep 02, 2010
http://www.hamiltonmountainnews.com/news/article/218388

Former Mountain MP Ian Deans is running for mayor.

“I’ve been flabbergasted by the inability of the council to get its act together,” said the former NDP rep who recently turned 73.

In an interview with Hamilton Community News in 2008, Deans said he was contemplating a run for city council in 2010.

Citing the Pan Am stadium controversy, flooding on the Red Hill Parkway and the poor state of some Mountain roads, Deans called the current city council “a laughing stock” that has made it impossible to sell anything to do with Hamilton.

He said he would make employment and the environment the cornerstones of his campaign and has no plans to match “the bravado” of Mayor Fred Eisenberger and leading challenger Larry Di Ianni.

A former firefighter and politician at the federal and provincial levels, Deans had been living in Paris, Ontario for about five years until he moved back to Hamilton last year.

Deans was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005, but says he’s taking medication and neither the disease nor his age will be a problem in the campaign.

I’m healthy as a dog,” he said. “I’m ready to go

[SteelTown]

Councillor Bob Bratina is quitting his morning CHML radio show and throwing his hat in the mayor's race.

http://www.thespec.com/news/elections/article/253483--bratina-officially-joins-race-for-mayor

[thistleclub]

Councillor Bob Bratina is quitting his morning CHML radio show and throwing his hat in the mayor's race.

http://www.thespec.com/news/elections/article/253483--bratina-officially-joins-race-for-mayor

But keeping his radio show until September 10, when he obviously intends to file his papers after his final show wraps. Announcing your intention to pursue a mayoral candidacy on the front page of the Spec but holding off on filing until the last minute may be technically sound, but enjoying the not-inconsiderable perk of a week of free broadcast time in between strikes me as kind of greasy. Am I being cynical? Or has Bob really been so conflicted about the city's leadership for the last term that only the recent MIP brouhaha has thrown things into focus?

[LikeHamilton]

900 CHML poll of the day is “Who would you vote for in Hamilton's mayoral election?”


Fred Eisenberger

Larry Di Ianni

Bob Bratina

Another candidate


Right now it is Di Ianni by a landslide! 78.1% with Bob in second and Fred 3rd and not by much.

http://www.900chml.com/

Right hand side about halfway down.

[LikeHamilton]

@ 6:30 pm


Larry Di Ianni 60.8%
Bob Bratina 37.6%
Fred Eisenberger 0.8%
Another candidate 0.7%

[SteelTown]

Former alderman and real estate agent Marvin Caplan says he’s thinking “very seriously” about running in the downtown ward.

“I’ve been interested, I still work on municipal issues, and I have a passion for the downtown, I have a passion for Hamilton,” he said.

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/253601--bratina-s-run-seen-as-a-hurdle-for-eisenberger

[markbarbera]

All of asudden the ho-hum race for mayor has taken an interesting turn. For the first time in a while we may see a real horse race with at least four qualified candidates with considerable name recognition. Mayor Fred must be a little worried.

[JoeyColeman]

All of asudden the ho-hum race for mayor has taken an interesting turn. For the first time in a while we may see a real horse race with at least four qualified candidates with considerable name recognition. Mayor Fred must be a little worried.

Go back to 2000:

John C Munro
Fred Eisenberger
Bob Wade (Winner)
Bob Morrow

That was a four way race.

- Joey

[matt602]

Why exactly did Bob Wade come out in front on that one anyway? I moved to this city during his time as a mayor and could never figure out why exactly he even got into office in the first place.

I got to know Bob Morrow well during my time being an intern at Citizenship and Immigration (he was the Citizenship judge for 6 years, retiring recently). A very nice man and it was great to talk to him. The interesting thing was that he hinted about giving municipal politics another stab at some point.

Although there is more competition in this year's election, I still believe the real race is gonna be down to DiIanni and Eisenberger and I believe it's going to be just as tight as last time.

[SteelTown]

Larry Di Ianni has a full one minute ad on CHCH.

[SteelTown]

Why exactly did Bob Wade come out in front on that one anyway? I moved to this city during his time as a mayor and could never figure out why exactly he even got into office in the first place.

Three inner city Mayoral candidates spilt all the votes and one suburban candidate won.

[markbarbera]

Three inner city Mayoral candidates spilt all the votes and one suburban candidate won.

I don't know if you could describe it as an inner city vote split. Didn't Bob Morrow win a plurality in the former city? Wade had a stronger plurality among the new parts of the city, especially in Ancaster (who voted in record numbers, if memory serves).

In 2003 DiIanni's strong suburban support placed him well ahead of Christopherson. In 2006, it was a shift in suburban vote from DiIanni to Eisenberger that squeaked Fred ahead. In fact, the suburban vote would seem to be kingmaker in the new city - which is why Mayor Fred is going to find himself in trouble this time around.

[thistleclub]

Indeed, the suburban wards are powerful voting blocs. Under the right circumstances, I'd guess you could probably be elected mayor without garnering a single vote in Wards 1-5.

[thistleclub]

To wit (http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/254494--di-ianni-woos-the-suburbs):

Mayoral candidate Larry Di Ianni says the suburban areas of Hamilton aren't getting the attention they deserve; and he says he'll launch the first post-amalgamation review of city services to fix the problem.....

"In recent years, significant focus has been placed on downtown Hamilton, creating the perception that other areas of the city are being neglected," reads the section of Di Ianni's platform released yesterday. "Lately, however, the narrow definition of 'city-building' has undermined the spirit of partnership in our community."

I suspect that he's not speaking a total untruth, which is to say that it's a hot perception rather than a cold reality, and that semantically much depends on how you define suburbs. Given the old city/new city set-up he uses, it looks like he's trying to play on amalgamation anxieties, which might limit it to wards 11-15, areas where he had the weakest showing in the last election, thereby clipping Fred's pivotal 2006 power base. The argument has the additional potential benefit of appealing to wards 6-10 as well, thereby roping in two thirds of the voting electorate (almost 70% of 2006 voters). Allow that he's got a pretty solid lock on 10 (a resident of and former councillor for that ward, he dominated there in '06) and the sympathies of 5 and you can see that if Larry gets traction on this point, Fred's got his work cut out for him.

Even so, it seems like a problematic point to make. For one thing, counter to his current sentiment, in practice Larry did little to engage the deep suburbs during his term as mayor, aside from his allegiances with sundry homebuilders). For another, the suburbs have superior voting power on council. If they're being hard done by, wouldn't the first order of business be unseating the incumbent maroons whose "narrow definition of 'city-building' has undermined the spirit of partnership in our community"?

[SteelTown]

Ancaster village just got redone, downtown Stoney Creek got redone with a new fountain and statue and plans are underway for a new Waterdown centre.

[markbarbera]

It's more a meat-and-potatoes infrastructure issue, rather than BIA cosmetics like downtown Stoney Creek and Ancaster Village streetscape improvements. DiIanni is trying to appeal to the voters in the burbs where they see services suffering (i.e. closed pools, poor road conditions,...). He's obviously going for a 'big tent' voter.

The Eisenberger campaign needs to be more proactive if he hopes to get re-elected. The 'fact check' responses are allowing Di Ianni to set the tone and pace for debate, and have placed their campaign in reaction mode, a difficult mode to move out of.

[realcity]

Fred better start campaigning soon

[mattgrande]

Matt Jelly will be running for Ward 2.

[SteelTown]

Eisenberger campaign launch tonight

http://www.thespec.com/news/article/254716--eisenberger-campaign-launch-tonight

The Spectator’s Emma Reilly has live updates during Mayor Fred Eisenberger’s re-election campaign kickoff tonight:

5:22 p.m. - Mayor just arrived. Probably about 100 people here - kids, seniors, some professional types. Eisenberger is using his trademark purple and orange colours for the campaign.

5:26 - Local musician playing to kick off the official part of the evening. Mayor walks in holding hands with wife Diane to applause.

5:35 - Ordinary Hamiltonians from various areas of the city making speeches endorsing the mayor.

5:45 - Hamilton Centre MP David Christopherson just got here. Mayor’s wife is making a heartfelt speech. Says mayor 'lives and breathes Hamilton.' Also says stadium debate was difficult for him personally and when he is attacked, 'it hurts.'

5:53 - Christopherson says he considers himself lucky to have a mayor like Fred.

6:03 - Former Stoney Creek mayor Anne Bain says he's 'my kind of mayor.'

6:08 - Eisenberger: ‘We’re one big family in the city of Hamilton.’

6:17 - Mayor singing 'Don't Stop Thinking about Tomorrow' by Fleetwood Mac.

[Jon Dalton]

There were also some failures under DiIanni's term, including a $200M one. He will have some fact-checking to do for himself pretty soon.

[highwater]

The Eisenberger campaign needs to be more proactive if he hopes to get re-elected. The 'fact check' responses are allowing Di Ianni to set the tone and pace for debate, and have placed their campaign in reaction mode, a difficult mode to move out of.

True, but it may also give Di Ianni pause. If he knows every trial balloon is going to be fact-checked by Fred's campaign, he may be less likely to fling any old thing around just to see what will stick. And being in constant attack mode can backfire. Eventually people start to sympathize with the victim.

[SteelTown]

Slew of candidates vying for Ward 2

HAMILTON SPECTATOR
http://www.thespec.com/news/elections/article/255060--slew-of-candidates-vying-for-ward-2

A lot of people think Ward 2 is ripe for the picking in the Oct. 25 municipal election.

With Councillor Bob Bratina leaving the seat to run for mayor, 20 people have registered to run as the representative for the downtown ward.

There’s even a Lloyd Ferguson running in Ward 2. That’s the same name as the Ward 12 (Ancaster) councillor who is seeking re-election after rejecting the idea of running for mayor.

The new Ferguson could not be reached for comment. The incumbent Ferguson did not know his namesake and said the only other Lloyd Ferguson he has ever met lived in Burlington.

“It was a surprise to me, too,” he said. “I saw that. It’s not me. Let’s be clear about this on the record - I’m not running in Ward 2.”

The other cast of characters includes former councillor Marvin Caplan (who represented Ward 1, but did run a men’s clothing store downtown for years), former Hamilton Mountain MP/MPP Ian Deans (who for one week had been registered to run for mayor), former CHAM radio personality Jason Farr and activist and 2003 mayoral candidate Matt Jelly.

[SteelTown]

Looks like Ward 2 is going to be an excellent race to watch out.

[mattgrande]

According to CHML this morning, Bob Bratina is talking about deamalgamation.

[drpgq]

According to CHML this morning, Bob Bratina is talking about deamalgamation.

Wow. Is his strategy to troll for votes in Flamborough?

[dennis1]

Wow. Is his strategy to troll for votes in Flamborough?

Theres talk hudak and co might do it if they get into the government.

[bornagainbiking]

Coming to a Tim Horton's near you.....
Mayor Fred.
Thought I read on CH, that he will visit local Tim Horton's.
:notacrook: :notacrook: :tup: :tup:

[SteelTown]

It's a good strategy as all federal politicians are doing the same. Michael Ignatieff recent bus tour made stops at Tim Horton's.

Harper even made an announcement inside Tim Horton's once.

Sheila Copps announced her candidacy for Liberal leader at Ottawa Street Tim Horton's.

[markbarbera]

This is common practice for any politician. Not sure what makes this newsworthy.

[SteelTown]

My parents were on the Di Ianni telecomference call. Main issues were property tax (he wants to reduce it), the one bag limit (he wants once every two weeks to have 2 bags allowed), the state of downtown and the stadium.

[mattgrande]

My parents were on the Di Ianni telecomference call. Main issues were property tax (he wants to reduce it), the one bag limit (he wants once every two weeks to have 2 bags allowed), the state of downtown and the stadium.

Did he actually say anything about the stadium? Or did he just continue saying "I support the best decision."

[SteelTown]

October 25th is Election Day in Hamilton, so we are holding a Candidates Forum at the Stinson School (for councillors and for the mayoralty).

We like to think of it as "Exam Day at Stinson School!"

Test the candidates, face to face!
Bring your tough questions.
See which ones pass the test!

Stay after class ..... 7 p.m. Thursday October 7th at the Stinson School (200 Stinson St. Hamilton, ON).

It may not be American Idol. But some of the characters are just as "interesting".

Musical entertainment and refreshments provided (no tomatoes).

[markbarbera]

Timmy's stops coffee shop campaigning
CHML
9/23/2010


Tim Horton's is putting a quick stop to Fred Eisenberger's latest plan to drum up votes for next month's election.

The mayor had planned to visit all 80-plus Timmy's in the city in an effort to speak with local residents.

But Tim Horton's has issued a statement, saying, "Any candidate for public office is welcome to visit our restaurants during the campaign... all that we ask is that our customers are allowed to enjoy their stay."

It goes on to say "We would appreciate that no significant campaigning be done on premise or that our restaurants be used for town halls or large campaign events.

We go to the polls on October 25th.

[realcity]

homeless people get to use Tims' washroom's as their personal hygiene center, but Fred is banned ......

Prediction: DiIanni 52%, Bratina 22%, Fred 20%,

[emge]

Maybe Fred can show up with a bucket of bleach to the Tim's at Wellington/Main and get some good "cleaning up our city" photos. I've never seen worse washrooms in my life.

[coalminecanary]

larry's campaign is literally built on a platform of garbage.

the one bag limit - that is the big problem in this city that he needs to fix?

what a joker

[highwater]

Two-bag Larry doesn't stand a chance.

[realcity]

^ that's funny

my prediction is not necessarily what I want. I'm undecided right now.

buzz on the street from what I'm hearing is that Larry is in a very good position to win

[NuclearNerd]

Timmy's stops coffee shop campaigning
CHML
9/23/2010


See, this is why Fred's in trouble. I really like the guy's policies, and I'll vote for him again, but he really sucks at doing the "background" work before announcing something publicly. He should have cleared this plan with Tim Horton's before talking to the press. Now his opponents have a nice little jab for the debates - "When I'm mayor, I'll make sure our partners are on board before we start a project, whether it's a coffee shop or a football stadium"

[markbarbera]

Mayor Fred is paying a heavy price for his handling of the stadium affair, particularly among the suburban areas. I was at the Binbrook Fair with my brother and his family last weekend and I was surprised by the poor reception for the 'vote for Fred' booth in Building 6.

Mayor Fred may have some sympathy among voters in the urban core over this issue, but he is going to have to deal with sharing some urban votes with Bratina. As it stands now, my 2004 Eisenberger vote is moving to Bratina this time around.

Since amalgamation, every successful mayorlty candidate has carried their win with the suburban vote. Mayor Fred tried to play the stadium debate as a urban/suburban wedge issue to ramp up his urban support to counter his flagging susurban appeal, but with Bratina as an inner city candidate, the wedge looks to be poised to backfire on him. He's managed to make the stadium issue the defining issue of this election. If there is no stadium resolution prior to the vote, Mayor Fred is toast.

[markbarbera]

ELECTION NOTEBOOK

THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR
(Sep 24, 2010)
Former top cops back Di Ianni

Hamilton's two former police chiefs are endorsing Larry Di Ianni for mayor. In the first endorsements of the election, Brian Mullan and Ken Robertson formally voiced their support for Di Ianni after he announced earlier this week his plans to beef up the city's police services.

Signs of the times

Notice anything missing from the city's lawns and medians?

Hamilton's bylaws state election signs can only be posted in the 28 days before an election. That means candidates will have to wait until Monday to mark their territory. The bylaw allows candidates to post signs at their campaign office before the 28-day period.

However, there are already complaints two mayoral candidates are breaking those rules. A citizen has complained that Mayor Fred Eisenberger has posted signs about 60 metres away from his campaign office across the street from Lime Ridge Mall. A similar complaint has been raised about Councillor Bob Bratina posting signs outside his west-end campaign headquarters.

Ward 8 contender bows out

Jeff Bonner, a candidate challenging Terry Whitehead for his council seat, has withdrawn from the race.

"Many feel it is time for change in Hamilton, and that change is quickly approaching with the municipal election on Oct. 25, 2010," he wrote in a release. "Unfortunately, I won't be a part of it. Due to circumstances of a personal nature, I will be dropping out of the race for the council seat, and ceasing all campaign activities."

-- Compiled by Emma Reilly, The Hamilton Spectator

http://www.thespec.com/news/local/article/261239--election-notebook

[highwater]

^ that's funny

my prediction is not what I want.

buzz on the street from what I'm hearing is that Larry is in a very good position to win

What street? Even the most virulent Fred-haters I've heard have no appetite for moving backwards.

[mattgrande]

What street? Even the most virulent Fred-haters I've heard have no appetite for moving backwards.

I'd love to see a poll. A lot of people see this as a two-horse race, and the Fred-haters see Larry as the only alternative.

[jeremy]

From the Mountain News poll...

"Who do you believe is the front runner in Hamilton's mayoralty race?"
Community Bob Bratina Larry Di Ianni Fred Eisenberger Other
Ancaster News 1% 86% 11% 2%
Dundas Star News 1% 73% 25% 1%
Mountain News 2% 62% 32% 4%
Stoney Creek News 1% 60% 39% 0%

OVERALL 1.6% 64% 33% 1.4%

[mattgrande]

Did anyone watch the mayoral debate on Cable 14? How was it? Was Graydon there, or has he dropped out?

[SteelTown]

Watched the first hour of it. It's not a debate when you have over 10 mayoral candidates. Graydon is still in the race.

They should've had a different format. One topic and each candidate has 30 seconds to state their view on various topics such as LRT, cycling, renewal, downtown, Pan Am, stadium, public transit, jobs, taxes, garbage limit, HECFI, etc.

[realcity]

It was the worse debate ever. Next one should just have the top three so that they could speak for longer than 1 minute.

[markbarbera]

The Spec is reporting a leaked internal poll conducted by the Di Ianni campaign with interesting results, showing Di Ianni leading the mayoral race with 27% of voter support, followed by Bratina with 21% support, and incumbant Fred Eisenberger a distant third at 14%. 32% were undecided.

http://www.thespec.com/news/municipalelection/article/266686--di-ianni-poll-puts-him-in-front-in-mayoral-race

[SteelTown]

You are probably going to start seeing Mayor Fred and others ads here. There's already Rob Ford ad.

Anyways Larry Di Ianni will be at McMaster at the CIBC Hall starting at 11:30am, free lunch! Mayor Fred will be on campus tomorrow at the Phoenix starting at 4:30, again free food.

[coalminecanary]

I'm sure that internal poll is statistically correct, too :koko:

My opinion is that DiIanni should not even be allowed to run. You break the rules, you forfeit your right to run again. Don't like it, THEN DON'T CHEAT. Unfortunately, nothing like that would ever pass because it would have to be voted in by crooked politicians, which would essentially be like voting yourself out.

[SteelTown]

Wow Marvin Caplan can't seems to shut up during the debate lol.