[Boomtown_Hamilton]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Metrolinx boss to be new Mohawk prez
Rob MasIsaac takes over Feb. 1, 2009

November 06, 2008
By Wade Hemsworth
The Hamilton Spectator

Former Burlington mayor and GTA transport chief Rob MacIsaac has a new job: president of Mohawk College.

MacIsaac was confirmed as president this morning in a move that has taken many by surprise. He takes over Feb. 1, 2009.

While he is considered an outsider to the college, MacIsaac is also broadly recognized as a strong leader and consensus builder whose profile and provincial connections could bode well for the college’s future.

He appointment also raises questions about  Hamilton’s aspirations for a light rail transit link across the city.

The Burlington lawyer has been deeply involved in planning major rapid-transit projects across the GTA and Hamilton as chairman of Metrolinx, the province’s transportation planning agency.

Because of his familiarity with Hamilton and good relationship with Hamilton mayor Fred Eisenberger, MacIsaac has been considered a key ally in the city’s aspirations to establish provincially-funded light rail transit links across the city, starting with an east-west line that would run from Eastgate Square to McMaster University.

The link is considered critical to the city’s economic renewal, particulary in the lower city.

MacIsaac hinted that Hamilton funding would surface in the latter years of the 2009-13 budget, coming this fall.

MacIsaac will replace MaryLynn West-Moynes, who declined to accept a second- five-year term as  president so she could return to Durham region and be closer to her family there. She is to become vice-president for external relations at the Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa. Her Mohawk term expires at the end of this month.

MacIsaac was bornin 1962. He graduated from  the University of Waterloo with an econmics degree in 1984 before studing law at the University of Western Otnario, where he graduated in 1987.

MacIsaac was elected to Burliington council in 1991. He was elected mayor in 1997 and served three terms, ending in 2006, before becoming the first chairman of Metrolinx.

He  lives in Burlington with his wife Anne. They have two children, Sarah and Catherine.

Wow! Great news for Mohawk College, Great news for Hamilton, Ontario!!!

This man is a great leader and would make a GREAT Mayor for Hamilton!