Political Dilemma

The focus on Hamilton’s political dilemma was expressed in several e-mail
views, that seem to express some, within this community.

“We have some good politicians but they don’t have a good handle of the overall picture”

“Cities used to be able to govern themselves though today we probably don’t need a City
Council because the Province has all the control”

“Cities like Hamilton are being coerced into fulfilling the needs of the province because
they is need of provincial funds, but never get enough to stand on their own. This
City has been beat up so bad that it is afraid to stand up to the Province. There is also
too much co-erosion with this City that leads to poor management, and only certain
sectors benefit from it’s wealth.”

“The truth of the matter is that we have not had good leadership in this City for years,
and when they get one thing right, they usually lose the benefit by screwing up, destroying,
or negating the benefits.”

“Hamilton people have a good heart but not strong enough to get involved, mostly
because they feel they are never told the whole truth.”

“Hamilton is a fragmented City, like Humpty Dumpty, and no-one knows how to put
the pieces together, it seems they make it worse by playing the game of divide and
conquer.”

“ I read all your stories on this site, I don’t know why I bother to comment because
it’s really pointless, these people live in a different world, and they don’t understand
how hard it is to make ends meet. The only time they think of the average person is
at election time. It seem all we do is pay for legal fees for all their mistakes, so what
is the point?”

Your vote is important!
Vote November 13th

What do you think...?
 

Comments appreciated
ham_editor@yahoo.ca 

Eisenberger throws his hat into race for mayor

http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1157493015169&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815

By Andrew Dreschel
The Hamilton Spectator
(Sep 6, 2006)

“There is no doubt that in some quarters there's a mood for change --
call it an anyone-but-Di Ianni sentiment --
but there's no sure way of knowing how wide or how deep it runs.”

The election should not be about Di Ianne, but about the nature of politics in this city and a major focus
on sustainability. The ideals of appearances of the downtown is important, considering that this city has one
of the highest poverty rates, intertwined with the fact that 32% of the working population wanders in and
out of this city for work, the unrealistic tax base that fails to provide the many securities that are imbedded
within. Lastly the many issues that seem to contradict the desire of the city to attract new business.

It has been held for too long, that Hamilton City Hall is one of the most incompetent, ill mannered, and
disorganized in the GTA. Moreover, the focus over the past years has been solely fixated on the downtown
and the airport, Lister block, and the continued dumping major funds into HECFI  with little or no return.
With little focus, to none on attracting “NEW” business that adds to the sustainability of this city. More so
to the contrary time and money is spent on aligning “signs” imposing further costs on existing business that
are already struggling to survive a tax base that does not reflect services provided nor their financial returns.
Trembling at the doorway is the city flaunting that said business are failing to maintain their properties to
a acceptable standard.

What this City of Hamilton need is a new direction, a direction for outward growth. A City that welcomes
new sustainable endeavors, providing employment, eliminating poverty. Expanding out tax base, rather than
remaining self consuming or the rubble of the downtown will continue to grow like a cancer through this City.

Show me a Mayor with a vision
give me councilors with a plan
I will show you a City that can stand
with pride, honor and a helping hand.

Your vote is important!
Vote November 13th

What do you think...?
 

Comments appreciated
ham_editor@yahoo.ca   

Critics of Bill 52

In spite of all to wisdom acquired over the years in particular when it's toward the encouraging and development
of our children our Liberal government seems to be reverting to punitive measures from the dark ages.
Using the whip of control and negative reinforcement to maintain children in school, but contributing little
to encourage participation, only stressing attendance.

On the other hand, if government was to introduce the idea that it would contribute to the cost of drivers
education for every child who demonstrated, though academically disadvantaged, through persistence
and effort to remain in school until the age of 18 may prove far more effective. Moreover, the result of
such may help bridge the gap between levels of immaturity within this age group and foster many with
the motivation to further studies.

Moreover, the idea of instituting fines for employers, parents who hire or are victims of a failed education
system is nothing more that a punitive money grab that will foster further distaste for these children who
are on the fringes, perhaps forcing many of these children into a subculture that is already within their
grip. Perhaps, it would be far better to use encouragement and create School that are required to provide
half days in class for those who can demonstrate they are employed the other half.

Considering, that today’s evolution with regard to education is a revolving door. With the speed of technology
and world changes the education system requires greater fluidity and flexibility. We no longer can subscribe
to the ideology that what I learned five years ago will be sustainable today. Consequently, Bill 52 is a return
to the dark ages.


What do you think...?

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ham_editor@yahoo.ca

Critics of Bill 52
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1156974613911&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815

By Rob Faulkner
The Hamilton Spectator
(Aug 31, 2006)

I find this scenario as rather backwards, and wonder whether this bill will be deemed constitutional.
The entitlement to education, health and the pursuit of liberty and happiness. I am not suggestion that
the idea of maintaining kids in school until the age of 18 is not a good idea. But the facts are that this
is a Draconian law. The facts are that that teens at this age are propelled at exerting their freedom,
in particular those who have had poor success in our school system.

Thirty years have passed since truant offerers failed to insure that children stayed in school. A time
when rights, freedom of choice, became the nuance for schools and society to wash their hands of
encouraging kids to remain in school. 

The critics are not to far off as they conclude “It has led critics to worry about what Bill 52 may create:
school fraud in which teens register for school but never go, just to get their driver's licence. Or dropouts
who drive cars without a licence or insurance, putting them at risk of personal or financial ruin. Or rural
teens stranded without wheels.”

To add to this tail, some are suggesting, that they will just leave the province. This may in reality prove
to be detriment to families and perhaps destroying the possible potential of many to return to school
later on in this province and forever disbarred from family support. But then if it’s the province intent
to avoid dealing creatively by creating a positive atmosphere that promoted a willingness to learn,
then the province will have succeeded.

What do you think...?

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ham_editor@yahoo.ca

There is some controversy as to the methodology of incineration of Garbage
or the fermentation of garbage to generate electricity with methane gas. But
the reality is that Hamilton has been siting with this said potential for years,
and it seems as though it’s going to allow this valuable and renewable energy
to slip through our fingers.

For further information on the fermenting of garbage to generate electricity;
http://temagami.carleton.ca/jmc/cnews/29112002/n1.shtml

Just for the record, there is no doubt that we are discussing a large investment
but it is equally the returns are sustainable for years and considering these returns
are in the millions. Moreover, with and expected population growth to exceed
1.6 million in the next ten years, we could be looking up to a hundred million in
yearly returns considering the present situation throughout the greater GTA.

Oh..It a matter of image, and maintaining out pollution levels
the rubble of the downtown and lets not forget, it‘s the priority
with the Lister block and airport that we invest millions with
little or no return...




What do you think....?


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Hamilton Council dismisses 60 million dollars a year-

Halton garbage plan praised by minister
Spectator wire services
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/breakingnews/breakingnews_6643127.html

In the past months City council were presented with the idea of adding millions of dollars to it’s base.
A perpetual and increasing flowing dollars into the infrastructure and the Hamilton tax base. Millions
of yearly dollars that could have seen the downtown busses converted to being Hydro driven. Sufficient
hydro to energize an electric rail system through the GTA. enabling the shipping of goods and services
while eliminating pollution. Establishing a mode of transportation that would eliminate half the the traffic
and pollution through the 400 highways within the GTA corridors.

Creating future sustainable Hydro for decades to come, moreover eliminating many of the vast garbage
land fill sights. Furthermore, providing secure and long term employment, ensuring that we could secure
new business to the area with the knowledge of added hydro security.

Through Europe, Italy, Denmark, Sweden including in our own British Columbia, have designed incinerators
that expel a better quality of air, that is cleaner healthier that present government requirements. Sadly, Hamilton
City Council is more concerned with it’s image, than the financial well being of this City...Mayor Di Ianni and...
wants to see his name engraved on the Lister block and Airport spending billions of our dollars without any,
of little return...While congratulations go out to Halton Region for embracing a vision, where as our Hamilton
elected flaunt in hobbles through the rubble of out downtown decay.

What do you think....?


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Tap water better than bottled

By Lois Cairney, Hamilton
The Hamilton Spectator
(Aug 22, 2006)

http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1156197010619&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1112876262536

“Concerning the article on making power from waste, Norway has a whole city powered by this waste, along with compostable garbage. What has taken us so long?

The answer to you question, is that the majority of council lack the imagination, knowledge and wisdom to step out side their little prescribed
boxes. They are so bent on image that they can’t see beyond the garbage. The fact of creating Hydro with such materials within the GTA could
add 20 million to our infrastructure. Moreover it could be the vehicle that transforms our diesel busses in the downtown to electric and could potentially
lead to electric train transportation system through the GTA... Creating extra hydro, satisfying our disposal needs, improving our environment.

Our present mayor is so busy trying to paint his name on the Lister block that he has not
real interest in devoting his time to issues that would provide long them sustainability...

http://hamiltonviews.smfforfree.com/index.php?topic=28.msg30#msg30

What do you think...?

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ham_editor@yahoo.ca

Poverty, violence and vandalism
BY: Diane Elms
 
When will it end?  A head’s up on the waste of half a million dollars in taxpayers’ money at Hamilton City Hall.
Enough study, discussion, and hiring of consultants - poverty, violence and vandalism need to be dealt with right now!
(and this mayoral candidate has one proven solution to offer that may surprise you in its proven effectiveness, 
simplicity and cost-effectiveness…)

     It has been a year and a half since the The City of Hamilton formed its Roundtable Task Force for Poverty Reduction, and then sent it to work
with a handsome budget of $500 thousand dollars.  Despite the promising sound of that initiative, the city has achieved virtually no results in reducing
or even addressing poverty.  In any event, not until next month will the panel come forward with its first results.    What will the task force produce
to its taxpayers? A plan that will look at programs addressing school age children with the hopes of seeing results in 5 or more years down the road.   
(see:
http://www.hamiltonpoverty.ca
http://www.myhamilton.ca/myhamilton/cityandgovernment/newsandpublications/newsreleases/2005news/december/05-12-21tt.htm
   
     If I understand that plan correctly it’s not only extremely preliminary, but is simply not good enough.

     I have stated before that there are proven, cheaper, and much more expedient programs for school children that have already been studied
and utilized, that could be implemented right now.  One made-in-Canada initiative that’s showing impressive results in other cities could be set in
motion in a very short time and at an extremely low cost.  “Chill Power” (chillpower.com) is a police and school endorsed program.  It works to break
the cycle of poverty, violence and vandalism, by empowering school children in high-risk neighbourhoods to break free from negative thinking and
activity, and make positive changes for themselves.  After hearing how well the program worked in the troubled Jane and Finch neighbourhood of
Toronto, I met with its founder, a 22-veteran of the teaching profession.  Bruce Miles produced an impressive taped testimonial of street-hardened
kids who were themselves shocked by the courage they gained to get out of gangs, stop fighting with other students, walk away from peers who
encouraged vandalism, and even became leaders who stopped other students from acting in violence.  By the way, parents were also engaged in
the teaching to help nurture a consistent change in attitude.  The results are often immediate, but dramatic results are reported in the schools and
community within a year.  This program is also endorsed by the Toronto Police, Toronto District School Board John McPhee, and the RCMP Nova Scotia
to name a few.  Chill Power was the national winner of the 1995 “Non-Violence Now” contest, and was the subject of three studies showing up to a
50% reduction in violence, vandalism and increased self esteem. 
     
    As for program expenses, they are quite low.  It costs between $2,500 - $3,000 per to implement this crisis and prevention program at the middle
and high school level.  Training lasts 2 - 5 days at a cost of $100 - $200, with no charge to any teen willing to be trained and help with the program at
their school.  In addition, the program is diversified to fit all cultural sensitive issues.

     What more proof or study do we need?  It would seem to me that we need to stop discussing poverty, violence and vandalism and get this program
in place. Even if the city didn’t have a budget to deal with the poverty issue, help is available.  The Hamilton Community Foundation, which grants monies
comprised of donations, has announced it has made available a budget of a whopping $300 million toward solving poverty in our city.
http://www.hcf.on.ca/pages/grants/communityfund/communityfund.html           

     With a 20% poverty rate, Hamilton is one of Ontario’s poverty leaders.  I don’t have to tell you how sad this is especially for the vulnerable children
and elderly who fall under this category, but also for the city as a whole.  The entire tax base becomes mired under such a heavy burden.  Its economy,
image, budget and quality of life all suffer when the city spends more and more money bandaging a worsening wound, rather than treating it at its source. 

    Clearly the desire and resources are available to achieve the dream of lower poverty in our city, the question is, why isn’t it happening?

     The Hamilton Poverty Round Table has been in existence since February 2005, 18 months later we see no concrete initiatives or programs in place. 
What are we waiting for?  It’s time to stop talking; we definitely don’t need another report or study done. 
Let’s get a program in place.
 
 Candidate for Mayor
 Hamilton - built by ordinary people
 with extraordinary dreams
 
 Your vote is important!
 Vote November 13th
Diane Elms 4 Mayor
 
Email :Diane4Mayor@sympatico.ca

Home page:
http://www.diane4mayor.ca


What do you think...?
 

Comments appreciated
ham_editor@yahoo.ca

By: Diane Elms

The first issue I bring to your attention affects countless small business operators in Hamilton:  SIGNAGE
(Sign Study and By-Law - Final Report, City Council meeting Thursday, June 22, 2006)

Why is this issue so important?
     Because studies show how integral the right signage can be to a successful business.  49% of customers surveyed by the Sign Foundation
of Canada said the sign is what brought them into a business. That is a very impressive statistic.  It shows we need to help our existing and
potential new business owners succeed or we will lose valuable revenue.  The bottom line is, if the city loses this type of revenue, property
taxes will continue to increase to cover the loss. If we don’t solve this issue, we will hurt existing business, lose opportunities or detour any
new business, and also hurt those businesses who supply the signs, our local sign industry.

My Concern:
     Proposed sign rules will transform the look of the city, but what message is it relaying to the businesses in our city?  We need a balance
between business and their needs, and maintaining a pleasing looking city.

Background:
     I had the privilege of sitting in on the Thursday, June 22, 2006 meeting, on the subject of the Sign Study and By-Law - Final Report.   
I listened to citizens, business owners, representatives from the mobile sign association, representatives from land developers, members of
council and city of Hamilton employees.  I have also obtained pertinent paperwork on this issue, including a copy of the 39+ page appendix
report, and a copy of the counter-proposal from the Hamilton-Wentworth Mobile Sign Association.  I’ve also reviewed media coverage from
the same meeting.

This is what I heard as I sat in on Council’s meeting: 

*   The city is lacking on its responsibility to enforce existing by-laws when it comes to the issue of signage complaints and permits.
 I heard a citizen from Ancaster state that she used to be able to call in to report an infraction and they would be dealt with.  That’s not the
case now.  The city may try to argue that the by-laws were pre-amalgamation.  However that should have been taken into consideration as
each community has its own set of standards.       

*    Also, one speaker from the sign industry admitted that her company had not applied for a sign permit for two years, and the signs went
unnoticed the whole time. The city has not been doing its job in keeping up with monitoring the signs.

*   The rules appear to favour the new home development business over other city businesses.  Most businesses are allowed to have a mobile
sign 3 times a year for a total of a 30 day period.  But here are the rules for new home development: Portable signs, Bullet 6 Maximum 3 signs
permitted on each corner of an intersection, 1 per builder. Bullet 7 Maximum 10 signs for each development. Bullet 11 Period of display is no earlier
than 5:00p.m. on a Friday to no later than 7:00 a.m. the immediately following Monday. Ground Signs, Bullet 3 Maximum 2 new home development
ground signs per subdivision and up to 2 signs outside the subdivision on private property with the approval of the owner of the property.  Bullet 4
Maximum of one model home sign per model home with in the subdivision.  What is being said here?  It is obvious that new home development
is more important than business in this city. Are we becoming a residential city?  If so, be prepared for property taxes to pay the way
every year.  That means an increase in every year to cover the increase in the city budget.

Here’s what I say:
     I agree we need to get control of the out of control cluster of signs in our city.  Two very simple ways to begin are, one: No favouritism in the rules
towards one business sector over another. What is good for new home development should be good for every other business in our city. And vice versa,
what is good for every other business in our city should be also good for new home development. 
     Two:  Enforce the by-laws that are in place.  They worked before, and they should be able to work now. And contrary to what has been brought to
light at this council meeting, it should not be difficult for a By-Law Officer to be aware of all the different sign by-laws. They don’t even have to be memorized,
but at the very least a list of the existing by-laws should be readily available for reference.

It’s time to treat everyone in the City of Hamilton with equal importance.

Contact: Diane Elms
Diane4Mayor@sympatico.ca


What do you think...?
 

Comments appreciated
ham_editor@yahoo.ca

July 26, 2006

Diane Elms 4 Mayor -2006


Some aspire to become politicians. These people chart their lives, social events, friends, places of residence and volunteer work to create a good campaign.
Others get into politics because a need arises. These people haven't thought of themselves as a politician, but they care about the people in their city, and
the future of their city. That's the category I fall into.

My name is Diane Elms. I am an Iridology Practitioner and was awarded the 2006 Iridologist of the Year for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Iridology
presented by the International Iridology Practitioner Association (IIPA). My business website.
http://www.choicesforhealthandharmony.com
will give you more details about my career. I am 47 years young, born and lived most of my life in Hamilton. I am married with three grown children.
As well as being a natural health care practitioner, I am also on staff at Crossfire Assembly where I look after the finances.

This February one ordinary day became an extraordinary day for me. After reading The Hamilton Spectator I was frustrated and fed up with article
after article on the inappropriate handling of our money and talk of increased property taxes. I was most frustrated by the indication that our municipal
government is out of touch with the working people of the Greater City of Hamilton. That day I knew I had to do something about it. That day I made
the decision to become a candidate for mayor.

Most people I talked to about municipal government stated they didn't vote or follow municipal politics because their vote wouldn't matter anyway.
The backbone of this city: mothers, fathers, students, working single parents, two-parent working families, seniors, those on disability, the educated,
the less educated, 9-5ers, shift workers, the multiple part timer can't find full time job person, and business owners are disillusioned. The heart and soul
of this city, your neighbour and maybe even you, feel disconnected from the very people entrusted and paid to make decisions on your behalf.

It's time to change all that! Last election less than 40% of eligible voters voted. That means more than 60% didn't voice an opinion. On Monday,
November 13th 2006, those 60% plus some of the 40% will be able to say, "Enough is enough. I'm taking back this city. I may be one vote but my
voice and vote count. I am voting Diane Elms 4 Mayor. I know my voice will be heard and taken with respect."

I believe the citizens of the Greater City of Hamilton need to be heard. All of you need to be heard. I know the problems of this city can be solved
by the people of this city. I am tired of consultants from out of town coming up with 'their solutions' when they don't see, hear or feel our city.
If you see a problem in your neighbourhood, you probably also see a solution. I am tired of hearing about the poverty in this city and having another
committee formed to discuss it. It's time to put words into action. I know of many initiatives that are in place and working already. Why try to reinvent
the wheel? If a program is working let's get it working in Hamilton on a city wide scale.

It's time that every voice in Hamilton is heard once again. It's time that Hamilton lives up to its potential. It's time to stand up for Hamilton.
It's time to vote for change.

Candidate for Mayor
Hamilton - built by ordinary people
with extraordinary dreams

Visit my website at:
...check for further updated
http://www.diane4mayor.ca/

Email:
Diane4Mayor@sympatico.ca

Your vote is important!
Vote November 13th

What do you think...?
 

Comments appreciated
ham_editor@yahoo.ca

Even pot activist agrees city should have ground out cafe
 By Susan Clairmont
The Hamilton Spectator
(Aug 17, 2006)
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1155765013261&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815

“With owner Chris Goodwin chilling for the past three weeks in the Barton Street jail on charges of possession of marijuana,
possession for the purpose of trafficking and breaching conditions, the King Street East cafe has officially closed shop.”

The irony is, that could leave this City as an accomplice, knowing full well that nature of this business and participated in the
aiding of such, “Goodwin laid it all out in meetings with city staff, local business owners and even the police vice and drugs unit.
He proclaimed in media interviews that customers would be smoking pot in the cafe.”

Considering the facts I am not sure how, “Chris Goodwin” can be charged on such activities
with the City not being part of said charges...In fact the City onus to liability and participation in
this criminal matter is perhaps more onerous than that of Goodwin.

 What do you think...?
 

Comments appreciated
ham_editor@yahoo.ca

Hamilton Sign Bylaw

“Rural areas not exempt from sign bylaw
Kevin Werner, Special to the Review
Aug 11, 2006”
http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/fp/story/3629400p-4195753c.html

“The cost is expected to be covered by higher permit fees.” Just another unwelcome
to doing business in Hamilton, Ontario. Rural areas that are already overburdened
with the agriculture base at a low ebb, while the price of fresh strawberries, corn
and other fresh produce will suffer as, foreign markets reap the gain.

Consider that the City is unable to attract a business base of sustainability, though,
having the audacity to impost further costs to the present business. Furthermore,
this will result in, “hiring of two additional bylaw officers at a cost of about  $150,000.
Just another tax grab, some small rural business have suggested that they will have to
consider hiring one or two less summer students....

Progress in the making...

What do you think...?

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ham_editor@yahoo.ca

ADHD risks merit treatment
By Dan Marshall, M.D., Hamilton
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 22, 2006)
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1153518611243&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1112876262536

There are two major issues that are raised in the article that are misleading and negates most of the content.
“The U.S. Congress has acknowledged ADHD
as a major public health concern because of the
known consequences
of untreated ADHD,.....”

U.S drug company lobbyist are some of the highest financial contributing to the political arena. To use such remarks
as a foundation in support of drugging millions of children is irresponsible. Some of the major issues with children with
ADD are;
Parents not having the time to spend with their children. Expectations, family routines and structure were inconsistent.
Teachers improperly trained and or crowded classes and becoming  frustrated with the behaviors associated with the
need of these children. Poor and inconsistent communication between school and home, that Ritalin prolongs and
interferes with the development of neurotransmitters.

Another, real issue is that parents, many times are provided with the fact that there child's behaviors are as a result of
a chemical disorder. Parents and teachers make assumptions that, Ritalin will solve the problem. In many cases, the child
takes on this modi-operand, that they are not responsible for their behaviors, consequently behaviors deteriorate, this
attitude is also pervasive as many parents feel guilty because they don't spend sufficient time with their children,
due to many factors-
 
“Thousands of children take medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.” The reality that is ignored,
though thousands of children are pumped with medications, is the many other contributing factors, food and other
forms of environmental allegories, poor diets and the many social domestic and peer pressures including the revolving
door of instability of parents in the home. A society that is fixated on quick fixes, pill popping, that has become the wanted
magic fix all, rather than instilling responsibility, of course that would imply that as a society we need to spend more time
with our children. Perhaps in reflection, like our environment, that is so polluted, we have adopted the same methodology
turning our children into chemical sponges.

What do you think...?

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Rising Sun

How do you plead your Worship?
Thanks,
for the introduction Your Honor.
It’s my Worshipful wish to declare
judgements on oversights
defy the office of your Honor;
all should kneel and worship,
your contributions, petitions,
will save the lost souls...
Honor the most Worshipful.
Blessings and tidings will follow,

Your Honor...

What do you think...?

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ham_editor@yahoo.ca

Councillors' extraordinary end-runs defy logic
By David Ivey, Dundas
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 18, 2006)
http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1153173012493&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1112876262536
Re: 'Merulla aiding suit against city' (July 13)
and 'McHattie asks province to stop Lister project' (May 31)

Perhaps, the clear perspective that councilors must contend with, is whether they support those who elected them
or the political agenda of City hall. Merulla, who has supported many city innovations and has contributed to the over
all well being of all Hamiltonians, is simply endorsing city responsibility. Property damage for which is the responsibility
of the City, an ongoing accumulation of damages that the city has failed to address, while collecting taxes for such.
McHattie, percieved responsibility towards the Lister project may not be what some want to hear, though the fact
remains, if elected councilors are to simply bow to the wishes of pressure tactics, they may as well sit at home collecting
city tax coins like mummies while nodding their head in the flow of political breeze.

Whether “there are sufficient monies in the city's budget to pay the damages and related legal costs” to failed city
responsibility is rather immaterial. The real question is, can local tax payers afford to pay their taxes for city services
that have failed and at the same time be expected to pay personal property damages to their property, for said services
that are not rendered. Coupled with the fact that they no longer can obtain personal home insurance for future incidences.

With billions of dollars thrusted into an airport with little or no finincial return, “What extraordinary action will the next
councillor initiate to thwart council's position, should she or he be dissatisfied by the way a particular issue is being
resolved?” While millions of dollars are flaunted for a new face lift on the Lister block, while the tax payers are being
flood out of their homes....Long live Hamilton in the rubble and  the swamps of hamilton’s flood plane...

What do you think...?

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ham_editor@yahoo.ca