Hamilton politicians building a wall

RE: ELECTION

With heavy hearts we’ve watched the partisan gulf in our neighbouring country grow while the seeds of hatred continue to be sown. In the wake of this, I’m dismayed that our own election has become a one-issue debate on the merits of the LRT, while dividing our city along age and boundary lines.

I’m a baby boomer living on Hamilton Mountain. Against all assumptions, I’m an LRT supporter. I recognize the pros and cons of this contentious issue yet know the status quo is unacceptable for the sustainability of our city and planet. Simply adding more buses is short sighted and a temporary fix.

While I understand the disparate views, I resent the manipulation. Campaign signs screaming “Stop the Train”, “Fix Infrastructure” are misleading and divisive. Although the LRT plans are fraught with unknowns, they include fixing infrastructure, building affordable housing along its route, and providing a 20-year maintenance plan. If there’s a better plan that addresses both our burgeoning population and our fragile environment, give me the facts and treat me with respect.

At a time when Hamiltonians should be presenting a united front against a provincial government stripping us of social programs and educational reforms, I urge city politicians to stop using tactics that serve only to pit neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend. You may not be using bricks and mortar, but you are building a wall just the same.

Nanette Hynes, Hamilton