Council overdue for turnover
I can’t help but wonder how the Chedoke Creek leak conversation would have gone down with more first-term councillors around the table instead of the same ones who voted to keep the leak a secret when they found out about it, before the 2018 election.
I give some leeway to the new councillors, but not much, for being the new kids on the block and subject to a certain amount of pressure from the “Old Guard” and “the way we do things.” Without knowing exactly what went on, the debate and decision being in camera, confidential and all that, this scenario is just as plausible as any other. I believe those with “experience” let their limited experience blind them to the better advice of those with different experience.
Although council offered an apology, there seems to be little real contrition from members themselves, many of whom still believe they did no wrong; and that no act of atonement, not to the water, not to the people, regarding their severe lapse of judgment is necessary.
However, sorry is not enough. Something meaningful must be undertaken, something public, something that signals real remorse and an honest commitment to do better.
It’s been disappointing to say the least to see councillors who voted to keep the leak secret rehabilitated through party politics. Before the feces really hit the fan, Matthew Green jumped into the NDP seat vacated by David Christopherson in Hamilton Centre, an NDP stronghold and a shoo-in for that riding.
Chad Collins was rescued by the federal Liberal party in a riding in which the Liberals could run a dead body and win. Some are happy he’s gone from council, some see it as failing upward.
We saw the success the Liberals had with the last Hamilton politician who held that seat, Bob Bratina, as he quit the party in a pique over LRT funding. Now he’s back, darkening the door of the mayoral race, determined to not go gentle into that good night of retirement.
Now the provincial Liberals have offered refuge to Coun. Jason Farr in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, a riding to which he has no connection, not currently representing it nor living in it. But what does that matter? Acclaimed even. That’s a real head shaker. I can’t believe no one else wanted the job. I bet someone is feeling screwed over, somewhere. How could the Liberals not see Farr as damaged goods?
It might be the remaining “Old Guard” councillors feel compelled to run again out of a sense of duty, afraid of what inexperienced newbies might attempt. Those crazy kids! Might not recognize the place. Maybe they feel their role as elder statesman is needed now more than ever as we face the possibility of a council containing fewer councillors with more than one term under their belt. That is, if anyone is re-elected after the debacle of this term. That’s what Bratina says he’s offering. Experience. Does Hamilton need his kind of experience? Maybe not.
Councillors have to ask themselves if they still have it in them to go through a brutal campaign season, and it will be brutal. Guaranteed. The voter’s memory might be short, but Sewergate still stinks. People still want to talk about it, bring it up in conversation.
And once they start talking Sewergate, it’s a hop, skip and a jump to the Red Hill Parkway, the housing crisis and encampments, area rating, urban sprawl. The issues are catching up to those who dithered in dealing with them; it’s time for new minds to bring their creativity and solutions to these problems.
A healthy turnover of councillors is a good thing. A good leader knows when it’s time to step down and give over the reins to another. I understand the job is a good one. And thanks to this council, who voted in 2020 to change their compensation plan, a well-pensioned one.
No time better to retire than now.