OPINION
I can’t think of the anytime Hamiltonians weren’t divided on a LRT decision, but this week’s confirmation that Metrolinx will be make all the decisions about, build, and operate Hamilton’s new LRT is attracting no dissent in Hamilton.
Not even a comment about dreaded Toronto bureaucrats making decisions in Hamilton.
And why would there be dissent?
Among LRT advocates, Metrolinx is already the saviour who descended from Toronto to give Hamilton LRT despite all the fumbling of the file by City Hall since 2010.
LRT opponents are resigned to the thing being built.
For City Council, they can’t lose.
All criticism during construction can be directed to Metrolinx, in advance of construction, Council can complain to Metrolinx and position themselves without the burden of responsibly to make construction work.
King Street blocked for construction? “We warned Metrolinx to not to that!” can be the response of City Council.
If they had to be responsible for the building of the LRT, Council would need to explain the necessity of construction closures.
If things are working, Council can claim credit by saying it is the result of their input.
Either way, Council can’t lose.
So, at the end of the day, Council is relieved of the burden of responsible governance, Hamilton gets LRT, and the Province is assured that its largest economic development project in Hamilton will be firmly controlled by Metrolinx.
Everyone Can Be Happy with 100% Metrolinx Control, Even City Council
, Editor |
Handout/City of Hamilton
Rendering of Hamilton's Proposed LRT looking west at the intersection of King Street East and Wellington Street.
Transit meaning buses have always
served McMaster students.To say now
students have trouble getting there
Is a little farfeshed.Also a plan to house
400 students in a new complex on
James St.N.has to have L.R.T. to be
Successful is also a bit of a stretch.
Joe, let us be fair, you know very little about LRT opponents or dissent for this debacle in the making. Blinded by your own bias, any attempt at objective commentary appears to be beyond your abilities. Those on Council who continue to support this malfeasance will be removed, and you will have a fresh crop of candidates to familiarize yourself with come the fall of 2018.
Jim, you open with “let us be fair” and then make an unsupported allegation that I “know very little about LRT opponents”.
May I suggest you reconsider your approach, and make supported statements in the future. I’m not responding to you claim because you’ve failed to advance any evidence to support it.
In regards to “blinded by your own bias”, I’m open about my views and the reasons supporting them. The fact that I do so, and that I regularly share dissenting views, indicates that I’m not “blinded”.
“Any attempt at objective commentary appears to be beyond your abilities”. An ad hominem attack.
Regarding 2018, if you believe a single-issue wedge campaign will result in a new Council in 2018, I’ll disagree. I believe the establishment will rejoice at a single issue campaign that fails to address the many other challenges facing our City and the systematic issues creating poor governance at City Hall.