Former Mayor Larry Di Ianni and Mr. Ecklund's daughter Erika

ARCHIVED POSTS:

______________________________

 

LARRY'S CORNER- Hamilton's Former Mayor Speaks

former Mayor of Hamilton, Larry Di IanniIs the City of Burlington Hamilton’s Friend or Rival?

By Larry Di Ianni
(posted May 5, 2009)

Let me get the full disclosure out of the way: I love the community of Burlington. I lived there for two years when Janet and I first married. I worked there in 5 schools (out of seven) during my 30 year educational career. And next to my community of Stoney Creek and my city of Hamilton, I know Burlington best.

When I became Mayor and interacted with Mayor Rob MacIsaac and Regional Chair Joyce Savoline, we had a great relationship with each other. We collaborated on a number of key issues, not the least important of which was saving the Royal Botanical Gardens. I recall when we three met with the Unions and RBG management on the verge of a strike which would have finished off a teetering operation, the three of us put our heads together and found labour peace. Even the occasionally truculent Hamilton Spectator wrote a brief editorial extolling the virtues of the deal we had brokered suggesting that our roles should be taught in labour studies.

I further had discussions with Mayor MacIsaac on issues of mutual interest, including the road problems in north Burlington and Waterdown, the purported move of Maple Leaf into Hamilton, the Commonwealth Games Bid and public transit. Mayor Rob was great to work with. He knew that I saw Burlington as an ally and had an affinity for it; and I saw that he too valued a strong Hamilton as being good for both of communities. We both understood that we were part of a Bay area; and what was good for one community was good for both.

Now, I read this morning that Burlington has lobbied to be separated out of Hamilton’s census area. Mayor Jackson, an experienced, savvy and competitive politician (also with some Hamilton roots) seems to credit this ‘divorce’ from Hamilton as the reason Burlington is getting more positive attention in national surveys.

In today’s paper, I also note that Burlington may be chasing an NHL team, coming into direct competition with other cities in the GTA and Hamilton. Mayor Jackson confirms that he has had discussions with Jim Balsillie, whom we know has expressed an interest in this city.
McMaster is moving a campus to Burlington. This is causing some acrimony among the educational community at Mac, and some consternation among members of Council who have recently labelled the University as an ‘unwieldy leviathan’.

Burlington is also building a performing arts center, and there are persistent rumours in the community that, once built, Hamilton’s Philharmonic Orchestra or Opera Hamilton, or both may be enticed to move their operations to Burlington. I don’t believe this for a second. I think it is paranoia that is fuelling such talk. It is as idle as the talk a few years ago of the Bulldogs moving to Burlington, which I checked out with some of the current ownership. It was denied, but the state of our downtown was mentioned as problematic.

With all of these rumours, and a more openly competitive Mayor in Cam Jackson, what is our Council and Mayor supposed to do?

I won’t give anyone advice on what steps to take to deal with this dynamic, because the rumours and perceptions may not be accurate. However, I will tell everyone what they should NOT be doing. They should not see Burlington as a rival. Rather, they should see the city as an ally. What is good for the Bay area cities IS good for everyone. I would establish regular meetings with the Mayor and Councillors and staff on issues of mutual concern. I would find a way of dealing with irritants and provide a forum for attending to them before they become confrontations as the road issues in north Burlington had the potential of doing.

And then, I would continue on improving our city so that it can compete with any community near or far. One doesn’t win contests, even informal ones, by seeing others weakened. One only truly wins them by being stronger than the strongest competition. Hamilton is up to the task despite its many challenges.

BACK TO LARRY'S CORNER

HOME

 

BLOGS

Read Chris Ecklund's Blog, Chris' Corner, right here! Chris makes frequent posts about issues of importance to Hamiltonians.

Larry's Corner
Larry's Corner- commentary and insights by former Hamilton mayor Larry Di Ianni. Exclusive to this site!
Read Larry's blog


BOOKS

Books written by Chris EcklundChris Ecklund has written two books about Hamilton waterfalls and their remarkable history, and commissioned the creation of supporting merchandise such as postcards and calendars. Read more and place an order here.


COMPANIES

Chris Ecklund is President and CEO of two prestigious litigation support companies and a search engine marketing firm. Read more


CURRENT PROJECTS

Chris Ecklund has commissioned and sponsored websites for the community causes and events that he supports. These include the City of Waterfalls site, Bring the NHL to Hamilton, and Maddie's Wish Project. Read more


PAST PROJECTS

Learn about causes and projects that Chris Ecklund has supported in the past, such as Ice Storm relief, Kosovo refugee sponsorship, and Operation Clean Sweep. Read more


PHOTO GALLERY

View photos of public events that Chris has sponsored or made an appearance at. Read more


LINKS OF INTEREST

View links to sites for government offices, businesses, and individuals.