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

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LARRY'S CORNER- Hamilton's Former Mayor Speaks

former Mayor of Hamilton, Larry Di IanniMourning Randy Steele

By Larry Di Ianni
(posted May 25, 2009)

The first time I met Randy Steele, he was covering city hall shortly after amalgamation. He was uncovering some problem or other we were experiencing in those days, and his questions were very critical of the city’s operation. I told him to be patient. He told him his deadlines didn’t allow him that luxury. When I saw his reportage later that night, I felt that his facts were straight, even if his target wasn’t. I told him that and we agreed to disagree. Over the next three years, Randy proved to be intrepid and fearless in uncovering waste and duplication. Wrongly-ordered zamboni machinery, new vehicles collecting dust in our fleet, and other issues received wide coverage by Randy. I suspected that he was getting tips from a couple of Councillors and some local front line renegades bent on embarrassing the corporation. Throughout it all, I sensed a strong feeling of integrity on the part of Randy who always made sure the other side of the story was also told. This integrity and his great personality endeared him to me.

When I was running for Mayor, Randy interviewed me and my opponent on his television show. His questions were penetrating. I answered them to the best of my ability, I felt, and my opponent’s responses were soft and unfocused. It was the first inkling I had that I could beat David Christopherson who thought he was in for a cakewalk election. Randy privately agreed.

When I won the Mayoralty, I offered Randy a job as my communications director. He was one of several local media people I interviewed. We had several meetings, along with my Chief of Staff. The discussions were fruitful. Randy wanted to know what his role would be. He wasn’t happy with being a spin master. He wanted some influence on policy and direction. I was happy to agree to his terms. Perhaps the major reason Randy said no to my job offer had to do with his health status. He told us that he was facing a health challenge that would leave him incapable of working for the next foreseeable future. Although we didn’t get into the details, I knew the challenge was formidable.

It was only later that I learned of the seriousness of the situation. I next met Randy during his convalescence. I saw the strength and courage he was exhibiting in fighting his cancer. When he came back to work, I introduced him to the gallery which broke out into prolonged applause before our Council meeting. Everyone was pleased to have Randy back. Although his appearance had changed somewhat, and his voice was somewhat hoarse from the serious operations he had had, his personality and inquisitiveness were intact.

His good friend, the talented Jeff Mahoney of the Spectator, told me that Randy really loved being back; and the public introduction of his return meant a lot to Randy. All I can say is that he made a difference to this city. He loved it; and it showed in his professional duties. Even when the dreaded cancer robbed him of his speech, he was showing his love of community through photographs. Randy will be missed. God bless him, his wife and children.

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


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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


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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

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