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 IanniBalsillie Has Done the Heavy Lifting; It is Now Time for Hamilton to Act.

Join Rally This Friday June, 19th at Noon: Jackson Square Promenade Roof Level

By Larry Di Ianni
(posted June 15, 2009)

Remember just a few months ago when nearly everyone was dismissing the possibility of Hamilton becoming an NHL city? Recall how critics near and far pronounced with great insight that only Bettman and the NHL old boys would decide on the fate of franchise expansions or relocations? Recall how some local opinion-makers said that pigs would fly easier than players might skate in Copps? Well, buckle up city! It looks as if Mr. Balsillie’s persistence is about to pay off.

The riveting courtroom drama being played against the backdrop of an exciting Stanley Cup final has brought Hamilton closer to its dream. The Phoenix judge by the name of Redfield T. Baum has dismissed the NHL’s argument not to move the franchise from Phoenix. He has said that the only issue concerns the price of moving the team to Hamilton, not whether a move is possible. Although Balsillie’s people tried to frame the discussion on cost to be less than a $100M solution, and the NHL countered with a much higher price tag, the point is clear: the team can move; the team will move- once there is a negotiated settlement on the cost of moving.

Lace up your skates, hockey fans; the team is coming. Wayne Gretzky will soon be walking the streets of downtown Hamilton. Property prices in the core will reflect the newfound confidence in our city. Building activity will boom with visible multiple cranes gracing the downtown skyline as businesses prepare for the boom that’s coming. Our long-awaited renaissance will finally begin in earnest once the deal is sealed and the Coyotes begin packing their duffel bags.

What a great picture, no? Can anything go wrong? Well, yes. Plenty can still go wrong. Mr. Balsillie and his team have done a marvellous job of strategically inching this dream closer to reality. His communication team has launched a “Make it Seven” website which keeps the faithful informed. Even Jim Balsillie sends the occasional personal update via email to each of the hundreds of thousands who are part of the “Make it Seven” group. The Blackberry billionaire truly has done the heavy lifting.

But now it is Hamilton’s turn. The team will have to rely on fans beyond our city to fill the arena each game night. But we are the host city for the new team. We must show visible and tangible support. I understand that a group is trying to stage a rally next Friday, June 19th at noon in front of Copps Coliseum. If you read Chris Ecklund’s blog on this website, you will see that he is calling for fans to show up in great numbers to support the team that’s coming as a sign of hometown enthusiasm for what is happening. Councillor Chad Collins has already shown good leadership by highlighting the rally in an email blast of his newsletter. I hope the other councillors will do the same. The rally organizers are calling for a repeat of the 20,000 fans that former Mayor Bob Morrow brought to a similar event in the 1970’s. They are calling for the Mayor and his office to once again rally the troops. I think this is a great idea. Time is short, but enthusiasm is building. Wouldn’t it be great to invite Mr. Balsillie to speak at the rally? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to invite Doug Gilmour, a supporter, to be there as well? Why not invite Brian Melo to sing the song especially written for the team? In short order, the Mayor and his office could make this event into a signature feel-good show of support for the team and Balsillie’s efforts.

And wouldn’t that be great?

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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!
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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.