Comment 38908

By Undustrial (registered) - website | Posted March 19, 2010 at 21:28:22

I know it goes against my usual militant anarchist shtick, but I actually am a fan of Mayor Eisenberger. And while he has occasionally had some bold visions (such as a pedestrian Gore Park), it's more in his ability to compromise that I respect him.

Admittedly, a good deal of my respect has to do with his last-minute defeat of the dark lord Larry DiIanni, but I think that the episode is more telling that it seems at first.

Eisenberger is criticized a lot for being a "lame duck leader" and not having control of council. But that's not what a mayor's job should be. He represents a lot of diverse interests, many of which are in conflict. DiIanni was admittedly much better at taking charge, but he was virtually always at odds with the progressive side of city politics. In such a context, no one issue is ever worthy of either side dropping it's guard. The Red Hill Expressway, Aerotropolis, election contribution corruption etc - it simply was a no-win situation.

While Eisenberger doesn't always "get things done", at least both sides are more comfortable with him. He's got a background with both the Conservative party and Green Venture. It makes for an environment where compromise is possible, and where city hall will at least listen to an idea from either side.

I don't think anybody will disagree that they'd like a council which will do what's best for Hamilton. But they might disagree on what IS best for Hamilton.

"Today, the notion of progress in a single line without goal or limit seems perhaps the most parochial notion of a very parochial century." — Lewis Mumford

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