Raise the Hammer

Well, I just left City Hall after sitting through another vote on the stadium.

We have effectively opened up the entire debate again, although there is a focus on MIP. We'll see how long the Cats will let that site stay in play. At least Clark's attempt to take the WH off the list failed.

Some observations:

Merulla is consistent. He does go on, but didn't waver from his support of letting the Pan Am parade pass us by. Personally, I'm not hugely opposed to this, but I do get a little tired of Sam in the role of critic who never, ever puts forth a vision for what should happen. Only what shouldn't in terms of the overall vision for the city. At least I gafdon't seem to hear much from him about the future.

There was a presentation from a guy, introduced by City Manager Chris Murray, from the Forum development organization who made a short pitch for the firm's interest in development in the WH, saying he had spoken to Frank Gehry about a role in the development. This group seemingly has a track record, but I don't know much more than that. What I do know is that Councillors Jackson and Whitehead were not listening to a single thing he said. They were engaged in a long conversation. Whitehead left his seat to sit beside Jackson. Nice. I don't care if they don't listen to each other, but I do care if they don't listen to guest speakers.

When our City CFO was asked what the economic contribution the Ti-Cats estimated they represented, he said he couldn't remember the number and didn't have it with them. Then, he looked over his shoulder in to the crowd to catch the eye of a Ti-Cat rep, possibly their CFO, to get the number. Then he went into the audience up to the Ti-Cat guy to ask for the number. He never presented it. Don't know about you, but the I forgot my homework excuse is not acceptable at this level and at this time.

So, get ready for more hijinks from the madcap kids we call Council.