Raise the Hammer

Great piece Graham and good answers from Councillor Jackson.

One question I have, is why won't Metrolynx state now how much they would expect Hamilton to pay to build this? If we are going to the trouble of doing all this planing and then the province/feds say they'll split 70%, Metrolynx will throw down 20%, leaving Hamilton required to pay 10% and we are talking ballpark $850M - $1B overall project cost, than we are looking at minimal $850K out of local taxpayers pockets in that scenerio?

We walked into the stadium debate capped at $45M. If it's stated that we will have to pay some upfront costs now, what is our cap? Councillor Ferguson states that $100M to $200M might be a problem, so what does council think would be a reasonable amount taxpayers could come to grips with? A $100M to $750M cost share would seem very appealing; especially where the long term benefits to our city are concerned.

Maybe, if it came down to a committement requried from Hamilton that council didn't feel taxpayers would be okay with, that a decision as vital as this one could be opened up to a municipal vote?

"I know we promised not to raise taxes, but for $125/yr added to your assessment, these are the numbers in jobs and revenue, and savings from urban renewal versus suburban expansion, that would benefit your city."

Provide voters with a link to this with some point form facts on LRT, including links to LRT articles on RTH and The Spec as well. Give them the pros and cons on a nice 5x7 voter card, with voting station location and hours on the back.

Why put the brakes on something you 'believe', voters won't go for? Why not know for sure? It would be interesting to see if nothing else, the difference between number of citizens voting for one innitiative, rather than a specific person for office?

For those that feel it doesn't matter who they vote for, nothing will ever change, they might feel differently when they are given the opportunity to vote on this very important issue.

Comment edited by lawrence on 2011-07-20 14:27:03