Raise the Hammer

I'd like to take the focus back to what this article is really trying to say... about the lack of leadership and commitment to creating and executing a vision of what we want Hamilton to become. I wholeheartedly agree with the writer's points.

The lack of leadership is something that has affected Hamilton in many ways, but this is a prime example of where it may affect the city negatively both now and in the future.

Hamilton's economy has changed quite a lot over the past couple of decades, to the point where it's recognized as one of the most diverse in the country (according to the Conference Board of Canada). Some of that may be because we've lost big chunks of formerly dominant industries, but a lot of it has been due to incremental change. And while we don't all agree with everything the city has/hasn't done, overall I think the economic development department has done a good job trying to further that diversification as well as grow specific clusters which are quite broad in themselves. Many individuals have also acted in both small and large ways, and their importance must not be overlooked.

But this seems to have happened in spite of a lack of political champions. Imagine where the city might be if there had been a few? Or even just one? The mayor and council seem happy to flaunt successes. Imagine what they could flaunt if they were to take a more active role developing a vision and leading efforts toward its realization, with the input and help of staff, experts, local residents and businesses. I know we've been down that road before (e.g., Vision 2020) but the cause is still worthwhile.

In an election year, isn't this something worth pushing for? To put it on the agenda? And it's not even a divisive issue like others might be - it's something positive that many can work toward in cooperation, that could benefit the entire city.

Comment edited by ScreamingViking on 2014-02-10 02:56:05