One of the biggest contributors to Hamilton's woes is Bernie Morelli, the head rat in the sewer that is the troubled and impoverished Ward 3. Lets look at Mr. Morelli`s apathetic record for each of the issues.
First a couple of maps of the most heavily populated Ward in the city and one of the most economically and socially diverse. Ward three runs from the industrial North end to the historic brick works and homes that line the escarpment in the South, East from the shopping opportunity rich Ottawa Street, West to the heath service centres on and near Wellington.
The first reaction of anyone driving down Barton Street is rightfully, to put blinders on as they pass the decades of neglect that hang off the eyesore drug dens, junk shops and bars that cater to crime. These black holes suck the life out of the jewels that passerby`s don't notice, the family owned Polish delis and restaurants, the Italian shoe and clothing stores that offer elegance on a budget and the myriad of other ethnic offerings. These don`t get the football fans stopping by or the people who are sick of the headaches of shopping downtown. Bernie Morelli says he supports the small business owner and the vision of a Ward that you can raise a child in, but you wouldn't know by the two to one percentage of vacant store fronts to business and the prostitutes hanging out in front of the children's library.
Bernie Morelli, who, has said he "supported" the work of the Good Shepherd. Whether his support is strictly by the purchase of a ticket to a fund raiser function or he actually visits these shelters on his own time and sees the need of this wonderful charities people is open for debate. The truth is the truly needy, the blue collar working poor don`t see a dime in aid that Morelli promises every election. Instead, every housing and financial program that once helped Ward 3 electors fix up their aging homes or afford day care so they could become a contributor to society has been scrapped. In turn when you try to communicate with Mr. Morelli you get a terse response from a secretary and a form letter saying he can`t help.
The councillors "influence" over the new mayor couldn`t have been highlighted better than how council and the mayor dealt with the harassment complaint made against Councillor Bernie Morelli. Even though the investigator concluded that Mr. Morelli had indeed harassed a city employee, council simply gave Mr. Morelli a get-out-of-jail-free card. A arrogate Mr. Morelli said he had nothing to apologize for and he justified his "passionate" and "assertive" actions on behalf of fighting for his constituents. I wonder if this constituent was a financial or moral contributor to Mr. Morelli.
Mr. Eisenberger, looking like a patsy, reluctant at even having to discuss the issue with the media, tried to wash his hands of it, saying it wasn't "my doing." Wishing the whole affair would just go away, a terse Mr. Eisenberger then fumbled around barely mounting an effort to defend city staff, who have had to sit on the sidelines fearful now of what will happen if they have a similar incident with a councillor.
Mr. Morelli agreed to apology with the tact of a fifth grader with his fingers crossed behind his back. The counselor turned face and the apology never materialized, and even had the gall and gumption to demand Stoney Creek councillor Dave Mitchell to apologize for a comment he made that called Mr. Morelli on the issue.
The story going around at City Hall sounds like a page ripped from a script of the Soprano`s. It goes something like this, Fred Eisenberger was sandbagged when he went along with the rest of council to let Bernie Morelli off the hook for allegedly harassing a city employee. According to the buzz, the mayor was given assurances that if he stayed onside, Morelli would, if not offer a full bore apology, at least express regret for the incident.
Rightly or wrongly, Eisenberger accepted the proffered half loaf of remorse and opted to invest his political capital into pushing for an integrity commissioner to monitor future council conduct. But when the voting was over, Morelli did the opposite of what was expected. He demanded an apology from the employee who levelled the accusation against him. And the only regret he expressed was for how the controversy had hurt him and his family. Morelli crossly denies the tale.
An ethical watchdog is sorely needed at City Hall to handle this kind of underhandedness. But don`t count on it, shady and squeaky clean councillors alike would easily go after the cost of the office as a means of getting in the way without being seen as obstructionist.
The Hamilton ethics Detective McGruff`s job would be to investigate a wide range of complaints against councillors, including mistreatment of staff, discreditable conduct to the public, using city resources for campaign purposes, disorderly behaviour at council meetings, receiving improper gifts or benefits and inappropriately using city resources.
My first choice for the job of laying the `Smackdown` in city chambers would be Joanna `Pitbull` Chapman, the little old lady from Dundas who went after illegal campaign donations given to Larry Di Ianni and other members of council with all the resolution of a dog on a bone.
As attractive as this snake charmer is, she'd be a hard sell among councillors who ultimately have to give their stamp of approval. She would be seen as too biased for the job. So how will the commissioner be chosen once council gives the green light? Staff is expected to recommend the normal hiring process.
That means the position likely will be advertised to a select group of friends. A drawn out application process will pursue. A selection committee or panel will make a recommendation based solely on a most favoured bases.
Who ever is given the post, the most important question is how much authority that person will be given. Because of loop holes in the amended Municipal Act, it's an open question whether council can invest an integrity commissioner with the power to actually order punishments, or will he or she merely be able to recommend a course of action for council to follow or not, as it pleases. In plain language, a lot of money and time will be wasted on an attempt by city council to shore up a sagging reputation. Money that Ward 3 could badly use.
Sources,
The Hamilton Spectator, The Hamilton Mountain News, The Dundas Star News and Raise the Hammer.
Later,
Kenaz
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