Bratina for mayor?

Do you think Bob Bratina will throw his hat in the ring? Should he? Why or why not?

Comments

[john slomka]

it really is a shame when macmaster students only cast 10 ballots in the last municipal election...higher learning...hmmmm....where is the intelligence....terrible.

[Gary]

In response to R. Beck, you are so right. The issue of de-amalgamation is a Provincial issue and nothing to do woth the City. We have more important things to worry about such as the flooding issues and rebuilding our aging Infrastructure. And somebody with guts that can make a decision about the Stadium. Right now is not a proud time to be a Hamiltonian. EVERYONE VOTE!!!

[Steve McRae]

Hamilton is dump. No politician will change the city unless she or he is willing to toss out all the white trash that lives east of John.

[R. Beck]

This is a pretty cynical grab for attention. The title says it all, "Unscrambling the Amalgamation Egg." It can't be done. Is he going to discuss anything substantial????

[Kathy Hagan]

I believe Bratina is an opportunist. He bought the house in ward 2 for his political game playing. I will bet that when he loses this mayoral race you will see his house either on the market or rented. He would be an absolute disaster for this city. No, he cannot be bullied because he is the bully. He does not have the expertise to run this city.

[Tony Fawlks]

I believe that Bob will steer this City in a direction that will make Hamilton mean something again. He believes in the one and only thing that will build our identity, our core! He is the only candidate that will focus on our downtown, which has been too long ignored, and abandoned by other council members and fellow citizens. Bob lives in the core area. Bob walks the downtown core. Bob eats at restaurants in the downtown core. I have yet to see a member of council other than Bob focus on the downtown core, let alone call it home as Bob has. So, those of you who have expressed some bias towards Bob, which seems to be subjective for personal reasons, he will do what's best for the city. He will focus on our abandoned downtown, because it's his home too. We don't need a mayor that caters to outside interests anymore. We need a mayor that cares about Hamilton!

[JOHN CHUCKMAN]

No.

Bratina has no special qualities to recommend him for the mayor's job.

His running is simply political opportunism.

Hamilton's current mayor does a good job. He is thoughtful, a rare quality in politicians.

[Dodge]

I would not vote for Bratina if he was the last politican. I live in his ward and he has done nothing since he was in office

[Rod]

With regards to a new mayor I would rather vote for a MUSHROOM at least it would be a Fungi...

Now with all the money and BS the current mayor is trying for the panam games when he should be putting that 100 million plus into Our city for new Pipes and infro structure. Right now as a home owner in Hamilton it will take 10 years to get new pipes from the street I live on to be fixed...To me much more important than any Mayor

[T. Lazich]

As a Taxpayer I am not willing subsidize any private business with our Tax Dollars ! ( Unless they provide JOBS) Any Councillor or Mayor professing to support money losing interests in this city does not deserve a vote of confidence from the citizens of Hamilton .Time to clean house and think twice befor you vote in a Mayor or Councillor who supports a Sports team with a money losing track record ! Sorry Bob Bratina and Glen Hamilton, you're to free and easy with our tax dollars !

[Benjamin]

Bob Bratina for Mayor?

It's an interesting question that has me scratching my head. Due to the fact I've been able to vote legally for once for a municipal level. I hear people say we need new blood or that Hamilton won't change. We've been deadlocked with council after council, not changing anything. If Bratina thinks he can make some serious changes to this city, then so be it. I know personally that I'd want some major changes not just for me, but for the future generations of the city, change is needed and it is needed now.

[Gary]

this current council is the worst ever to run or "try" to run the city of Hamilton. We all have to make sure to get out and vote this election to attempt to change things for the better because at this moment it is bloody scary to see who is in charge. ( or thinks they are, right Fred? )

[Markalanwhittle]

Bratina is as hollow as a dug-out canoe, an empty vessel sailing to nowhere in particular. Yawn.

[Vivian]

Bob Bratina has the qualifications for this position; he has the passion for the city, and the intelligence to make responsible decisions. He will not be bullied and he does not feel the need to make decisions based on political (peer) approval.

I believe Bob will work for the people of the city and will be listening to the needs of the city; he understands the diversity of our city from the high poverty population to the very affluent.

I have live in the corktown area for three years and while living up “on the hill” not once needed to contact my councillor; however, living in the downtown core I have a new appreciation for the hard work by the councillors, police and education system as the challenges in the downtown are not even imaginable to anyone who has not experienced this colourful area.

Every contact I have had with Bob has resulted in positive results, whether it was to clean up dumped garbage on our street or dealing with the many criminals.

Bob has a hands on approach and will win the respect of the people of Hamilton. He will be a true representation of our city.

[JLR]

Unfortunately, political leaders are chosen too often on name recognition alone. This would be the case with Mr. Bratina, whom I have known for years. Have a beer with him? Sure. Think he has a vision and a skill to share it and see it become reality? Hardly the same thing. Suggesting that he "couldn't be worse than the people we have now" is a total cop-out. Believe it or not, yes, he could.

[Caledonia Boy]

I think Hamilton residents need to wipe the slate clean and remove the old guard. Clean house and start over.
How much worse can it get?
What has Hamilton got to loose.

[Mona]

The city needs an update....and Glen Hamilton is that guy...the others are old...time to get someone younger..

[Kathy]

I volunteered for the Stoney Creek News when I was in highschool (quite a few years ago..) One of my articles required an interview with Bob Bratina. I set up a phone interview with his assistant, and he never called me at the scheduled time. He called me back TWO DAYS later, said he had other business to take care of, and wanted to do the interview then. My deadline was the day earlier!

I know this is pretty insignifigant, but it shows that the little guy doesn't forget when you screw him over. I know a highschool student interview for a local newspaper doesn't sound very important, but it IS important to keep your promises to voters.

[neely]

well he would be better then what we have now...

[Glenn Hamilton]

I am sure that he will run and I look forward to an interesting race and hope that the Voters will still consider new blood for city hall. That is why I am running for Mayor. My name is Glenn Hamilton and you could see me on Facebook: search; mrgahamilton@hotmail.com
It will be a great election and I hope all go to the advanced polls!

[Sheila]

Back to the 60's Mayor maybe just what Hamilton needs! I hear great things about the Hamilton of old and in fact although I have only lived here for 10 years I can see a huge sinking of this fine city.

Bob please run and at least bring us back to the the Proud Hamilton, the Hamilton of dedicated leaders, honest policing and reinstill pride in the tired working class of residents to know that a hard days work brings rewards. A leader that will bring jobs in small business as well as big and not let Hamilton continue to become a welfare state.

[mikeybuddy]

I quizzed Bob about scandalous multi residential property tax rates for renters back in 2005... he said he was working on it... never heard back from him

[bullethead]

How arrogant of Mr.Bratina to think himself a leader. Anyone who has seen him during council meetings should note his behaviour. When chairing the meetings, he is rude, childlike, and does not respect the proper rules of order. And did you see him toss a pencil at his colleagues? He interupts and talks out of turn. Is this the behaviour of a strong leader? His style is to run his own show and that's not what this city needs. I stopped listening to 900 chml because I couldn't stand listening to Bob Bratina. The only winner here is the radio station.

[Laura]

Bob Bratina for Mayor! Hopefully not in my life time. He is the worst Counsellor Ward 2 has ever seen. If you ask him for help with an issue (as I did) and he doesn't agree with it, he will have a temper tantrum which is equivalent to that of a hungry tired child.
He does not think he should be reprimanded by anyone. He's best suited to napping...hopefully he takes a long one after he loses the Mayoral race! Can't wait to have a new ward counsellor!!

[BC John]

I left Hamilton after living there from birth to age 24. I returned gladly 24 years later at 48 to live again in Steeltown. I discovered city hall was still discussing and arguing over the same things from 24 years earlier, namely the Link (yes the discussion is that old), the Red Hill Creek, loss of manufacturing, and an NHL team. Come on get some new blood, someone who is a leader, has vision and won't cave-in to the old network. Perhaps someone under 40. With the Municipal leadership history it has, I'm not too optimistic for Hamilton's future. If it's going to be the same old stuff, Bob is probably as good as anyone else.

[john a. slomka]

Hamilton needs a new face and ''new blood '' in city council...Glenn Hamilton fits that role! i'm voting ''HAMILTON FOR HAMILTON''!!!

[Steve]

Leadership means, among other things, conducting yourself with dignity and honour, and taking positions that you believe are best for your city and having the courage to defend them and stand by them regardless of the personal consequences (even if a particular postion may not be popular at the time). Being mayor requires leadership skills, which, for someone who changes his opinions on issues more than he changes his underwear or the wind changes direction, Bob Bratina lacks in spades. You'd think after all this time on city council he would have learned or absorbed some of those skills. He hasn't. No one can call him Sponge Bob.

[nate smith]

Honestly dont really care
Could the "have your say forum" get anymore boring?

[Glen]

I still remember a comment Bob made on the radio.It related to the renovation of the city hall.As we all know after spending millions. The building is still to small to house all their employees in the core making it necessary to rent space at tax payers expense.He believes that is not necessarily a bad thing because it helps out the property owners downtown fill their vacancy's.I guess that's OK if its not your money.Hmm not sure about that point of view.

[Tad Nugent]

Don`t really think any of them will become mayor. Has the door ever been wider open than it is now for someone NEW to step into the mayors office.

[peter]

You must run Bob !

I had to reply to the post: sorry !

The last politicians to use the words compassion, integrity and common sense, were our hero's

Mike Harris

George W. Bush

[peter]

Bob Bratina for Mayor ! What a thought, I have always hoped to revert back to the past, like the 1960"s. Thats where Bob belongs, back in time. The good thing about the 1960's our taxes were less. If Bob lowers our taxes in the Burbs, then by all means I would gladly vote for him.

And as for splitting votes with Larry DiIanni, I don't think so, Fred and Bob will be battling it out in Hamilton for votes, whereas, Larry will have the Suburbs except (Dundas).

[peter leo]

Elect Bob Bratina for Mayor and you can be reassured that Hamilton will never change. Were headed back to the 1960's with Bob Bratina as commander and chief ! Now that's progress.

[lettie]

I would love to be rid of him as councillor of Ward 2 but not at hte expense of being mayor. That is even worse! No way, Bob, go and retire.

[seeujimmy]

You have to be kidding, Hamilton needs a leader!

[ed 7]

Doesn't he qualify as an old boy?

For the love of God - I can't believe the arrogance of that man - as Kathy says - run - run as far away from ANYTHING political so that those of us in your Ward can be free of your ridiculous behaviour and nonsense. Silly, silly, ego-centric fool. As my beloved Grandmother would have said: good riddance to bad rubbish.

[MARYANN]

Bratina for Mayor is the biggest joke around. He opens his mouth and all what comes out is HOT AIR

[MARYANN]

Whoever commented on whoulda shoulda coulda man is dead on. He is a guy who when there is a problem doesn't call you back. I'm DEFINATELY NOT VOTING FOR YOU. Your history Bob and one of the worst councillors I have ever had to deal with

[ed]

He likes to mention the mayor in his showboating but he won't tell us who the members of the ol'boys club are or who owns the power structure. The power structure is owned by contractors with ties to the mob which is why council and the mayor are mostly dead ducks in this city that do little other than waste money on flowers. As for the ol'boys club the jury is still out on that one, maybe he'll answer that one when he gets off the permanent fence he sits on.

[Chick Evans]

with the group of clowns sitting on Council now, (with 3 exceptions) having our local Court Jester Bratina as Mayor would make Hamilton a major competitor to the Clyde Brothers Circus.

[Kathy Hagan]

Yes Bratina you should run--- As far away from council as you can. Do us all a favor and leave this cities politics to people who have integrity.
Bratina stated on TV tonight he was tired of the old boys network ! so after 6 yrs among them he just discovered this?
He has changed his mind on many major issues quicker than a Chameleon changes colors . We need a leader in the Mayors office not a self serving career politician.

[Ravs]

I have attended many council meeting and after hearing Bob speak many times, I find it frightening to think of him as our new Mayor..yikes

[Bernie For Mayor]

I think Bernie Morelli should run for mayor, He would be excellent for the city.

[Kevin]

Yea he should run ,, so everyone can see what most people think of him including himself. No chance . His mouth always gets him into trouble. he is to flip flop fence sitter

[Jeff]

Bob Bratina for mayor...what a joke! C'mon Hamilton, it is time we clear out city hall in October!!! The Mayor and all the inept city council members must go! It's time for a change, and to elect Bob Bratina as mayor would be a kick in the face to everyone in Hamilton!

[Steve Sheen]

I believe Bob Bratina would be an excellent mayor.I spoke with Mr.Bratina at one time and he showed he cared about Hamilton City and the people in it.So hey cool.

[ed]

The woulda, shoulda, coulda man. Never seen anyone say we shoulda did this and we shoulda did that as much as Bratina. This is the guy who overseen the worst decade in the cores history. Go ahead and run Bob, you're all history anyway, I'm voting for the dog.

[Mike Russell]

Yes, it would be a great idea for Bob to run. It would accomplish 2 things. It would take votes away from DiIanni and also make sure that ward 2 gets a new representative. Oh and Bob would be able to go back to being a full time radio guy, since he doesn't have a hope in hell of ever getting elected mayor.

[Frankie]

Please Bob,join the race,you have compassion,integrity and best of all common sense.We need someone as mayor who will bring those things to the mayors office,at present we will end up with no games,no stadium and maybe no Tiger Cats,You must run Bob.