This could get interesting.
Former Hamilton Mayor Larry Di Ianni is considering another run for mayor. He says Mayor
Fred Eisenberger needs a serious competitor, and he's willing to step
up if no other strong candidates come forward. Read the full story by
Andrew Dreschel here.
This
is especially interesting considering Lloyd Ferguson formally announced
today that he's decided not to run against Eisenberger and will instead
run again in Ancaster. I've included the full text of his release at
the bottom of this email.
What do you think? Who would you vote for - Larry or Fred?
Lloyd Ferguson's press release:
Councillor
Lloyd Ferguson today announced his intention to seek re-election in the suburban-rural
ward of Ancaster in the October 25 Municipal Election.
“I truly
enjoy representing the people of Ancaster and bringing a business perspective
to Council that serves the best interests of all Hamiltonians,” Mr. Ferguson
said today. “I believe Ancaster has achieved a lot in recent years to preserve
its unique character as well as contributing significantly to building a sustainable
community.
First
elected in November 2006, Mr. Ferguson is a lifetime resident of Ancaster and
has been a passionate supporter of the area through his involvement and
commitment with various community organizations and industry groups.
For 32
years, Mr. Ferguson, 60, was with Dufferin Construction, the last 13 as General
Manager. He cites that business background as having been a major factor in
helping guide the City of Hamilton
through tough economic times in recent years and, for bringing municipal
spending and infrastructure projects in line. As head of the committee
overseeing renovations to City Hall, for example, he’s proud of the fact the
project is slated to finish next month – six months ahead of the original
target date of December – and about $1.8 million under budget.
“I want to
continue to provide the citizens of
with a business perspective as we emerge from the recession and look to build
the tax base and attract new business and new jobs to our City,” Mr. Ferguson
said. While always looking beyond the boundaries of his hometown to make a
difference for people, Mr. Ferguson said Ancaster too has been fortunate in the
last four years to benefit from a resurgence in capital spending on sports,
recreation and culture – all factors in driving the decision-making process for
people to re-locate to this area.
While
admitting he considered a run for Mayor – and thanks the hundreds of supporters
who’ve been encouraging him to do so – Mr. Ferguson is focused for the next
four years on providing his leadership skills as a municipal Councillor
representing the residents of Ancaster.
“An overwhelming
number of Ancaster residents have encouraged me to stay on as their
representative of Ancaster on Hamilton City Council,” said Mr. Ferguson. “With
the Pan-Am Games on the horizon and several major projects on the books, there will
be opportunities over the next four years for me to take a leadership role on
Council.”
Mayor Fred
Eisenberger, he said, has repeatedly declared his interest in serving only two
terms in the top job, leaving the door open to Mr. Ferguson to decide then if
the time is right to throw his hat into the ring for Mayor of Hamilton.
“Ancaster
needs Lloyd Ferguson at the table representing residents from this community
but also to bring a broader perspective on business and economic issues
throughout the region,” says former Hamilton Mayor Bob Wade. “Lloyd is a
trusted business professional who knows what’s needed to get the job done – on
time and on budget.”
Those
comments are echoed by many, including local businessman and sports celebrity
Don Robertson.
“Lloyd
Ferguson has successfully managed some of the biggest infrastructure projects
in Canada
– roads and bridges and things that matter to folks,” Mr. Robertson says. “He
spends our tax dollars like you would want him to – like they’re his own. He
won’t part with a buck unless he’s sure he’s getting the best deal for his
hard-earned money. That’s the way everybody in politics should treat our
money.”
At the
municipal level, Mr. Ferguson serves on 28 boards and committees, including the
Economic Development and Planning Committee – which he currently chairs – and the
Public Works Committee. In addition, he represents the community by serving on
the Board of Directors of Hamilton Health Sciences. Prior to his election to
Hamilton City Council in 2006, Mr. Ferguson was for 10 years a Councillor on then
Ancaster Town Council; was an elected Trustee on the Wentworth County Board of
Education; and served on the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Utilities
Corporation.
A graduate
of Mohawk Colllege in the Industrial Management
Program, as well as the McMaster University CIM Program, Mr. Ferguson and his wife
Martha have three grown daughters: Jennifer, Leigh and Erin.
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