Evolution

Some of you out there may be wondering where the heck I've been over the past little while. Hall Marks has been on pause recently because it's undergoing a bit of an evolution. I'd like your help with figuring out what that will look like.

As you all know, the Spec website now enables comments on every story. While that's been great for inciting conversations, it's sort of stolen some of Hall Marks' thunder. As a result, we think it's time for a change around these Halls.

My question for you is what YOU would like to see in a city hall blog. Would you like more chances for your voices to be heard? Would you be interested in more of an online op-ed forum? What would you like to see more/less of? You can leave your thoughts in the comments or email me at ereilly@thespec.com.

And for those of you jonesing for some City Hall action, I'll leave you with a few tidbits about the transition from Mayor Fred to Mayor Bob. One is Andrew Dreschel's story about Bratina's lean, mean office staff. The other is Mayor Fred's last thank-you that he sent out to City Hall staff before he left. Enjoy!

From: Office of the Mayor
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2010 10:28 AM
Subject: THANK YOU CITY STAFF!

Dear City Staff:

For the past four years, it has been my honour to serve as Mayor of Hamilton and to work closely with such a talented staff compliment who are so very passionate and professional in their work life.

I sincerely believe that being Mayor of Hamilton is the best job in the world simply because we have the best community in the world.  A prime reason for that is each and everyone of you - our terrific city staff.  I have found, without exception, all members of Hamilton city staff to be professional, courteous, and hard working. I have come to know many of you as friends over the years.  It has been my privilege to work with everyone in the city, including my own office staff who will be dearly missed.

Together, we have enjoyed some significant achievements since 2006 such as the newly-renovated City Hall, the soon-to-be completed renovations at the Main Public Library and Farmers' Market, the new businesses locating in our business parks, and the winning bid for the Pan Am Games. 

While significant challenges lie ahead for staff and the new City Council, it is fair to say that we have laid down the necessary precursors for success. It will now be up to our new Mayor and Councillors, assisted by staff, to achieve these future successes. To them, I have pledged every assistance and my full support.

Hamilton is indeed the greatest community because we have the greatest people. Quite simply, it has been my honour and privilege to serve as your Mayor and to have worked with each of you - I have loved every minute and I will take with me many fond and proud memories.  I would like to offer my most sincere thanks to all City Staff and best wishes in all your endeavours. 

Cheers,

Fred Eisenberger

 

 

Comments

[Markalanwhittle]

Emma, you should look into stuff that has fallen off the radar, like what happened to all that missing HSR money? I could name a few more boondoggles.

[Yves Dubeau]

The initial purpose of Hallmark was to cover what does not show in the paper. I can't recall seeing a duplication of stories between the blog and the paper. What is covered on the Spec blog is what is published in the newspaper not so with the blog. What makes a blog successful is rapid turn around time of postings and stories.
In regards to Fred's letter to staff. For those who thought that Fred was a humble man, my personal feeling was the contrary, arrogant, pigheaded, cynical and patronizing.In his letter to staff he claims that every future success obtain by the new council will be due to his past administration's hard work !

[Tom Robertson]

Emma...What this blog needs is a true journalistic approach in the topics we are asked to comment on and not just the tape recorded versions of what goes on at city hall. When a topic is brought up here it should also include interviews with the politicians and staff members involved and then a follow up after comments are made by your readers. The Spectator has been an utter failure at this type of journalism which has lead to the same people being elected over and over. I am beginning to believe the Spec reporters are also members of the old boys club. Please go out and prove me wrong.

[Plouffe]

Emma, we may regret this new mayor. I have it on good authority that Bratina has had someone issue a directive to all staff that he no longer wants to be called Mayor Bob Bratina. Now he has to be adressed as Mayor Robert Bratina. Well la-di-dah!!!

[Yves Dubeau]

Mayor Bob was my councilor in Ward 2 prior to be elected as Mayor. Over the years I communicated with Bob on numerous occasions regarding city issues and since elected I have received some emails and his sign off is "Bob". Our newly elected Mayor comes from a very humble working class family and proud of it as he said during his inaugural speech as Mayor. I find the notion that Bob would like to be call Mayor Robert Bratina laughable and improbable. this rumor serves to justify the reasons why certain people did not vote for him.