Chain gang

Those of you who are watching council tonight via live-stream will be able to see that Mayor Bob is sporting a little more bling than usual.

For those of you who can't access the live stream, I snapped this picture on my BlackBerry at the very start of tonight's meeting. (Pardon the poor quality!)

As you can see, Bratina is wearing the chain of office. I chatted with him about this two weeks ago when the chain made its first appearance, and he says he plans to wear it at every council meeting.

I think this is really interesting and gives some insight into Mayor Bob's outlook on his mayoralty. Bratina really seems to relish the ceremonial aspects of his job. He's at his strongest when he's congratulating city staff or thanking someone or reminiscing about Hamilton of yore. In fact, sometimes that's the extent of what he says at council and committee meetings. I think wearing the chain of office really demonstrates how Bratina sees himself as mayor.

Contrast that with Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who didn't embrace the pomp and circumstance of the position like Bratina does. I never once saw Fred Eisenberger wearing the chain of office at a council meeting. It's one of the many differences between the two mens' styles.

What do you think?

 

Comments

[LINDA]

Everytime I've seen Mayor Bob this way in coucil...I've thought he is all show and NO positive action.

[ed]

I'm willing to give bob a chance. Its unfortunate that alot of issues in this city are governed by outside influences. That along with constant disfunction amongst councillors make the city almost impossible to deal with.

[Yves Dubeau]

I believe that Bob is wearing the chain of office for another reason than pomp. There is a good line in one of the numerous sections of "Band of Brothers" movie. Winters the charismatic Captain in the movie, physically comes across the detested previous battalion commander player by David Schiwmmer (sp?)and he ignores or refuses to salute Winters a more senior officer than Schiwmmer, Winters tells him that saluting is a function of respecting the rank and not a salute to the man in the uniform.
Bob during his campaign had promised to bring back decorum in council chamber and he thinks that councilors might respect the "chain of office" even though that they might not respect the man wearing it. What I have noticed is that councilors did cranked it up in the dressing department. They all wear ties with the exception of the female councilors and so far so good. Nothing to do with pomp I say!