Statement by John Rogers

During my career I had the privilege of visiting dozens of cities across North America and Europe. A common element of the prosperous, growing cities or cities undergoing renewal is that they all have electric powered rail-based transit to build their communities around. Stagnant and declining communities rarely had rail-based transit. Bus based transit systems usually contributed to communities developing a caste transportation system and society where the disadvantaged take buses and more prosperous residents use private transportation, usually individual automobiles. Over the years I developed a similar personal policy when visiting any city. If the city had electric rail-based transit, I would plan my visit around using transit. If the city did not have electric rail-based transit, I would rent a car.
Hamilton deserves a transportation system that will bind the community and foster equality and growth. Only electric powered rail-based transit can accomplish this.
Also, the province has purchased dozens of properties for the purpose of constructing the LRT and those properties have been mostly boarded up for some period of time. If the LRT does not move forward, the community will suffer for generations because of these derelict properties created by the province. As citizens we will have the right to pursue compensation for the damage to our community and property values.

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