Statement by Michael Majcher

This email has been addressed to my Ward 5 Councillor- Chad Collins.

Hello Mr Collins.
I am a ward 5 resident and would like it known that I am in favour of the LRT for this city, and I am not the only one in this ward who feels that way. Yet I only ever hear you speaking out against it. Why are you only representing those that are not in favour?

I really don't understand or see why you think the LRT would be more detrimental to Hamilton than it would be beneficial. Yes there will be challenges with this project...just like there are with every other construction project that goes on, but those projects aren't getting stopped because of challenges so why should this one? You plan it out with the best people. You rally to get everyone behind it, and we all do whatever we have to do to make it successful. Many other cities have done that. Why do you feel that Hamilton can't do an even better job of it now that we have all their learned lessons to draw on?

I also haven't heard any other alternate solutions presented that would help prepare this city for the long term in the way that LRT would, particularly when it comes to dealing with the mandated densification, or in terms of the economic benefit that could come from this if it's done right. When I hear people speaking against LRT it mostly boils down to people not wanting change. I get the human nature aspect of that, but that is in no way an acceptable reason to hold a city back. The future is coming whether we like it or not just as it always has. We can choose to either be prepared for it or stick our heads in the sand and hope for the best.

I'm not going to be able to drive forever, yet I'm still going to need to get around, as is everyone else who is ageing and moving into Hamilton. The city over the last number of years has done little on it's own to improve the bus system, so I don't know why I would think that all of a sudden now they'll make miraculous changes to improve things if LRT doesn't happen. And when you have outlying areas demanding better service, yet don't want to pay taxes to make it possible.....I just don't see the status quo as the solution. LRT will force the door open and put a red carpet out inviting the rest of the bus system to step it up.

I've gone out of my way to find out everything I can about LRT for Hamilton. I've learned a lot. From what I read and hear from others, they have not done the same. And I don't feel the city has done nearly a good enough job to sell the project. Yes, there are information/status sessions, but that's not the same as selling and educating people on the whole thing, both the pros and cons. That has led people to make inaccurate assumptions and draw conclusions based on false information. To hold a referendum under those circumstances is not fair to the citizens of this city. How can you ask the people to make such a big decision in that environment.That will do more harm than good to the city and it's people.

You are in a position of leadership, someone who is charged with getting us through the hear and now, but also to ensure we're ready for the future. Please show some vision (that's being handed to us on a silver platter this time), and be a city builder.

Mike Majcher
Bow Valley Drive
Ward 5

Vote for this statement

Join Michael Majcher and 7099 others: