Statement by Alexander Young

When I was younger, I never imagined moving to Hamilton. In fact, it was the exact opposite of what I wanted to do. As someone born in the city but raised outside of it, I had an ingrained, negative opinion of Hamilton instilled in me; in my mind it was gritty, rough, and stagnant - particularly when compared to it's neighbour Toronto. Regardless of my opinion, I eventually ended up here because I found my place at McMaster University. With some trepidation I consigned myself to living in the gritty city I thought I knew because it was worth it academically, but it wasn't long until I realized how misguided I was. It wasn't just worth it academically - it was worth it for everything else Hamilton had to offer. Hamilton is an incredibly livable city. Seeped in an industrial history that speaks to the city's resilience, Hamilton is finding it's place again, becoming a hub for arts and culture in Ontario, a place with big city opportunities and offerings that still has a close knit community that supports itself. LRT is the next logical step to ensure that progression continue, to ensure that people continue to come downtown and explore what the city has to offer. Councillors and members of the community who oppose LRT need to understand that success and positive change in the downtown core will only benefit the entire city in the long-term. As a student turned resident of Hamilton, I want to stay in this city and make a life here, and while I do I want the city to continue progressing. I don't want to see it become stagnant like I once believed it to be.

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