This is the time of the year the media reflects on the events of the past 12 months. The Spec has always been generous about giving me the opportunity to post my favourite cartoons from the past year in full page exhibits… (this also lets editors off the hook for having to fill such pages with the usual columns and opinion pieces between Christmas and New Year’s.) The thinking goes that people really aren’t interested in heavy newspaper reading in and around this time and cartoons are a nice light alternative. So with out further ado, here’s my best Hamilton stuff:
Hamilton’s city council chamber is hardly reknowned for its sophisticated debate and enlightened discourse, but 2007 may have seen some of its lowest points as far as civility is concerned. A few antics at City Hall summed up a pretty bad start to a newly elected council, the first being some tough words delivered by Sam Merulla, and a burst of anger marked by Bob Bratina chucking his pen across the floor of council, narrowly missing the head of Brian McHattie. The Merulla incident involved a heated argument over a transit fare increase which resulted in the councillor threatening that he’d be “coming after” another councillor for his disagreement. Ironically, Brian McHattie happened to be the target of that particular tantrum as well.
A couple Hamiltonian perennial subjects re-emerged… and went back into dormancy including prospects for an NHL team, and public clamour for replacement of the aging Ivor Wynne Stadium. A lot of support and hope went out to Blackberry guru Jim Balsillie who tried unsuccessfully to bring the Nashville Predators to Hamilton. His determination to acquire a NHL team has assured Hamilton that we’re still in the game for future expansion talks. The stadium issue in the year 2007 seems to be as uncertain as ever as illustrated by the old log cross section cartoon.
Yes, misery makes great fodder for ridicule but there were a few local success stories of note. Hamilton’s own Brian Melo sang his way to become the latest Canadian Idol, and Ted McMeekin’s elevation to cabinet assured us a voice at the Provincial table. Here’s some other personal favourites:
City Hall Reno, Greenpeace Protest, Basillie eyes Opry, German Dofasco
For more Canadian editorial cartoons go to www.old.mackaycartoons.net/hamilton.
Coming up, Ontario cartoons of 2007