Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 15, 2010
Di Ianni ponders run to reclaim mayor’s seat
Former mayor Larry Di Ianni is considering a rematch bout with Mayor Fred Eisenberger in the October municipal election.Di Ianni, who lost to Eisenberger in the 2006 campaign, says he’s thinking of stepping up because he believes Hamilton needs to have a serious mayor’s race.
“Obviously if I ran, it’s because I think I could do a better job than Fred,” Di Ianni said.
He points to several issues tempting him to take the plunge, including lack of leadership and council cohesion over taxation and the city’s handling of the Ticats and Pan Am stadium controversy.
His comments come fast on the heels of Ancaster Councillor Lloyd Ferguson’s decision not to throw his hat in the mayoral ring after mulling it over for months.
Ferguson says he intends to seek re-election as Ward 12 councillor on the advice of family members and supporters who were afraid of losing him as a community voice.
Ferguson’s decision to opt out follows those of potential high-profile contenders Teresa Cascioli and Councillor Tom Jackson.
That leaves pot advocate Michael Baldasaro and Mahesh Butani, a boutique property developer and blogger, as the only registered candidates, which virtually gift-wraps a second four-year term for Eisenberger.
If Di Ianni does enter the race, however, that cakewalk could turn into an unpredictable slugfest. (Continued: Hamilton Spectator)