Politics

Eisenberger Hits Back at Bratina

By RTH Staff
Published November 21, 2011

In case you haven't seen it yet, former Mayor Fred Eisenberger wrote an op-ed for last Saturday's Spectator calling out current Mayor Bob Bratina for "his looseness with the facts" about Eisenberger's mayoralty.

I believe history should be accurate, not fanciful. I’m writing this piece to share the facts from my administration on behalf of myself and on behalf of all the people who worked so hard to help me implement my ideas, not the fiction that continues to be offered up by Bratina in speeches and on his very regular appearances on CHML.

I can handle the personal attacks and references, of which he has made many, especially on CHML, but it’s his looseness with the facts I can no longer tolerate.

Eisenberger goes on to address four specific areas in which he takes issues with Bratina's command of the facts: light rail transit, GO transit, area rating, and economic development. Along the way, he calls out the Mayor for mocking the Canadian Urban Institute, where Eisenberger is currently CEO, on the Bill Kelly Show:

Bratina: But you know, it's interesting though, so many facts are being thrown around that may be myths. So I think that there's probably a Canadian Urban Mythstitute that, from which myths emanate. Because it's myth. It's not fact. I love myths.

Defending his support of LRT, Eisenberger writes:

Big projects require big thinking and big actions. They also require big money. Rather than taking our foot off the gas, we should have kept the momentum and the knowledge we had built. Sure, we need to know what the costs will be before digging, but you have to keep going in order to develop a realistic budget. Now we have neither momentum nor a budget. Not to mention losing some very valuable people in the process.

The full essay is worth reading.

17 Comments

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By Synxer (registered) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 10:30:51

I am happy he defended himself. He should. He deserves to be recognized for the great things he has done for this city.

Bratina is a charlatan and a hack. His platform is "I go on radio and say things". It's almost hard not to cringe at his need for the glow of the limelight.

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By highwater (registered) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 10:44:35

Erm...it's Eisenberger.

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By mrjanitor (registered) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 11:10:25

Battery Park in New York last weekend. Had random Fred Eisenberger sighting! My wife whispered 'look behind you' and standing 3 feet away was Fred. I think I scared the living shit out of him I was so happy to see him, impulsively shouted "FRED!" He does not have a clue who the hell I am. Had a nice chat, he was there with his family to celebrate his wife's birthday, so though it was really hard I didn't talk about Hamilton politics. He is loving his new job and travelling quite a bit to see what works in different urban areas.

Fred was my hero during the stadium mess. I was inspired by his position, bravery and his dignity in facing the onslaught that Bob Young and his minions brought down. I don't agree with everything Fred did, but in my eyes he was and could yet again be a great mayor.

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By Pxtl (registered) - website | Posted November 21, 2011 at 13:17:21 in reply to Comment 71478

Holy crap that's a once-in-a-million chance there. What are the odds, eh?

I ran into him in a Rona parking lot once. I was excited to meet him and accidentally called him "Mr. Mayor". I hope that didn't sting.

Comment edited by Pxtl on 2011-11-21 13:17:37

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By Abe Vigoda (anonymous) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 15:50:40 in reply to Comment 71482

Fred introduced me to "Mayor Wade" once -- his words, so I think he understands that the title sticks after the person leaves the job.

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By JM (registered) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 11:11:17

good for Fred! ...Bratina has been a joke, and needs to be put in his place. i think Fred should run again in the next election (someone press fast forward for me?)

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By Capitalist (anonymous) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 15:27:03

Both Bratina and Fred are jokes.

Hey Bob, what ever happened to your de-amalgamation plans?

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By Kiely (registered) | Posted November 22, 2011 at 22:09:54 in reply to Comment 71488

Hey Bob, what ever happened to your de-amalgamation plans?

If you believed his "plan" you're a dupe.

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By jason (registered) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 17:37:06 in reply to Comment 71488

plans?? Platform Schmatform is now considered a plan?

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By Robert D (anonymous) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 16:47:06 in reply to Comment 71488

They're probably sitting right beside the proposed schedule for introducing all-day GO train service to Hamilton.

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By MattM (registered) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 20:23:22

I really miss having a decent mayor.

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By -Hammer- (registered) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 21:09:34 in reply to Comment 71496

I really miss not having a loopy mayor.

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By Mark-Alan Whittle (anonymous) | Posted November 21, 2011 at 22:46:06

There's more than one empty vessel in this city. someone should make a list.

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By maxmillian on 34th (anonymous) | Posted November 22, 2011 at 00:18:03

Bratina should take a hike... one of the worst mayors we have ever had .No substance at all.
Can never get a concensus.. lots of infighting on council.And look at all the money they are spending on outside consultants and lawyers and OMB fights and who knows what else they are hiding from the taxpayer.
Check out the secret $$$ that whitehead and he are spending for the rich guys up on the mountain brow chedoke lands to prevent affordable housing
A one term mayor for sure
Fred ... we need you back !

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By jason (registered) | Posted November 22, 2011 at 09:32:48 in reply to Comment 71504

but at least Bob's never been on the wrong side of a 15-1 vote. lol

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By Woody10 (registered) | Posted November 22, 2011 at 14:44:24 in reply to Comment 71513

Because he hasn't got the guts to stand up for what he believes in I guess. He seems to be against things then change his mind for the vote o he looks good.

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By TnT (registered) | Posted November 24, 2011 at 01:36:11

Mayor Eisenberger was a great mayor, even out of power he will take an intrest in Hamilton. I fear Bob should have left well enough alone.

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