Four new faces were sworn in as Corporation of Hamilton councillors yesterday. The Royal Gazette's Matthew Taylor spoke to three of them while current Mayor introduced new Corporation Secretary Kelly Miller.

***

Shoe sales manager Courtland Boyle is following his father's footsteps by joining the Corporation of Hamilton.

The 34-year-old father of three is a director of Boyles shoes and the son of William Boyle who was Corporation Mayor after beating Cecil Dismont in 1994.

Mr. Boyle, who was sworn in as a councillor yesterday after an uncontested election, said his grandfather had been St. George's mayor.

He said: "I think it is a good idea to give something back to the community."

He said the biggest problem was parking space.

***

Expect a big push for the pedestrianisation of Reid Street from new councillor George Grundmuller.

The Phoenix President and CEO said along with the majority of merchants on Reid Street he was in favour of the plan.

Mr. Grundmuller, who is also chairman of the retail division of the Chamber of Commerce, said: "I think it will enhance the shopping experience in the city and create another area for tourists for recreational shopping with outdoor cafes."

Opponents of the scheme have said it will lose parking spaces.

***

Don't mention the words "back of town" to new Corporation of Hamilton councillor Carvel VanPutten.

He has had a jewellery business on Court Street for 20 years and sees the term as not helping his goal of improving North Hamilton, a cause he championed in the North Hamilton Business Association.

He is trying to make a start by putting an art park on the corner of Dundonald and Court Streets.

And he is trying to find space for a fruit and vegetable market and a fish market elsewhere on Court Street.

Inroads on improving the area have been made said Mr. VanPutten. He said: "I would like to take this process up a level so you can send your mother there."

He said even Sir John Swan was seeing the area's potential while the National Trust had said some buildings were protected.

Mr. VanPutten, 57, who years ago helped to start the CrimeStoppers organisation with MP Wayne Perinchief, said crime was a concern after noting he couldn't get insurance for his own business.

"A bar doesn't do any business if people can't come in the door," said Mr. VanPutten. As well as running Carvel Jewellers Mr. VanPutten is chief shop steward for Bermuda Industrial Union workers at the Hamilton Princess where he is head doorman.

He has stood four times without success as Progressive Labour Party candidate in Pembroke West but said his decision to stand as councillor on the Corporation of Hamilton had been an independent one.

Mr. VanPutten said he advocated opening up corporation meetings to the public.