'Help Save our City' posters go up in Hamilton
"Help Save Our City" posters have gone up across Hamilton as Mayor Charles Gosling and his team step up their campaign against the abolition of the Corporations.
Mr. Gosling said he wants to raise public awareness shortly before Government tables legislation he believes will lead to the demise of municipalities in Hamilton and St. George's.
He said Cabinet has maintained its silence despite his request for open dialogue on the subject last week.
Last week, Mr. Gosling said he believed legislation had been drafted to reduce the Corporations to ceremonial roles only, and is poised to be discussed at the Progressive Labour Party caucus at any time; if approved, it would be tabled at the House of Assembly shortly afterwards.
"I have had no word from anybody which is going to change my mind," the Mayor said yesterday.
Premier Ewart Brown is said to be extremely keen on Government taking over the Corporations but is running out of time, with the final House sitting under his leadership scheduled for Friday, July 16.
Mr. Gosling expects the Corporations bill to remove the municipalities' franchise entirely, replacing them with appointed boards which he says would leave taxpayers, residents and businesses in the city unrepresented.
The Corporations' assets would be given to Government, leaving it to perform only ceremonial duties.
Government has spent $800,000 on a review of the Corporations, with then-Minister in charge Walter Roban telling Mr. Gosling in a letter this February: "Government is committed to the repeal of the Municipalities Act 1923".
But Mr. Gosling says local government is vital to maintain high quality service in the city and give citizens a voice.
Dr. Brown and Minister without Portfolio Zane DeSilva, who is now in charge of the review, have both declined to comment on what plans lay ahead.
The Corporation is planning a town-hall meeting on the issue on Wednesday at 6 p.m., while the Save Our City team will be gathering signatures on a petition throughout the week. Anyone who wants to help should e-mail info@city.hall.bm.
