Charters asserts that the Trust has received no city subsidies, seemingly dismissing the gravity of contigious losses over the last four years, that present at the feet of Hamilton taxpayers.
Clr. Farr stated that "we all want scrutiny", which strikes us with a degree of irony, given that the 10 questions we asked of the Hamilton Waterfront Trust, and asked Clrs Farr and Jackson to help facilitate answers to, remain largely unanswered. (see them here)
The Spectator's coverage did not name The Hamiltonian although it refers to two web sites that are " tracking the trust". Presumably one being The Hamiltonian. The fact remains that key questions we are asking on behalf of Hamiltonians related to The Hamilton Waterfront Trust remain unanswered. To the extent that anyone from the HWT or council have found these questions plaguing, the simple remedy is to provide honest and straight forward answers to them.
We remain non judgmental as to the operations of The Hamilton Waterfront Trust, however the refusal to provide answers to questions Hamiltonians are entitled answers to leaves us to wonder about the reasons for doing so, and leaves us to conclude that Mayor Bratina was right to ask questions of the Trust on behalf of Hamilton taxpayers.
Perhaps the key question that remains is whether we should continue to entrust the Trust to turn things around to achieve at least a break even point, or look at a different stewardship configuration.
Thoughts welcome. Please note that only respectful comments will be posted.
I have been following your coverage on this topic for the past several weeks or more. Great coverage by the way. I read the coverage in The Spec today and was very disappointed that you folks and the The Bay Observer were not credited for doing all the leg work. Cheap shot.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work guys!
Brent
I am miffed at how "understanding" Farr and Jackson are with respect to this Trust losing money four years in a row. Don't they get that the losses are attributed to Hamilton taxpayers?
ReplyDeleteI am miffed that the spec did not name The Hamiltonian after all the work that has been done. Then again, The Hamiltonian is holding HWT to account. Can't have that. Dont want to drive folks to that perspective.
I am miffed at how much time Plessel and Charters had for the Spec and other papers and not for The Hamiltonian. No softball questions here.
Plessel admits to driving the truck. But did the spec ask him if he drives it to and from work? Cause if he does, I don't care what "slogan: is on the truck. Doesn't justify a fuel allowance funded by us, while the Trust is losing money. So, yes, Plessel should be answering the Hamiltonains 10 questions; the truck question is not a petty one but indicative of a tone.
Day 29 without answers. I vote, lets move to a new way of running the trust. Bring it to astute management who are not afraid to answer questions.
Great counter on the site. Keep up the great work!!
Sorce
Too funny. Don't they know that restaurants on the water do very well in season and then go dry in the colder season? I predict this new move with drive the losses further down.
ReplyDeletedrive the losses further up I mean
DeleteYou are right. Look at the evidence. Ask anyone who knows anything about the restaurant business. People won't be going to a restaurant on the water in the freezing cold. Just not gonna happen. Ask anyone in the business in T.O, or anyone who still survived by the water.
DeleteI enjoy going to Williams in the Winter. The view is magical.
DeleteAnytime I have been there during the fall winter months there seems to be quite a bit of activity.. now with the iceskating to bring people
Anonymous this seasonal excuse for the financial loss dosen't float.
The longer they take to answer the questions, the more they are digging a hole. Noone wants evasive managers and politicians. Last I checked, they report to US. Where's the Term Limits guy?
ReplyDeleteMr. Sarc
The HWT has run deficits covered by their own trust fund accounts, not taxpayers money, they have about $120 grand left. The only taxpayers money invested has been for some of the capital improvements and renovations going on, nothing more. They do not get an operating subsidy from city hall, unlike HECFI. They also pay property taxes for portions of their operations. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteevery dollar lost or made, could be used for another purpose. dont be so narrow minded about losing money
DeleteMark
DeleteI think their is enough game playing going around. You can call a loss anything you want, and we can pretend that it does not matter. But it does matter. A loss is a loss and it is based on money that belongs to the Hamilton taxpayer ultimately. I am surprised you are taking the position you are.
Respectfully
Severn
Sorry to disagree. They were "hired" by the Conservatioin Authority and City Hall to "run" projects. Aka taxpayer's money.
ReplyDeleteThey have received more money "deferred contributions" on the balance sheet, for near $300,000, for projects that haven't started. They have less than $200,000 in the bank.
Without that advance they are broke. Who advanced it?
"To the extent that anyone from the HWT or council have found these questions plaguing, the simple remedy is to provide honest and straight forward answers to them."
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely true. We are still waiting.
Severn