With Ron Corsini

Few individuals have observed Hamilton’s political, economic, and civic evolution as closely as Ron Corsini. A respected business leader and longtime voice within the city’s development landscape, Corsini has witnessed Hamilton through periods of growth, uncertainty, ambition, and missed opportunity. In this edition of The Hamiltonian, we speak with him about the city’s current trajectory, the state of leadership and revitalization, and what he believes Hamilton must confront if it hopes to truly fulfill its long-promised potential as “the best place to raise a child and age successfully.”

Welcome to our chat with long time friend of The Hamiltonian, Ron Corsini. 

You have observed Hamilton through many political and economic cycles. What concerns you most about the city’s current direction?

What concerns me most is the on going crisis of homelessness, mental health, and addiction. The city is struggling to manage it effectively. Check out Jackson and James St. S. All 3 levels of government need to address this issue. We are in a mental health pandemic. For every dollar we pay in taxes, how much is going to police, paramedics, city staff, hospitals, and all other help, to address this issue.

The City of Hamilton’s vision statement remains: “To be the best place to raise a child and age successfully.” This statement has been in place for many years. How do you assess Hamilton’s performance against this vision? In your view, has the statement become more “pamphlet ware” than a meaningful aspirational roadmap, or do you believe the vision is genuinely taking hold within the city? Please explain.

It sounds like a slogan rather than a reality! Housing costs are crazy. WE need municipal planning now not in 10 years, provincial healthcare support, and federal housing investments.

Downtown revitalization has been discussed for decades. Why do you believe Hamilton continues to struggle in translating plans into meaningful transformation? Once again, another downtown study has been proposed as a pathway forward. Do we need additional studies, or does the lack of progress point to a broader failure to understand what is truly required to transform the core?

No more studies! We know what the problems are lets fix it! We lack political will to execute. We need to work together!

How do you believe gun violence and crime are impacting Hamilton’s business community? More broadly, how are these issues affecting everyday Hamiltonians?

The impact is severe. For businesses, rising crime and the perception of unsafety reduces foot traffic in the core. Public safety is the foundation of all economic success.

 If you were advising Hamilton’s next mayor, what is the first issue you would urge them to address immediately?

The mayor cannot do this alone! Bring everyone to the table. We need municipal bylaws enforced, provincial health and mental health funding unlocked.

We need a coordinated tri-government strategy. We need more visible presence of police on every corner. I remember when we had 2 officers walking the beat and checking all the doors. Where are they now?

 

Thank-you Ron for engaging with Hamiltonian on The Hamiltonian!