Hamilton councillor changes mind on Morrow appointment

(Updated)

Former Hamilton Mayor Bob Morrow is now the councillor for ward three.

The seat has been empty since Bernie Morelli died last month; Morrow was appointed to fill the position until the civic election at the end of october. But the move was not without controversy.

Morelli’s family was at council for the vote. It was expected to pass unanimously – then Brad Clark announced he changed his mind since Wednesday’s committee meeting.

“I made a mistake. It won’t happen again. For a moment I acquiesced to a clear majority.”

Sam Merulla found Clark’s move unpalatable. “I’m not going to lower myself to truly go after that man who needs to be held accountable for that distasteful behaviour.”

However Clark stood firm. “If you want to engage the community, you must reach out the citizens. We have not done that.”

Merulla says there’s no need for rancour. “We can finish this term off in a consistent, predictable, unchaotic manner, rather than a dysfunctional and conflict-filled scenario that truly doesn’t meet anyone’s objective, except those that are grasping for headlines.”

Bob Morrow, 67, Hamilton’s longest-serving mayor, from 1982 to 2000, says it’s still sinking in. “It was unexpected, I was asked, which I appreciate, and there seems to be a good measure of confidence from city council.”

What’s the word on the street? “It’s a quick fix.”

“I think it’s a great idea. He’s got experience, he cares about the community, he’s been doing this a while, why not?”

Ward three is basically Hamilton centre. It falls between Wellington and Ottawa Streets and it includes not only Gage Park but also the General Hospital and most of the steel mills. Neighbouring councillor Sam Merulla has been looking after these constituents ever since his good friend Bernie Morelli became too sick to be available full time.

Morrow says he knows the area well. He would have made the same call if he were still mayor.

“I think it’s preferable for the short period of time. The byelection could not have taken place until June; that’s practically the end of the year.”

He’s vowed in writing not to seek election on October 27th.