Right-Wing Frustration?
In a just-published LFPress article (in which it appears that comments are not being allowed), Patrick Maloney makes mention of the friction that has periodically shown itself at City Hall since the last municipal election. In my opinion, it’s simply the visible manifestation of the frustration felt by those “right-wing” members of Council who realize that London politics have changed drastically from the way that things once were.
Ever since the right-wingers and their “top gun” lawyer lost the battle with a local citizen’s group over the issue of ward boundaries, and an election which resulted in perhaps the most “progressive” local government that London has ever known, there has been an obvious discontent coming from the right.
It’s been visible on numerous occasions, like the debates that took place with respect to the elimination of the Board of Control and our new anti-idling by-law, to name just a couple.
From time to time, local right-wing media personalities have gotten into the act, even going so far as to rant about the approach of “socialist hoardes” and “the socialist cabal.”
As I’ve sat in Council Chambers and in committee rooms over the past number of years, I’ve often witnessed personal sniping from certain members of Council. At times, it’s gotten so bad that Her Worship has even had to get into the act, and on more than one occasion her frustration at the lack of proper decorum has also been evident.
Citizens will soon have the opportunity to put an end to the bickering. By this time next year, we’ll have a new City Council. Citizens will have decided upon it’s composition.
Will the transition to a more progressive London have been completed?
We can only hope so.
© Fowler Media
