Corporation reform to be tabled today

The Corporation of Hamilton flag was flying upside down yesterday — the international sign for distress.

The timing was deliberate and the sentiment genuine.

Mayor Charles Gosling believes today the government will table a raft of changes before the House of Assembly to the way the municipality is run, which he says will “cripple” the institution.

The Government maintains the corporation is undemocratic and had been a barrier to progress on major issues. Premier Dr. Ewart Brown has said it needs to be reformed but that it is likely to still have a role to play in the future.

Mr. Gosling told the Sun the Corporation of Hamilton would continue to fight for its life.

He said: “I am fully expecting these amendments to go before the house on Friday.

“It is not a huge surprise as it has been around a year since they were first mentioned.

“But you can’t help but share the disbelief that I think the public have too. It is expected but it is not welcome.

“The changes will cut revenue by 40 per cent, effect voting franchise and take away our exemptions to certain land taxes.

“And they mean that our long term existence is put into question.”

The amendments to the Municipalities Act could be voted on by MPs as soon as next Monday or Friday.

Mr. Gosling believes the changes are being driven by a select few under the leadership of Dr. Brown.

He maintains he has repeatedly asked for discussions with Dr. Brown about the best way to develop and move the corporation forward.

But he claims he has received little or no response.

“It is disappointing that there has been no dialogue,” he said.

“I find it difficult to understand that when the gaming issue was put before the house all sorts of commissions and hearings took place to look at the over all effect of the changes.

“But with the two corporations all they have done is appoint a consultant who will prepare a report that is ­never made public

“If the Premier had the same amount of seriousness to these changes then he could have done a number of things like appoint a public commission or held a public review.

“I am led to believe the amendments will be submitted along party lines — but I am not sure how the three party’s members will respond.

“I hope that Parliamentarians will do some self examination and consider what they truly believe will be best for the island.”

Today marks the year anniversary from when Mr. Gosling first took office as Mayor of Hamilton.

Mr. Gosling knows that if the changes take effect it will also spell the end of his time as Mayor.

He said:  “If it goes through the way it is currently I am not sure the date from which the amendments will come into force.

“The date at which they do come into force I will have no choice but to resign as I am not resident in the city — but that is a petty consideration.”