Danko asks staff to confirm that Ottawa LRT, a "debacle" as described by many delegates, is the public operation model. Staff confirm. #yhmcc
With this [and no surprise], I'm putting Danko in the YES column for the staff recommendation. #yhmcc
Ward 6 Clr Jackson asking questions on the difference between private operator, or HSR operator. Open questions. Jackson says "I am working thought" [his decision]
Ward 3 Clr Nrinder Nann will be leaving the meeting, she has a medical procedure appointment this afternoon. #yhmcc
Ward 7 Clr Pauls says she thinks the Waterloo system is working very well. "I like it, I like the model, but I will make my decisions and hear what my colleagues have to say" #yhmcc
Ward 4 Clr Hwang - we do not own our LRT, Metrolinx will make the [operating] decision. Questions on how the City will influence operations. Hwang says private operator will remove City's ability to ensure accountability and taxpayer funds. #yhmcc
Clr Hwang did not state definitely how she will vote. [I'm not doing a read between the lines in my pre-vote tally graphic] #yhmcc
Ward 15 Clr McMeekin states by praising staff for a professional report. "I think embracing [staff recommendation] ... is the appropriate way to go ... I am leaning very strongly towards embracing the staff recommendation" [He did not ask a question] #yhmcc
McMeekin's statement "leaning very strongly" is enough for me to put him as a YES, but I've lightened the colour to reflect "leaning" before "very strongly" #yhmcc
HSR Transit Director says she does not "share the concerns" regarding private operator engaging in precarious employment or low wages. In response to questions from Ward 12 Clr Cassar. #yhmcc
Questions to staff are now complete. Debate phase is about to begin. #yhmcc
Mayor Andrea Horwath: "We can win the values battle, but lose the war" says she's done "lots" of this "in the past 20 years" and am "frankly tired of it" She will have an amendment. I'm hearing amend is five years private operation, then HSR take over in Year 5 #yhmcc