Mississauga News Editorial, August 7th, 2009
Ward 7 Councillor Nando Iannicca owes Mississauga resident Andrew Hamilton-Smith an apology. Then, he owes the rest of Mississauga his resignation from City Council.
Iannicca brought Mississauga City Council to an entirely new low point when he attacked a resident who had a query, ironically, about public question period at Wednesday’s meeting. He berated Hamilton-Smith, labelling him and his comments banal, before condemning him for his political association with, “of all people, the NDP.”
“You’re number two on the list of banality,” Iannicca shouted. “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? It’s embarrassing. Why don’t you go home and do some homework? Why don’t you just move along and get an education and learn how things actually work, for god’s sake.”
Hamilton-Smith, much to his credit, responded civilly and politely, even in the face of Iannicca’s unbridled rage over a simple question from a resident.
Iannicca later dismissed his callous treatment of Hamilton-Smith by saying he wouldn’t have treated a private citizen that way, but one who has affiliation with a registered political association — “with, of all people, the NDP” — is fair game. To our knowledge, becoming a member of a registered party does not make anyone less of a citizen or disable their right to ask questions of elected representatives.
Sadly, both Mayor Hazel McCallion and Ward 6 Councillor Carolyn Parrish exacerbated the attack on Hamilton Smith by questioning him about the legislature and his opinion on provincial politics and procedures. Instead of responding to his questions, they bashed Queen’s Park policies, clearly a red herring designed to divert Hamilton-Smith and avoid his questions.
“This has nothing to do with the federal or provincial government,” Hamilton-Smith responded quietly and with surprising dignity in the face of Iannicca’s onslaught.
Iannicca seems to have forgotten he sits on City Council at the behest of residents and it is to them he owes the utmost respect and loyalty. They do not deserve his scorn and contempt.
