... describes how Miller has assembled an effective political machine as mayor (‘We don't need a strong mayor system; we need a strong mayor,’ James quotes him as saying). One of the things on Miller’s side, James observes, is how pathetic and demoralized the right-wing opposition on council actually is:
When council's right-wing members were supposedly in power, under Lastman, they were inept at exercising it — leaving most policy decisions to chance and council's goodwill. Now, they don't have an ally in the mayor's chair and are adrift.
They have no natural leader, no leader in waiting and little resolve to provide the type of counterpoint necessary for a vibrant democracy at city hall. Case Ootes, Lastman's deputy, is the natural for this leadership role, but he has shown neither the inclination nor the stamina for it.
Some of their members have been co-opted, some have poor work habits and are unwilling to battle and fight for anything but the most basic ward issue, and some are just not capable.
Posted by Patrick at February 25, 2004 09:35 AM