BURLINGTON, ON November 20, 2012 It was a bit of a mystery to many people. Everyone knew why they were there, many attended because they were invited. Some weren’t sure if they could just show up; there was apparently no security for the event which was an occasion to recognize the 35 years of service Cam Jackson had given the city as a School Board trustee, a Member of the provincial legislature and finally as the Mayor of the city.
To give the occasion a lasting sense of occasion the walkway between the Locust Street parking garage, which was put in place by Jackson’s erstwhile foe Rob MacIsaac, and the Performing Arts Centre was named the Cam Jackson Accessibility Walkway.
Many remembered the work Jackson did while at Queen’s Park on behalf of many in the dis-abled community.
We are told there were between 300 and 400 people in attendance with plenty of food and drink. Our commentator said he didn’t know who paid for the refreshments or for the use of the space at The performing Arts Centre. The event was clearly a Tory Blue day; one with the Conservative faithful paying their respects to the work Jackson had done.
There was a mention of Jackson’s work as a lobbyist on behalf of an organization in the optical business but our commentator advises us that Jackson is no longer employed there but that his former administrative assistant while he was Mayor, is still listed on the web site staff directory.
No one is sure either, as to how the Walkway came to get Jackson’s name put on it. The garage is owned by the city, the Performing Arts building is owned by the city – which would then mean that the Walkway is also owned by the city – no?
The decision to put the name of a former Mayor on the walkway was never approved by Council – it was never even taken to city Council. Was the fear that a decision would be one of those infamous Jackson 4-3 votes with the direction of the yea or nay never really certain?
Mayor Goldring was asked if he would attend a private event to recognize Jackson’s service and being the decent human being he is Goldring said yes.
Jackson was controversial as a Mayor. There are still many who voice some very hard feelings about the way he served as Mayor. One former council member who has been in place almost as long as Jackson was at Queen’s Park made the observation that “Jackson took on the job of Mayor as if he was the Prime Minister of the city” and that did not ride very well with most of the senior level of the civic administration.
Part of the historical and the political process is to bind the wounds and remember that the purpose is always the betterment of the community. There are times when you have to hold your nose while doing so – but Cameron Jackson did represent the people of the city at Queen’s Park and racked up some impressive wins as well as some close calls. Controversial he may have been but there was a day when he took 70% of the vote – not something to be ignored.
Jackson continues to serve as chair of the Salvation Army Food Bank drive.