[Shazam]

Originally Posted by frinkprof

I'm not sure that "pork barrel" is an appropriate term to use to classify this project.

When it comes to actually getting things approved in the city, it's pretty hard for "pork barrell politics" to occur. The aldermen from wards 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 14 and the "alderman at large" mayor (to be complete - Strathcona resident and former ward 6 alderman) voted in favour of the Peace Bridge (and design of the St. Patrick's Island Bridge) motion, in addition to the alderman from ward 7 where the bridge is situated. I suppose one could argue that ward 8 is fairly proximate of the site. However, it's difficult to get even close to the amount of support needed if the project doesn't have a greater overall impact on the city, or if support for the next ward-level issue in another ward isn't attained by supporting the current one.

Furthermore, the nature of a lot of municipal projects is that there are relatively "localized projects" (a fundamental quality of pork barrel politics) in the context of areas of representation (wards) in a city. Securing money or jobs through the appropriation of government money in ward 1 or 10 or 14 is far less simple and clear cut an overall benefit for that ward specifically (when balanced against real or hypothetical alternatives in other wards) than it is for securing it for Shawinigan or Calgary-Egmont or Broward County, Florida. I would say that a trend for "favour" of a particular area, ward, or group of wards through appropriation of funds may be evident over time. However, I think classifying one particular municipal project as "pork barrel" is a misuse of the term and concept.

All that said, I can understand why burn_this_city responded negatively to Ducay's line of argument.

Fact is, no one but the aldermen themselves know why they vote the way they did.

Your long winded post is pure speculation.