Some journalists avoid City Hall as if it was a modern leper colony. I happen to disagree. Not only does the city spend over a billion dollars of Londoner's money, it's also like visiting an alien planet where reality takes an extended, all expenses paid vacation.

Where else could UWO's Student Council President, Stephen Lecce, get drooled over by the biggest names in municipal politics?

I would not have believed it possible, but even a normally crusty politician like Deputy Mayor Tom Gosnell couldn't stop from complimenting Lecce as he sat at city council in a neat blue suit, letting the city know it really should be doing more for UWO students. Like having the city go on a UWO grad-hiring spree while cutting taxes for young entrepreneurs (read: Ivey Biz School Grads) and generally creating a UWO friendly environment.

“UWO grads can get a job anywhere,” said Lecce. “London has to do something to keep them in the area.”

I was told at least three times that I should be interviewing Lecce, as he has a seriously bright future ahead of him, being a rising star in the political world.

I sincerely agree. Lecce answered all of the questions I tossed at him like a well-seasoned professional politician. Far from being at City Hall to ask for money, Lecce appeared to be interviewing for a political position.

Then there was the whole debate following the city's funding of Orchestra London. In case you needed an update, the orchestra has been given half a million dollar loan so it won't have to hang up it's harps for good. Considering the city has already been investing in the Orchestra for years, letting it go broke would be a little silly.

But what's even sillier is the childish behaviour of our city representatives. As Orchestra London's representatives were leaving council chamber, Controller Gord Hume said he appreciated the quality of debate over the issue.

Deputy Mayor Gosnell then quipped that taxpayers might have found the debate slightly expensive, as well.

Hume then threw what can best be described as a tantrum. Gosnell responded and the Mayor had to step in and ask for calm.

It was funny, of course, watching grown men in positions of responsibility act like children. Then again, they're being paid to act like children, so who's laughing at the end of the day?

I ended my day at City Hall by asking Gosnell about the London Police Service's 2009 budget request. The cops want a four per cent raise this year. That's on top of big raises over the past several years. The London Police now account for 31 per cent of the entire municipal operating budget for the city.

Gosnell, on record as having said just about every public servant in the country needs a wage freeze or roll back, told me that since crime goes up in tough economic times, that now would not be the time to put a hold on the city's protective services.

UWO students get first crack at prime city jobs, money-losing Orchestra that very few people listen to get half a million dollars of taxpayer funded support and cops getting annual increases despite dropping crime rates…. and free coffee. Welcome to the weird world of London City Hall. Enter at your own risk.
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