Santo, I really don't understand what your problem is. As an artist, I find it very encouraging to have a community engaged in the discussion about what they want in their park. I would rather have more community participation in the entire process than have to deal with situations where a city had to remove an art work because people hated it. I wonder if New Yorkers would have petitioned against Richard Serra's Tilted Arc if they had a say in getting an awesome minimalist sculpture in their public space. From the discussion so far, I also did not get the sense that the art work had to be a statue, nor that it has to be representational. Personally, I would love to get the neighbours involved in my project.

There have been many times when art has offended the current or latest trend or political direction. This has not caused the art to be bad and it is later venerated as great art. Perhaps using the "musician's" given name rather than the act name would be better but more so it may be far too soon to place a sculpture in this likeness.

If you read the original article, McHattie stated that all of this was pretty much decided. But he only met with the 'executive' of the SCC, Tom Wilson and the regular citizens of the neighborhood had no say. I applaud Santo for putting this together and for standing up for what he believes in. A statue of a domestic abuser 2 blocks from a women's shelter is pretty shady, no?

I am offended at how people can sit in judgement of someone who they do not know. Shall we now, as a community, sit and judge anyone who posts on this site using the same criteria??? It seems only fair. Frankie is an important person in the musical history of our country, whether or not you are a fan of his music or even know what it is, as some clearly do not. He is a national treasure that I believe is the equal of Oscar Peterson and Stompin Tom. (And Oscar already has a statue!) Frankie helped develop one of the strongest punk music movements in the world. The Toronto/Hamilton scene is recognized on par with that of New York City for being a rich, vibrant and an enduring musical legacy. Music is art and art is to challenge. I am proud of the forward thinking of some Hamiltonians who can see Frankie's importance at a time that is still close to his art. Let's not wait for 50 years and celebrate him when the rest of world deems that it is suitable, like what is done for most great artists. Valued many years after their death. Thank you Mr. McHattie, the Wilsons and the Kerr family, you are right to be proud!

In agreement with the expense being unrealistic and regardless of the location my concern is about who is paying for aging or repairs if it's vandalized. Good idea but to follow through with this would consist of a commitment to maintain. As a citizen I would be more appreciative of something being implemented in a place known for celebrities, music festivals and where more people will see it such as, Gage Park. If the City of Hamilton is determined to focus on the music industry it makes more sense to place something in the James Street North district. As an alternative one could design special name plaques for benches or busts that still remain artistic, cheaper, less intrusive and easier to maintain. Also, a business or organization may be willing to offer a wall of honor that acknowledges Hamilton's music history for art crawlers to enjoy. With some assistance and offering it to late and living musicians alike including families that wish to financially contribute along with raised donations could hugely reduce costs.

McHattie has said that his and the family's preference (I don't know why it's any of their choice) is a likeness of Frankie.

If we have been allotted $200,000 for at in the park, that is wonderful. However I can not stand to have 'Frankie venon' idolized! What am I supposed to tell my children when they ask who is that statue of? Oh well you see, we live in a world where its OK to abuse drugs, beat women, suggest horrible messages in your music; as long as you are 'successful/popular/died of a horrible disease, etc' they will put a statue of you in the park and call it art! Am I wrong to ask, "Brian, before saying yes I want that guy's statute in my park, and call it art, did you do any research on him?" Because that is what I did the minute I heard about this! My very first concern was, who is this Frankie guy! Regardless of how strongly I feel tax payer dollars would better spent on a washroom near the play ground equipment open from April- October, I do want art in the park for our and future generations to enjoy, but I do NOT want a statute of Frankie!