Harry McInroy seems like a nice enough guy. He's got a pleasant manner and a welcoming earnestness. But, he's never around. He misses a lotof council meetings, and when he's there he seems uncertain as to what's going on. During budget deliberations, for example, he offered a confusing motion that kept the council in tangled debate for three hours, until it was amended and clarified so much that it ended up doing exactly what was happening before McInroy made his motion.
Other councillors speak of McInroy's penchant for taking advantage of the council's travel budget to attend conferences, but not doing anything helpful for council with the experience.
He's just not the right guy for the job.
Grade: D- Harry's Cell: 221-4805
WHAT WE SAID IN 2007 (Grade: F)
"McInroy is the oldest of the old school---he has 25 years of experience under his belt (including 14 years on Halifax County Council, prior to amalgamation). But experience can be both a blessing and a curse. McInroy was one of the first politicians to question the ballooning cost of the Commonwealth Games, asking if they were too expensive for the city to afford. Had anyone taken notice, perhaps the city and mayor Kelly could have saved some face. However, like Streatch, McInory had a dubious attendance record over the course of last years council proceedings, missing almost as many regional council sessions and committee meetings. He was first called on this bad habit of leaving meetings early, or showing up late, or not showing up at all, way back in 2000. Just because youve been on council forever doesnt mean you no longer have to show up."
Remarks: "Like before, its a straight-up attendance-based failure. There are just too many missed days. Even if McInroy had chicken pox, this just doesnt add up."
WHAT WE SAID IN 2000 (GRADE F)
"The best place to sit in the public viewing gallery o the council chambers to avoid Cable 10s cameras in behind Hardly Harry. Not only does the man rarely contribute a though to councils dialogue, hes hardly ever there! In 1996, McInroys colleagues accused him of arriving late and leaving early. He defended his poor attendance by saying he always followed the agenda closely and wouldnt miss any item concerning his district. Whew, thats a relief! But even after being publicly ratted out, McInroy hasnt changed his routine, and, with one exception, hes had an uneventful term. Although he has steadfastly said Harbour Solutions must be publicly run, one firm stance on one issue does not a solid term make. "
