A certain Canadian mayor, one who hails from my province of Ontario to be exact, has attracted a ridiculous amount of attention these last few months. His ongoing, seemingly-endless antics have simultaneously delighted talk-show hosts and political pundits while reducing some of his constituents – and family members no doubt – to tears.
This post is not about that civic leader.
Today I turn my blog over to a man I respect for his humor, humanity and moral compass, not just his ability to have my utilities shut off while raising my taxes high enough to induce a heart attack.
Meet Niagara Falls mayor Jim Diodati, Mayor Jim to us “everyday folks” who voted him in.
Mayor Jim is a good man, a term we often bandy about without considering the implications. Jim Diodati actually cares about the citizens of Niagara Falls. He goes out of his way to avoid letting his family members down when they turn to him for help – which they do quite often – and he never locks the front door and turns off the lights while huddling in the corner when they come calling unannounced.
As a student of human nature and a man obsessed with pop culture I’ve been watching the political meltdown in Toronto with particular fascination and I find my admiration and gratitude for Mayor Jim growing with every incident. Having a civic leader with his head on straight and any and all personal demons safely hidden away is an invaluable blessing, my friends.
I think I’m going to let Mayor Jim take over before this becomes a full-on bromance..
1) Favorite guilty pleasure: TV show?
Star Trek, Sci-Fi, Science-nature documentaries, or I once watched a show that was a dramatization of earth’s creation with great interest. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it! I love that kind of science-interest television.
TO CLARIFY, REGARDLESS OF APPEARANCE, MAYOR JIM WAS NOT ACTUALLY SUCKED INTO A WORMHOLE…
2) Your best moment as mayor so far has been…
Watching Nik Wallenda do what everyone said we wouldn’t achieve, a sanctioned walk on a wire over the Niagara Falls! Nik’s mantra is “never ever give up” and I live that every day.
3) What do you love most about our wonderful hometown?
I love the dichotomy of living in a small city with a big international reputation and all of the exciting things that come with that!
4) Any unrealized ambitions you wish to share that may surprise people?
I think I have an un-ending bucket list. That’s what drives me, really. I’m always learning. I think at 90, if I live that long, I’ll be learning Spanish or something!
5) You spend most of your time in a suit doing the whole meet ‘n greet thing, what do you like to chill out in? And is there anywhere special you like to spend what little “Me Time” you get? (Okay, technically that was two questions, but I’m sure we can overlook that, right?)
After a long day, I can’t wait to get home and get in to my “cozy’s.” I love to hang out in my pajama pants and a sweatshirt at home. My favorite “me-time” is at home, with the fire on, when everyone is home, or when we’re out doing something active all together as a family; we love going skiing. I also love going to the gym.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Told you he was cool. I want to thank Mayor Jim for taking time away from his many mayoral duties – like planning the first annual “‘You’ve Been Hooked!’ Day” – to spend some quality time with us today.
See you in the lobby, kids…
You've Been Hooked! 
I want to move to your town/country/etc now 🙂
You’re more than welcome! We have plenty of room here in Niagara!
Cool guy for a politician. Will they immortalize him at Tussauds?
Probably not, but they should!
Never ever give up…very cool.
Indeed.
What?! You got the mayor?! Is there nobody you can’t get for your 5×5. It’s now a claim to fame for me that I was one of your 5x5s. And seriously, you asked the mayor what he’s wearing? He seems like a decent sort of a chap as we would say over here 🙂 Nice one.
Thanks, VJC!
I got lucky this time for sure!
Why wait until you’re 90, Senor Mayor? Yo hablo Espanol.
For my tutorial services I accept all major credit cards and cash (Canadian dollars only since the USD sucks.)
Gracias, amigo.
You’re a true humanitarian, Fearless Leader.
Si.
It certainly is refreshing to read something about a Canadian Mayor that is positive. My hometown appears to be in good hands with Mayor Diodati.
He’s a cut above the rest, Michelle.
He’s ridiculously down to earth.
Very nice. But I’m waiting for your Ford interview.
Ooh, me too! 😉
Yeah, me too!
This was awesome! The mayor…wow! Thank you for sharing with us. He does seem like a good leader who knows there is earth beneath his feet 😉
he’s one of the “little people”, no question.
We have to show the world Ford isn’t the ONLY mayor in these frigid parts. Way to go!
I don’t know how you do this Hook, but more power to you.
Fortunately for me, we’re a down-to-earth bunch in Niagara Falls.
Wow, that’s impressive. I don’t think I’ve seen a mayor do a blog interview before. Way to go!
Thanks, Michael, but the credit goes to Mayor Jim.
He had me at Start trek.
Me too!
That’s cuz we’re both giant nerds. :p
And proudly so!
My thanks to Mayor Jim for being so generous with his time – and so cool.
Impressed by what you say in the 3rd paragraph…(can we clone him?)
I wish!
That was great of him and of you – it can be so easy to focus on the misbehaviours of politicians – I like this highlight!
Tell me you gave him a button or something; You’ve been hooked sweater for his cozy time by the fire?
I think you’re onto something, Pyx…
This was great! Jim sounds like an awesome mayor!
He’s the best, no doubt about it.
You’re one well connected Hook! Congratulations on NF for its exemplary (and cool) Mayor.
We hit the jackpot, no question.
This rocked!
Thanks!
You’ve certainly got friends in high places. And the mayor should definitely be played by Seth Meyers in the movie about his life.
That’s an interesting choice. Nice!
I’ll ditto what others have said “you got the mayor?!” Kudos to you. He sounds like one cool guy to know, and definitely has his head screwed on right. Another reason to come and visit your fine city 🙂
Indeed!
We’ll be ready for your arrival, Jennifer!
Niagara Falls, here I come.
Mayor Jim is boosting tourism all by himself!
I love it!
Dude, this is awesome. I’ve of course heard of this guy, and I’m down in Welland/St.Catharines a lot. So glad we still have some decent politicians – and really cool that you had access to one who would do an interview.
Mayor Jim is very accessible, Trent. And he’s a cool guy, to boot!
Sounds it. Great interview – I was surprised to see a non-blogger, but I thought it was wonderful, and a Canuck to boot.
I dated someone who was from Buffalo and we used to visit a few times each year. I loved Niagara Falls..I loved it every time we visited. It’s been so many years since I’ve been there
Then you’re due for a return visit, I’d say!
Very cool interview, Hook. You know I love Niagara Falls. He’s a lucky man to be the mayor, and you are a lucky man to live and work there.
I love it when everyone wins, don’t you, Maddie?
Yes!! 🙂
Your mayor let you interview him? How cool is that. Also he trusted you, and that says alot. Good job, Sir Hook. You just might get your day.
Wouldn’t that be something?
Thanks!
Great interview, Mr. Hook! I can’t wait to set foot in my home and native land. 🙂
You’re welcome back anytime, Jennifer.