The Contenders - Ward 11's Ken Chartrand

Ward 11's Ken Chartrand has been out and about meeting constituents, listening to their concerns, taking in their ideas and providing his views on issues. I have found Ken to be approachable, respectful and responsive to the views of his constituents and to others who have the best interests of Hamilton in mind.

It's a pleasure to welcome Ward 11's Ken Chartrand to The Hamiltonian.

1. What is your sense for the constituents in your ward’s, satisfaction with their current councillor? What do you bring to the table that differentiates you as a candidate? What will you do differently?

That is a great question to start off as it was a huge reason why I decided to run in this campaign.

A few years ago, I asked many of my neighbors if they have had the chance to talk to our existing councillor, and to my surprise all of the neighbors had the same answer.

“We have no faith or trust in our existing councillor so we do not bother calling”.

This led me to ask numerous other people in the Ward and also thru a few short months of campaigning and numerous calls, I would say our existing councillor has lost the respect and trust of a great deal of residents of Ward 11. On my website, I have stated the most important part of the campaign is to meet everyone, to talk and discuss all their concerns and to gain each and everyone’s trust, respect and support. I truly believe that this is the most important part of the job, and it always will be.

What I can bring to the table that is completely different as a candidate is 21 years of experience working in a municipal level of government. My work history has given me the opportunity to listen to thousands of residents over the years, and I have learned how to resolve their concerns respectfully, quickly and efficiently. My job has taught me the value of a well constructed Official plan, the need to respect environmental assessments, to work within budgets and to not be afraid to change draft plan submissions (future development). I have also acquired a great deal of knowledge of civil infrastructure (water, sewer, roads). I have worked directly or indirectly with councillors a great deal of my career and I have listened and learned.

I believe that it is time to put a person on council that can provide this knowledge, to help the residents of Ward 11 and the City of Hamilton.

What will I do differently?

As shown on my website, I will create community committees immediately, not wait 3 years into the term and mention “I may do this”. The residents of Ward 11 have the knowledge and wisdom, and I plan on using this as much as possible. I have learned over the years that a thousand people’s minds are much stronger than one. I also will work towards changing the Official Plan in the city when it comes to development. I will ask that a minimum of 3 public meetings be held, starting no less than 6 months prior to final approval of any development, no matter what the size. Development does not come over night as people are led to believe so we need to make changes to this process. This is just a start, but a start in the right direction.

2. Striking a balance between optimally representing your constituents, while also supporting initiatives that are for the common good of Hamilton, is a balance you will have to strike. How will you approach striking that balance?

I have worked on many teams for many years; and I know the importance of ensuring that both sides of each issue must be reviewed and discussed. Based on the issue sometimes it may be impossible to support both sides; however I ensure the residents of Ward 11 that I will voice your opinion based on the impact towards our Ward, but at the same time I will work alongside city councillors and the Mayor with an open mind to solve city wide issues.

First and foremost I will inform the Ward when it comes to initiatives that will impact our Ward directly. I have promised that I will always support the prevailing view of my constituents. If each councillor does the same, I believe decisions that affect the entire city can be resolved much easier. I understand that a great deal of decisions by council affect the entire city, as each project costs tax payers money, but councillors need to use the wisdom of the people and talk prior to making any major decisions.

3.What has been one of your greatest challenges in life, what did you learn from that and what lessons might you leverage if you were to succeed in your bid to serve? 

Throughout my entire life I have been challenged with knee problems, some minor and some, more serious. I have worked hard at staying healthy and maintaining physical strength even though it has been a 27 year challenge. I recently had a total knee replacement and have worked very hard to rehabilitate myself back to the strength I once had. Each and every day there was pain, however the hope that this will end was near.

This is the same for all aspects of life as each and every day there are new challenges that we have address, some small and some large, and as we all know each and every one impacts us on many different levels. It is important for us to use the challenges to teach ourselves how to deal with the smaller ones without fear, and the larger ones with strength and faith.

I have used this as my guide in life, never back down from a challenge, as the rewards when accomplish are wonderful. I will use this approach if elected and promise never to back down from any issues the residents of Ward 11 may have and I will work hard to solve each issue or concern without fear, with strength and faith of success.

4.One of the criticisms often echoed on blogs and other media outlets, is the notion that council is “dysfunctional”. Do you agree with that assessment and what will you do to ensure a contribution to a smoother running council, if elected?  

I agree that council has been seen as dysfunctional, and have heard from many residents that this is their personal feelings as well.

One of the concerns I have heard over and over is the Official Plan of Hamilton has not been followed and therefore many issues, processes and/or approvals by council have been made without following this process thoroughly, thus creating the opinion of a dysfunctional council by most residents of Hamilton.

This madness has to stop now.

I will ensure that our official plan for Hamilton will be followed as it was created to ensure each new development is approved in the same way.

Infrastructures will be placed based on the need, and decisions by council will be consistent no matter where the issue is inside the boundaries of Hamilton. If elected I plan to bring to council the voice that says, we MUST follow this guide and never deviate from it. Hopefully this will start bringing back the trust to council that the residents deserve.

5.Politicians necessarily must promote themselves to effectively campaign. Self promotion takes many shapes from an account of accomplishments and offerings, to a full tilt, sometimes over the top, exaggerated self congratulatory posture (which we are already seeing from some). Let’s park that type of rhetoric. Why are you running and why should Hamiltonian’s believe you?

Because I am the best person for the job and I will prove it given the chance to be in council. Yes this may sound self-confident but I do feel that this area needs a new strength to get it back in shape, and strength I have.

There are many reasons why I am running for councillor, but the most important reason is that I believe that the residents need a representative on Council that listens to ALL, the residents, the farmers and the business owners of ward 11.

If elected I plan to earn the respect, confidence and trust of the ward by proving that I am here for them, with them, and to support them.

I believe that with my experience and knowledge working with municipal government over the past 21 years, I will be able to provide what the residents truly need, in an honest, efficient manner.

 I was told many years ago, you have to earn the trust of people and this must be earned not expected. I plan to show the city if elected that I will do the job to the best of my ability, respect the position and always promote the city with a positive approach.

6.The Mayor represents one vote. However, a Mayor is considered the City’s leader. What would you look for in a Mayor and how will you demonstrate appropriate deference to that position?

Throughout my professional career, I have had the chance to meet a lot of Mayors and the one and most important thing I look for in a mayor is honesty. Our mayor must be able to not only take a stand when required, but admit to his or her mistakes. No one is right all the time and the Mayor must show that he/she can and will rely on council to assist in solving issues, TOGETHER.

Our Mayor needs to show true leadership, the ability to listen to the people of the city and have exceptional wisdom. The position of Mayor is not only to solve issues of the day, but to look into the future and see a wonderful city that all residents of Hamilton can be proud to call home.

I will show deference, by not only respecting but also give the courtesy the position deserves. Whoever is elected will have to earn the respect from both the people of this great city but also from Council. I have mentioned before respect and trust is earned, not given. Our next Mayor has a tough challenge, but if he/she works with council, I believe we can accomplish great things for the city.

7.What are your views concerning the need for an Integrity Commissioner?

My view is I am certain there is a need for an Integrity Commissioner as it will be helpful for both the city and all existing and new councillors and Mayors.

This position will educate and provide knowledge to all residents of Hamilton and hopefully will start the long journey back to trust of our councillors and Mayor.

There have been so many issues that have become public. So many times our existing council members and Mayor have stepped over the line and taken issues into their own hands, without using the knowledge of existing council, thus causing so many internal rifts. Each and every time this happens existing council looks terrible in the eyes of the city and shows extreme lack of respect for each other. I truly wish we were not in this position and did not need to resort to this action however reality shows we are. Council needs to draw from the experience and guidance of this person, ensuring that past errors do not reoccur.”Hamilton deserves this”!

8.How do you receive and process criticism?

I have always believed that criticism is a form of learning. Each and every time a person, presents criticism, it usually is a opinion that is different than mine, or a belief that a certain process can be changed. I usually take each event and learn from it. I try to analyze where the criticism came from, and look at the person’s point of view from a different perspective. Sometimes I will change my mind, after realizing their opinion is correct.

I have never taken criticism as a personal attack on myself, but as an opinion that will be reviewed and learned from.

9.How would you work with other councillors to work towards your perspectives? What would be your guiding principles?

Start by working towards returning honesty back to council, and by doing this together we can remove the past stigma that each councillor has a hidden agenda, thus returning balance, honor and respect to the council as it should be.

I believe that if all councillors work towards this goal, we will put the city back on track and people from other cities will see that we are not crumbling, we are strong and ready to improve, create new business and bring back the jobs and knowledge to the area and jump start our economy.

My guiding principles will be:
1. To work towards revitalizing my ward with the support of the residents of Ward 11.
2. Always review each issue with an open mind and continually strive for positive results for both the ward and the city.

10. What does leadership mean to you? How would you demonstrate it, if elected?

Leadership to me is strength to use the knowledge shared by many and put it to work for a common goal.

I have been a leader in many ways throughout my life such as sports, fundraising, parenting and my work. I feel that what I can give to a team as a leader is the ability to use my strength in listening to create balance.

If elected I would demonstrate leadership by showing the people that I would be consistent in my approach, honest in my delivery and never vary in any way no matter what the situation as I would be speaking with their voices.

11. Would you be open to a “10 Tough questions” style virtual debate, to be held on The Hamiltonian, with your contenders, including the current councillor if he/she runs?

Yes I would be open to a debate under this format. I believe that this will give the residents of Ward 11 the chance to see that I have the ability and knowledge to be a positive voice on council for the next term.

12.What are the top three things a councilor should always do? What are the top three things a councillor should never do?

Do’s:

1.   Always show complete respect to the residents and never forget that you are representing them and it is you that provides their opinion on council.

2. Never vary from your principles. A councillor that makes the same decision and does not change his mind over and over again shows that he has listened to his residents, and has voiced his opinion based on the Ward.

3. Always respect the position and never abuse the power that the city has given to you. A councillor at all times must provide a positive image for the city and his residents.

Don’ts:

1. A councillor should never disrespect his residents in any way, no matter what his or her feelings are.

2.  I feel a councilor should never put his personal emotions in to the work. A councillor should never gain from decisions made at council. A councillor must always abstain from any decision that may have an impact on himself or a relative.

3. A councillor should never lie to his constituents. Lies only lead to more lies and by doing this the complete trust factor is removed.

Thank-you Ken for your contribution to The Hamiltonian and for your interest in Hamilton. To learn more about Ken, click here.