The Contenders - Ward 3's Mark DiMillo

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? 

Preparing for the upcoming campaign, and to help myself understand the specific concerns of the constituents of Ward 3, I have been engaging voters and the consensus is clear. Voters are dissatisfied with the lack of progress, and the lack of fundamental change. Largely, they feel that their Councillor is disengaged, and they feel a disconnect with local democracy
to their credit, they have realized that there was no real viable option and
therefore have settled for the status quo for the past 20 years. Although,
Ward 3 has a low voter turnout, they are crying out for change, and local
Politics is in people’s conversations.


My style of governance will be different than Bernie’s. My energy level, and my perception of what is needed for Ward 3, and how to achieve it differs.Bernie is a seasoned politician, but he is static. Frankly, he has represented our ward since the internet was invented. Unfortunately, unlike the internet Bernie has not evolved much. Don’t get me wrong, I know Bernie and applaud him for his endurance, and for the good things he did for Ward 3, but the constituents are saying it’s time to take the noose off Ward 3 and move forward.

I also think a lot of the aforementioned has to do with age. As a younger Man, I feel that I can bring energy and life back to Ward 3. To be engaged, and involved it takes a real commitment of time and energy, and this is  something I am committed to doing.

To be effective at any full time job, such as that of city councillor, you need to be there and be available full time, and naturally being younger, the energy level is greater, the resiliency needed to tackle and solve the different issues of Ward 3 will be higher and stronger and more challenging during the next term of council. It’s time for New Energy and New Leadership!

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?

In my view, the constituents are first and foremost concerned with what affects their day to day lives. Their needs, wants, and concerns can be part and parcel of the solution, provided they are implementable, affordable, and realistic. My job is obvious, to ensure their voices are heard at city hall. To befair I believe every councillor has good intentions in this regard.

The only way to be able to balance ward 3 constituents with that of other Wards inclusive as a city, is to improve the level and methods of Communication between city hall and each ward and specifically ward 3.

Most of those that oppose (with realistic concerns), are those that usually don’t fully understand the impact or benefit that a specific initiative may have, and how it directly affects them. If matters are explained in detail, and they become part of the process, we can achieve balance.

Establishing a common base of understanding will help me strike the balance needed to represent Ward 3 and the City of Hamilton inclusively.

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?

 Being self employed and in business all of my adult life, I have had many challenges. One of the most rewarding challenges was when I had my business on Burton St, I had 18-20 employees. Finding a way to be an effective leader/employer and doing so in a manner that did not lord it over them was key. Understanding what were their motivations, their goals in life, and assessing their strengths and weaknesses, earning their respect and trust and reciprocating the same.

I learned, that when we worked together as a team, we were the most successful. The business ran smoothly and with less stress when working as a united group.I think I was able to help create that culture by communicating, listening, and rewarding those that shared the same vision and direction. I generally have a good sense of character. I put it all together to create an atmosphere in the company, that was positive and kept my employees motivated and performing at the highest level.

If I could reference a quick story. To this day, and I mean literally last week a former employee every time he sees me, he thanks me for the opportunity to work with me at my company. He keeps asking when I will need employees Again, so he could work for me again. He calls me his brother. Why? This employee had one of the most trivial but important jobs in the company. Other employees would trivialize him because of the job he was doing, and  judging the individual to be of little value. I decided to work my executive  schedule so that I could do that trivial job when that employee was home resting. As the other employees seen this, their attitude changed and they  were surprised. Soon after, all the other employees chipped in to make that employees job easier. The employee that was trivialized, was now elevated as an individual, his self esteem, and his purpose in life. The respect that he  received was heartwarming, and a sense of unity, and a positive environment was the direct result. It was heartwarming.

Moving forward, when I read that our City Hall has the highest rate of Absenteeism than other municipalities, that tells me that the culture at City Hall is not healthy. City employees probably feel under appreciated, and disrespected to a point. One of my goals will be to bring back a smile to the faces of city staff and senior managers. In fact, being at city hall almost weekly, you can sense that it is a poor environment to work in, and many are discouraged. If that’s the situation than understandably, but not
excusably, why show up?

I will take this lesson and my observations and use them in my way of Governance through the office of city council. I will assess the strengths and weaknesses of the system and the staff and help them find their
Motivation, and restore a positive, uplifting culture and working environment , doing so as a member of their team.

I strongly advocate that holding the office of city councillor is full time work, And if a councillor has extra time to give, then instead of moonlighting at a Radio station or t.v. station, spend some time with staff and give them a helping hand. The benefits will lead to successful governance, and that is What I will do.

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?

 Dysfunctional by definition I would have to say ‘NO’ Dysfunctional by perception I would have to say ‘YES’

It is unfortunate, but some candidates and councillors use City Council For political posturing, as a stepping stone to forward their Provincial or  Federal aspirations. Subsequently, their decision making and positions are Influenced, and this prevents council from being productive and successful.

This in turn, promotes public opinion that local governance is inefficient or  Dysfunctional.

My pledge to the constituents of ward 3 is that I will not use my position on Council for the advancement of party politics. I will represent all of ward 3 equally, and focus on the mandate given to me by the residents of ward 3.

In this respect, I will encourage all Hamiltonians to scrutinize the motives of their candidates, and vote for a candidate that shows a self-sacrificing spirit, and not a selfish one. When I am on council I will definitely make It known to the public which councillors are playing party politics and impeding the success of council, if there are any, and if they are unwilling to put their personal views and aspirations aside for the better good of Hamilton.

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?

 This should of been the first question, because it is the question every Candidate has to ask his or herself before they decide to run. Perhaps the most important question of all. My answer is a long one...

If I could answer this question 2 ways:

1st) Emotional Attachment
 My grandparents immigrated to Canada and settled in ward 3. As a young boy, I worked the concessions at Ivor Wynne stadium, and watched world cup celebrations at Barton & Sherman. As I grew older I operated a business on Burton St and a restaurant on Barton St. Ward 3 is a special place for me and my family and is where I continue to spend most of my time and life.

The Answer: I care about Ward 3 and the people that live in it.

2nd) I recognize the need.

 The constituents have repeatedly said that they only kept voting for the same Councillor because there was nobody else that impressed them. I’m here to impress. I recognize the need for New Leadership, New Energy, and New Direction in Ward 3. As I empathize with voters, I also recognize that the only constant in An ever changing political landscape has been the lack of vision, direction, and Leadership in ward 3.

The residents in my ward have settled for mediocrity and unfortunately so has Our councillor.All my life I have wanted to help where I can, and influence change. For too Long I have been on the sidelines in ward 3 watching opportunities pass us by.The time has come to use my business acumen and decision making abilities And step up to city council. I can’t pretend I don’t hear the cries for help! The cries are not just from the people, but even more so from the provincial and federal governments. There is a Master Plan for Hamilton on a Provincial Level, an economic strategy waiting to be implemented. The Master plan
Lays out a course for assessment growth, job growth, and wealth and well  Being for Hamilton. Hamiltonians need somebody that recognizes this and  Can see the bigger picture. Frankly, most of our politicians don’t.

The province will continue to move forward, but for them to implement a strategy In Hamilton they need to know that Hamilton is forward compatible and that council is forward compatible. The province needs to know that we (as council) are prepared to work in harmony with, and be part of the bigger picture that will help implement that Master Plan, which will bring changes to Hamilton, and directly affect Ward 3.

Why should Hamiltonians believe in me? Dedication! Since my last bid for City Council in 2006, I have been studying our local democracy, assessing its strengths and weaknesses, assessing Hamilton’s position with federal and provincial governments. Evaluating the initiatives, that the other levels of government have in place and are looking to implement, and how our city fits into the overall plan.  I feel I have what it takes to work on the bigger picture from a local level.

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?

First let me acknowledge that you are posing this question because it is obvious that our Mayor has not received the support or respect from most of city council, that would otherwise be ingratiating of his office.
 Too many councillors want to act like mayor, but don’t take on the responsibility. Too many councillors undermine his agenda. The behaviour of council towards our mayor over this last term is unacceptable. Let me be clear,I’m not endorsing the mayor or his policies, but rather I am referencing the Office of Mayor. The office and position is esteemed and should be treated as such.
 Naturally, I will be looking for a Mayor that is also looking at the bigger picture from a local level. I would like to have a Mayor that is not just willing to stand up for Hamilton, but that is capable. Lastly, a Mayor that has character, and can match that with his/hers ability to communicate effectively to council, senior managers and Hamiltonians.

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

Let me add to that question. Not only would I like to express my views concerning the integrity commissioner, but also my views of two other positions, that of a nurse and a return to work services assistant to address the problem of city worker absenteeism. We have a work environment that is out of control and lacking discipline, and this reiterates my views expressed in my answer in question #3.

Despite a hiring freeze, voted on by council. Here we have a council approving 3 new positions at a cost of well over $300,000/year for what?

1) So that councillors can be told how to behave by a third party, because they apparently don’t know any better? Really?

2) So that city employees can be encouraged to do their job? Really?

My view is that an integrity commissioner sends the wrong message that council and staff do not know how to conduct themselves and are prone to corruption and misconduct, and laziness.

If the median age of a city councillor is 50 years or so, and they do not know how to behave by now, then it’s going to take a lot more than an integrity commissioner to fix behavioural issues. Frankly, councillors that need a lesson in etiquette and conduct should not be sitting on council. During my campaign I will be advocating for a vote for a new group of councillors that are capable of maintaining a code of conduct, ethics, and responsibilities that is expected of a public servant.Although local political cartoonists often imply that council is a 3 ring circus, Please, Mr. Commissioner if you want fun go to an amusement park. We are trying to replace the circus in this city not add to it.

8. How do you receive and process criticism?

In all honesty, does anyone really like criticism? Before I agreed to make my bid for City Council I understood the role, and knew it would be difficult to please everyone, and that being criticized is par for the course.

During my tenure as Councillor, it will be imperative to take the positive out of the constructive criticism received, and perhaps spend more time with those that are critical, to assess their reasons for being so critical, and doing so with the intention of improving my methods of communication, combined with my methods of governance.

9. How would you work with fellow councilors to gain support for your perspectives. What would be your guiding principles?

First and foremost there has to be a willingness by all councillors to want to work together. I believe that the many of our councillors share the common goal of advancing the city’s agenda. That being said it is also important to identify the councillors that are sitting on council, and are playing party politics and are engaged in political posturing. Perhaps this may always be prevalent at the local level of government, therefore it is going to take some extra effort to try to work with those councillors that fall in this category, and try to find a common base of understanding, and stress the importance, that their agendas together with mine must follow three guiding principles that I will use as City Councillor:

1) City council whenever possible should be engineering a true opportunity to change and better the lives of all our citizens, and doing so without being burdensome.

2) The actions of the past will not resolve current situations. We have a professional responsibility to find a consensus and make progress. Never forget the reason you are sitting on city council. Remembering one of our founding fathers George Hamilton who referred to Hamilton as an “Ambitious City”, let us always incorporate this reference as we seek to make decisions as a City council.

3) Every action we take as a City Council can either compound today’s issues in our city, or resolve them. My approach will be the latter, and the only way to accomplish this, is to do so in an unselfish and self-sacrificing way.

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

My answers to most of these questions, reflect an underlying theme of leadership. Rather than list what leadership role I will take on as a Councillor, I will be issue specific to my constituents during the campaign. Myself as a person I demonstrate leadership;

1) By Example – I know if I work hard, others will work hard as well. If I hold myself to a higher standard of conduct, and strive for excellence others will notice, and becoming a successful leader will take care of itself.
2) Experience – Using my knowledge and business acumen I feel comfortable making the executive and tough decisions and taking the lead on tough political issues.
3) Communication- I don’t want to play defence all the time like most local politicians. I will take the lead by communicating with my constituents, staff, and others. The residents of ward 3 shouldn’t have to read the newspaper to find out what is happening at city hall.Communicating effectively with staff, so that staff can communicate effectively to council. Work with staff, when was the last time a councillor pulled up a chair to a city managers desk. Stay involved and engaged with staff and the needs of the ward.
4) Small Things – Presenting myself at all times in a well dressed and well groomed manner.
- Conduct myself graciously, and be ingratiating of the Mayors position as our city’s leader.

- Be firm when needed, but doing so in a manner that compliments council and represents the residents of ward 3 without irrational behaviour or comments.
5) Standing Tall – I will take the lead by being the first one to look for the Positives in Hamilton and not always the negatives. Standing up for Hamilton, even if means getting in my car And driving to Queen’s Park to better understand an Issue, voice a concern, or seek out a solution.

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?

10 tough questions, that’s all? One thing for certain, as a City Councillor I will have to answer more than 10 tough questions. But it could be a good warm up. Bring It On!

Frankly, if any candidate running in this election refuses to answer these questions or 10 tough questions, then they should not be running. No exceptions!

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

I’m going to answer this question with what I refer to as the ‘3 P’s ‘ in Politics. In reverse order 3 things a councillor should never do;

1st P) Play Party Politics – no room for it at City Council. Any Councillor That feels the need to do so is selfish and, is only concerned about Themselves and are building a position for themselves at the
Provincial or Federal Level.

2nd P) Paycheck – If he/she is moonlighting in the private sector, for Example in t.v or radio, you cannot serve two masters. If they Continue private sector employment while on City Council, they cannot be effective as a councillor and look after the best  Interests of their constituents and the city. If your a work-aholic Join a committee or board, or do some charity work in your ward. Failing to realize this is a statement that you are at city hall only For a paycheck, and not for the right reasons.

3rd P) Popularity – A councillor should never avoid the tough decisions Just to remain popular among his peers and amongst the constituency. A councillor should never be influenced by moneyed Interests or special interest groups, and compromise city policies,for the sake of the popular vote, or prestige within the community

The 3 things a Councillor should always do, is reflected by the social and professional responsibility we as Councillors have to replace the 3 P’s noted above with the following;

1st P) Public Service – Restore the work ethic of public service. Being a Councillor 100% of the time. The people expect you to work hard, Communicate, and not be a burden upon their lives, but a beacon that shines bright and leads the way in the ward.

2nd P) Performance – Performing at the highest level. Abiding by the Code of conduct, ethics, and responsibilities that is expected of a Public servant.Participate in ward activities. Represent all of the ward residents equally, and in a manner that will make the constituents proud to have you as their councillor.

3rd P) Perception & Purpose – Continuously work hard to change the Perception of the public that City council isn’t effective or cannot Influence change in their lives, doing so by rebuilding their trust in Public Officials, and doing so with your actions. Work hard, and  Demonstrate that you are not for self interest but are prepared to Give your time, energy, and resources to representing them in a Self sacrificing manner.