Preamble:
In light of recent concerns raised about Hamilton Police Services Board transparency, oversight of Charter rights violations by officers, and the board’s handling of related public communications — including the issuance of a press release that has drawn public criticism — The Hamiltonian is seeking clarity and leadership from the board and its members.
We respectfully ask Mayor Horwath, as a member of the police board and the city’s elected leader, the following:
1. Mayor Horwath, given that unchecked Charter violations can erode public trust in policing, do you believe the current level of public reporting and transparency on these matters by the board and police service is sufficient — and if not, would you support stronger, public-facing oversight mechanisms moving forward?
2. There is public concern that the board’s recent press release on Charter oversight was issued without a clear record of who authored it, and without direct responses from board members, including yourself. In the interest of transparency and accountability, would you commit to ensuring that future communications on matters of public concern — such as Charter violations — are more transparent about authorship and subject to open board discussion before release?
We respectfully ask Mayor Horwath, as a member of the police board and the city’s elected leader, the following:
1. Mayor Horwath, given that unchecked Charter violations can erode public trust in policing, do you believe the current level of public reporting and transparency on these matters by the board and police service is sufficient — and if not, would you support stronger, public-facing oversight mechanisms moving forward?
2. There is public concern that the board’s recent press release on Charter oversight was issued without a clear record of who authored it, and without direct responses from board members, including yourself. In the interest of transparency and accountability, would you commit to ensuring that future communications on matters of public concern — such as Charter violations — are more transparent about authorship and subject to open board discussion before release?
Mayor Horwath responded:
The Board Chair is the designated spokesperson for the Hamilton Police Services Board and speaks on behalf of the Board on matters such as this. I can share that I remain committed to strengthening its governance practices and welcome opportunities for continuous improvement.
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