After 8- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Ralph Agostino

 

As we continue with our After 8 coverage of Ward 8 Councillor candidates, enjoy our chat with Ralph Agostino.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges that face Ward 8, and what will you do to address them?

Ward 8 is a diverse, hard-working community with tremendous potential, but we are facing challenges that cannot be ignored. I believe the three greatest challenges we face are affordability, public safety, and the need for greater accountability and transparency at our City Hall. The first one I want to talk about is affordability it has become one of the most pressing issues for our residents. With the cost of living continuing to rise, where families, young people, and our seniors are all feeling the pressure. Property taxes go up outrageously year after year, Ward 8 residents feel they are not seeing improvements in the services to match the increases. Housing costs are out of reach, making it harder for both first-time home buyers and renters. I will advocate for responsible budgeting at City Hall that will focuses on the essentials and avoid reckless spending that is currently happening. I would also support housing solutions that can provide more options for Ward 8 residents at the same time not compromising the character of our existing neighbourhoods. This would mean smart, balanced growth, always with area residents’ input being at the forefront.

Next one I would like to talk about is public safety which is another serious challenge. Recent incidents of violence, including gun violence, have really shaken our community in Ward 8 and has raised serious concerns about whether our residents feel safe in their own neighbourhoods. Everyone deserves to feel secure walking on their streets, going to school, or raising a family. To address this, I will work closely with Hamilton Police Services, community organizations, and residents to strengthen crime prevention efforts, improve visibility and presence where it is needed, and invest in programs that provide youth with real opportunities and positive alternatives. Public safety must be approached with both enforcement and prevention, with equal weight given to both.

The third challenge which is important to residents of Ward 8 is accountability and transparency at City Hall. Many of our Ward 8 residents feel that they are left out of the decision-making, especially when it comes to the major issues like urban boundary expansion, also zoning changes, or new developments that can change their neighbourhood. If elected, I will make it a priority to be accessible and open with the people of Ward 8. That means holding regular town hall meetings, personally returning phone calls and emails promptly, and making sure that my residents’ voices are heard before any decisions are being made. I will always remember that this seat belongs to the people of Ward 8, not to City Hall, and that my job is to represent the community, not to dictate to it.

I believe these challenges are significant, but they are not too great to be overcome. I believe that with strong leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a genuine commitment to listening to residents, we can have progress. My goal is to make sure Ward 8 remains a safe, affordable, and connected community where people are proud to live, work, and to raise their families.

Beyond the needs of Ward 8, what are some city wide initiatives or problems the city is facing more broadly, that you hope to help address? How would you contribute to the resolution to those problems?

While my first responsibility and priority is to the residents of Ward 8, At the same time also recognize that the challenges that we face are part of much larger issues across the City of Hamilton. For me to be

effective, as a councillor I must balance both local and city-wide priorities. I see several key city-wide initiatives and problems that require urgent attention:

First is Housing and Affordability Across our City. The housing crisis we now face is not unique to just Ward 8 it affects all of Hamilton. Rising rents to skyrocketing home prices, too many people are being pushed out of today’s housing market. In the meantime, our property taxes continue to rise without seeing clear improvements in our core services. I can contribute by advocating for balanced housing solutions that respect our existing neighbourhoods, encourage more infill development where appropriate, and making sure our community input is not being ignored. I will also push for stricter oversight of City budgets, so taxpayers see better value for their hard-earned dollars.

Another is Public Safety and our Community Well-Being. The concerns about crime and safety are city-wide. Residents everywhere want to feel secure in their homes, parks, and streets. My role would be to push for a multi-pronged approach. We need to support police resources where necessary, while we address the root causes through having youth engagement, community programs, and stronger partnerships with our schools and our service providers. I believe that as a city we must also prioritize mental health and addiction services, working with our provincial and federal partners to ensure that our

vulnerable people receive support before problems escalate into crises.

Infrastructure and Transit is another one. Hamilton has long struggled with maintaining its infrastructure, whether it’s roads, water systems, or our public transit. The LRT project has dominated the conversation for years, but beyond that, we need a reliable and affordable transit system that serves our whole city, not just the downtown core. I would contribute by making sure our Ward 8 transit needs are represented in

the bigger plan, I would push for fair distribution of investments and supporting responsible upgrades to infrastructure that improve quality of life without overburdening our residents with endless new taxes.

Climate and the Environment. This is important City-wide, we also must be prepared for the impacts of

climate change whether it’s flooding, stormwater management, or the protection of green spaces and biodiversity. I will approach this with balance: by recognizing the importance of environmental  responsibility while making sure that the new initiatives are financially responsible and don’t unfairly burden our taxpayers. I believe that practical, community driven solutions like supporting more local tree planting, protecting wetlands, and try to encourage energy efficiency this can make a real difference without overextending our resources.

Accountability and Trust in City Hall. Finally this is an important one, Hamilton faces the challenge of trust in our municipal government. Residents in Ward 8 and across the City feel decisions are often made behind closed doors, without consultation with residents. I want to help change that culture by leading by example, I plan on being open, accessible, and transparent, and pushing for greater accountability at the Council level.

In short, my contribution to these city-wide challenges will be to bring a steady, experienced voice that advocates for fiscal responsibility, while balancing growth within neighbourhood character, and making sure that residents have a say in shaping the future of our Hamilton.

There are many people running for the position of Ward 8 Councillor. What do you offer that makes you the best pick?

As we know there are many qualified people running in this by-election, and that shows how much our residents care about the future of Ward 8. What I believe makes me the best choice comes down to three

things: experience, accountability, and commitment to this community.

First, I bring proven experience. For over 35 years I have worked as a real estate salesperson, by helping families and individuals find homes and understand the challenges of affordability in Ward 8 and Hamilton. I also served for 20 years as a Catholic School Trustee, where I learned how to manage budgets, work collaboratively with other Trustees, staff and residents, and make decisions that put students and families first. This background has given me both the leadership skills, and the understanding of public service needed to step into this role on day one.

Second, I offer accountability and accessibility. Our Ward 8 residents feel disconnected from City Hall and feel that their voices don’t matter. I will be a councillor who listens and responds, whether that means

holding regular town hall meetings, personally answering phone calls and emails directly, and bringing residents into the decision-making process before my vote is cast. My commitment is to make City Hall

work for the people, not the other way around. 

Finally, it is my commitment to this community it runs deep. Ward 8 is not just where we live, it’s where we built relationships, raised our family, and invested in my career. I understand the challenges we face

like rising costs, safety concerns, and frustration with how tax dollars are spent. I am not running for politics as a career move, I am running to give back, I want to be a strong and steady advocate, and to ensure Ward 8 has a Councillor who puts residents first every time.

At the end of the day, I believe what sets me apart is that combination of real-world experience, proven service, and a genuine dedication to the people of Ward 8. If elected, I will bring both the skill and the heart needed to serve Ward 8 well.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you, your campaign and how to reach you?

Yes, there are a few important things I would like people to know.

First and foremost, my campaign is focused on putting Ward 8 residents first. I am running because I believe our community needs a Councillor who is experienced, approachable, and committed to fighting

for fairness, affordability, and accountability at our City Hall. I am not a running to be a career politician or using it to climb the political ladder. I am someone with decades of experience in both business and public service I understands the real challenges families, seniors, and young people are facing today. Second, I want Ward 8 residents to know that my campaign is open and accessible. I welcome input from all residents, whether it’s about taxes, safety, housing, or simply improving the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. I want this campaign to be a conversation, not a lecture. If elected, I will continue with the same approach, I will be a councillor who listens, who communicates, and who makes decisions with my community, not behind closed doors.

Finally, I encourage residents to reach out to me directly. I am always available to answer your questions, hear your concerns, or discuss ideas. You can visit my website at www.ralphagostino.ca, call me directly at 905-317-6654, or email me at agostinoralph@gmail.com. I believe accessibility starts during the campaign, not after the election.

On September 22, I respectfully ask for your support so together we can build a safer, more affordable, and more accountable Ward 8.

Thank you