With Mayor Andrea Horwath

Mayor Andrea Horwath

Enjoy our interview with Mayor Andrea Horwath. The questions we posed to the Mayor are presented first, and,  as she elected to respond to the questions in narrative form rather than to each individual question, we have included her complete response.

Thank-you Mayor Horwath for engaging with Hamiltonians through The Hamiltonian! 

1. 1 Given Hamilton's deep-rooted history in steel production, the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump poses a significant challenge to the local economy, particularly for those employed in the steel and related industries. What strategies has the City of Hamilton implemented to protect local workers and mitigate the economic impact of these tariffs?
   
   2 Homelessness remains a pressing issue in Hamilton, with encampments and modular housing prevalent. While some view encampments as a temporary necessity, others argue they fail to uphold human dignity and the right to safe, long-term housing. What is the city’s strategy in addressing homelessness, and how do you balance immediate relief efforts with sustainable housing solutions? How does human dignity factor into these considerations?
   
   3 The expanded powers granted to strong mayors have sparked significant debate. In your view, under what circumstances would you consider exercising these powers, and how do you see them impacting governance in Hamilton?
   
   4 Andrea Horwath is sometimes characterized as a fiery leader who is vocal and unyielding when advocating for her beliefs on how best to govern. This may be reminiscent of your time as leader of the NDP. Since becoming Hamilton’s Mayor, people may have noticed a more settled approach. Is this a fair observation and to the extent it is, do you recognize this change in style and what accounts for it?
   
   5 Gun violence and crime have been growing concerns in Hamilton. While increased police funding is often seen as a solution, some suggest it does not always correlate with crime reduction. Has the city established clear metrics or accountability measures with Hamilton Police Services to ensure that increased funding leads to tangible improvements in public safety?
   
   6 Hamilton has experienced firsthand the significant disruptions caused by cyberattacks. Recovery efforts following the attack on the city’s systems have been lengthy, with ongoing service delays cited as a result. What steps has Hamilton taken to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure, and why did the city’s technical systems not have sufficient backup capabilities to ensure a more rapid recovery?
   
   7 Looking back on your tenure as Mayor, what do you consider to be your most significant accomplishments so far? Conversely, what have been your greatest challenges, and how are you working to address them?