In a recent article published by our friends at The Hamilton Spectator, Horwath Resigns from Police Board, Mayor Andrea Horwath was given an opportunity to explain her decision to step down from her role on the Police Services Board. While she cited scheduling conflicts as the reason, the decision has drawn criticism from some quarters, including social media commentators, at least one political science scholar, and even a sitting councillor.
The Hamiltonian does not share in that criticism. We have expressed that sentiment to the Mayor directly. However, we do believe it is fair to ask how the Mayor determines relative priority among her various commitments. Specifically, what criteria led her to conclude that her role on the Police Services Board was the most appropriate one to relinquish?
To that end, we posed the following question to the Mayor:
Mayor Horwath:
Your recent decision to step down from the Police Services Board, citing scheduling conflicts, has generated considerable speculation. Some in the community have questioned whether scheduling alone was the true reason for this choice.
The Hamiltonian is not in that camp but believes it is fair to ask: how do you determine relative priorities when weighing your commitments? Specifically, were there not other obligations that could have been set aside in order to continue prioritizing your role on the Board?
Can you please clarify the reasoning behind your decision?
Please note: We have received your press release on this topic, but our questions go beyond the information in the release. As such, we would appreciate a reply to our questions above.
The Mayor's office respond as follows:
Good morning, Mayor Horwath will not be proving anything further.
Subsequent to receiving what can best be described as a non-response, The Hamiltonian conveyed to the Mayor’s office that this was regrettable. We truly believe it is unfortunate. Our approach throughout has been neutral, granting the Mayor the benefit of the doubt while refraining from joining those who have chosen to condemn her.
In this instance, however, her silence is deafening.
Notwithstanding, if Mayor Horwath reconsiders and wishes to respond to our question, the door remains open.
Editorial Note: The image of Mayor Horwath accompanying this article is not an authentic photograph of the Mayor. It is an A.I.-generated image that Mayor Horwath had no part in.
