Before the Ballot- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Jacob Tenbrinke

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 8 Councillor Candidate Jacob Tenbrinke

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

I’m running because I love this community, and I honestly believe people in Ward 8 deserve leadership that’s grounded, present, and focused on serving residents — not building a political career like some people. My family has lived on Hamilton Mountain for generations. My grandparents came here from the Netherlands after the war and built a life in Ward 8 through hard work and sacrifice.

I was born and raised here, and like many families, we had our struggles. There were times we lived paycheque to paycheque and relied on food banks. Those experiences stay with you.

What I hear from residents today is that people feel squeezed. The cost of living keeps rising, housing feels out of reach for young families, homelessness is growing, and many people feel City Hall has stopped listening.

I think people are looking for leadership that understands real life again. Not slogans. Not ideology. Just honest leadership that shows up, listens, and works hard. That’s why I’m running, and that’s why I believe now is the right time for new leadership.

Every ward has its own unique challenges. What do you believe are the top three issues facing residents in your ward today, and how would you address them?

The biggest issues I hear about every day are affordability, homelessness, and community safety.

First, affordability. People are working hard but falling behind. Families are struggling with taxes, rising costs, and housing prices that no longer feel realistic. We need to start respecting taxpayer dollars again and focus City Hall on core services and responsible spending. I also want to support more practical housing solutions so young people and working families can afford to stay in Hamilton. I can't think of anything worse than people who grew up here in Hamilton saying that I can't afford to live here.

Second, homelessness. People want compassionate solutions, but they also want action and accountability. Leaving people suffering on the streets is not compassion. We need better coordination between housing, addiction treatment, mental health support, and public safety so we actually help people rebuild stability while also protecting neighbourhoods and public spaces. Caring is not being content with letting people live in tents in public spaces

Third, community safety. Residents want to feel safe walking in their neighbourhoods, using parks, and letting their kids play outside. My military background taught me that safe communities don’t happen by accident. They require leadership, prevention, coordination, and follow-through. We need stronger partnerships between the city, community organizations, and emergency services to address safety concerns before they become bigger problems. At the end of the day, I want Ward 8 to be a place where families can thrive again, not just get by.

Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?

I think people understand that not every decision is easy. What frustrates residents is when decisions feel disconnected from reality or are made without listening to the people affected.

My approach is pretty simple. Listen first. Focus on facts. Think long term. And remember who’s paying the bill. We should be doing more than thinking about or striving for it; we should be giving the best customer service in Canada.

Growing up in a working-class family taught me that every dollar matters. In the military, I learned that leadership means staying calm under pressure, making decisions with the information you have, and taking responsibility for the outcome. City Hall must be the same way.

I’m not interested in political theatre. I’m interested in practical solutions that improve residents' lives while respecting taxpayers. That means asking tough questions, looking for waste, focusing on core priorities, and making sure decisions are sustainable for the future, not just popular in the moment.

What experience, skills, or perspective do you bring that distinguishes you from other candidates seeking the same council seat?

I think what makes me different is that my life has always been rooted in service. I’ve spent more than fourteen years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, including helping communities during floods and the COVID-19 response. Those experiences taught me leadership under pressure, teamwork, accountability, and the importance of putting others before yourself.

But I also bring lived experience. I know what financial struggle feels like, what it’s like to work multiple jobs and what it’s like to worry about affordability and the future. A lot of people feel politics has become disconnected from everyday life. I understand that frustration because I’ve lived the same realities many residents are facing.

I’m not running to climb the political ladder. I’m running because I genuinely care about this community and want to help build a Hamilton where working families, seniors, and young people can succeed again. I think people are tired of polished politicians. They want someone real. Someone accessible.Someone who will actually show up and fight for the community. That’s the kind of councillor I want to be.

What is the best way for voters to contact you and/or learn more about you?

The best way to learn more about me is by phoning me at (905) 902-7741 or getting involved through my website, jacob4ward8.com, and social media channels @jacob4ward8.

I also spend a lot of time out in the community because I believe conversations matter. Whether it’s at the door, at local events, or around the neighbourhood, I want residents to know I’m accessible and willing to listen. This campaign is about building trust and building a stronger Ward 8 together.

Thank-you Jacob for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!