Ward 4 Councillor Candidate and Incumbant Tammy Hwang Responds to Farr's Criticisms

In his recent Before the Ballot interview with The Hamiltonian, Ward 4 candidate Jason Farr offered a number of pointed criticisms regarding incumbent Councillor Tammy Hwang's record and approach to governance. (see that piece here).

Consistent with The Hamiltonian's commitment to fairness, balance, and providing readers with the opportunity to hear directly from those involved, we contacted Councillor Hwang and invited her to respond to the comments and observations raised during Mr. Farr's interview.

Councillor Hwang accepted that invitation. We received the following response from Ms. Hwang:

Bringing real results, evidence and collaboration – all for a stronger Ward 4

As recent commentary pointed out, the choice facing Ward 4 residents this October isn’t about identifying our challenges. The real choice is about how we solve them.

We can look backward and rely on the combative political rhetoric of the past.

Or we can look forward – do the hard, evidence-based work required to build a modern, resilient Hamilton.

I’m here for the latter, because Ward 4 residents deserve a councillor who listens, advocates, solves problems and, frankly, works hard for the community.

My approach to governance has always been rooted in data, strategic investment and deep collaboration. True leadership isn't about looking backward to point fingers, nor is it a solo effort.

It’s a team effort with my councillor colleagues, Ward 4 office and City staff – one that requires making connections, pulling strategic levers and calling for responsibility and investments from higher levels of government.

I want to bring evidence and facts to clarify recent claims:

● Credit rating: Hamilton recently received ‘AA+’ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings; it’s the second highest possible on S&P’s global scale. Hamilton obtained and maintained its credit rating of ‘AAA’ since 2022 – the year I started on council. The report also highlighted Hamilton’s strong cash reserve, with enough liquidity to cover its annual debt payments nine times over.

● Engagement: Our Ward 4 office hosted 300+ meetings with residents and local businesses per year to directly listen to their concerns. Outside of that, I regularly attend community events hosted by local and regional organizations, neighbourhood associations and connect with anchor businesses (e.g. Dofasco) in the community by keeping them accountable through participation on their community liaison committees. Showing up for community matters, and that’s what I enjoy the most.

● Community benefits: Partnership and influence is another way I’ve brought greater transparency to Ward 4 residents. My office encouraged New Horizon Development Group to host an open house at their 1284 Main St. E. site (the old Delta secondary school, my high school). We helped engage residents and received 200+ comments on that development application and changes to the original plan. I also backed my councillor colleagues to develop a community benefit protocol for developments and big city projects and spearheaded actions to support small businesses affected by LRT construction.

● Budget process: The Strong Mayor Act introduced in 2022 by the province means that the mayor is granted exclusive authority over the budget proposal – a significant change from prior years. Throughout this shift and change, I met with city staff to work together and find efficiencies without reducing service levels while finding alternate revenues and opportunities to reduce the tax levy burden on property taxes. One example: reallocating dollars from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Revenues to reduce the overall tax levy by $2 million.

● Cycling infrastructure: Hamilton’s cycling master plan was introduced in 2007, estimated to be completed by 2031. However, the plan is far from complete with costs that continue to increase. Hamilton received matching funding from the Federal Active Transportation Fund to support the project, which enabled the new bike boulevards in Ward 4 along Central Ave, Graham Ave, and soon Cochrane Rd. It's how we were able to improve the mountain Brow and connect east to west with a multi-use trail along the escarpment.Since 2023, Hamilton has been spending approximately $6 million on new cycling infrastructure. Council and staff further advocated for matching funds from the province and federal governments. With commitments from all levels of government, we’ve made each dollar of infrastructure stretch further.

Healthy debate is par for course in politics. With me, you get accurate information, transparent discussions and evidence-based decisions.

The Ward 4 community deserves a councillor who views governance not as a political tit-for-tat, but as a shared commitment to city-building.

I look forward to continuing this positive, constructive and fact-based conversation with neighbours across Ward 4 on the campaign trail.

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