Before the Ballot- Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor- with Mayoral Candidate Scarlett Gillespie

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor- with Mayoral Candidate Scarlett Gillespie. The Hamiltonian has asked the following questions to each Mayoral Candidate and will publish their responses upon receipt.

Enjoy our discussion with Ms. Gillespie:

Hamilton taxpayers have seen taxes rise significantly while many residents feel services and quality of life have declined. What specific metrics would you use to measure your success as Mayor, and what results should residents expect to see within your first two years?

Success should be measured by outcomes that residents can actually see and feel in their daily lives - not by the number of reports produced or strategies announced.

Within my first two years, I would measure success by reducing permitting and approval timelines, increasing the number of affordable and non-profit, affordable, and co-operative housing units under development, improving infrastructure maintenance response times, reducing encampment-related displacement through stable housing placements, increasing transparent public reporting on major projects and spending, and improving resident satisfaction with and the accessibility of City services.

I also believe City Hall should publish measurable performance indicators that are easy for the public to understand. If something is not working, we should be honest about it, adjust course, and remain accountable to residents.

What is one issue facing Hamilton where you believe the majority of residents may disagree with you, and why are you willing to take that position anyway?

My belief, based on empirical medical evidence, that addiction is fundamentally a public health issue rather than solely a policing issue may not be shared by everyone.

Residents are right to be frustrated by visible disorder, open drug use,refuse like syringes and glass pipes, and concerns about safety. Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously. At the same time, decades of evidence have shown that enforcement alone has not solved the overdose crisis or reduced addiction.

I support a balanced approach that includes strong action against trafficking, violence, and organized crime while expanding access to treatment, recovery, supportive housing, and mental health care. Public safety and compassion are not competing values, they are strongest when they work together.

If elected Mayor, what is the first change you would make to how City Hall operates internally, and why do you believe that change is necessary?

I would begin by strengthening transparency and accountability across City Hall.

Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, where public money is being spent, and whether projects are meeting their objectives. I would advocate for clearer public reporting on budgets, procurement, major capital projects, and service outcomes so Hamiltonians can easily understand how their tax dollars are being used.

Rebuilding public trust starts with open government, honest communication, and measurable accountability. We have a lot to improve given the fiscal state of the City, as per the C.D. Howe Institute's report on the financial reports of Canadian municipalities. Read here: https://archive.ph/vy9a3

Many residents feel Hamilton has tremendous potential but is not living up to it. In your view, what is holding Hamilton back, and what would you do about it?

Hamilton has incredible strengths: a skilled workforce, world-class healthcare and educational institutions, vibrant arts and culture, beautiful natural spaces, and resilient communities.

What holds us back is not a lack of potential - it is a lack of coordination, long-term planning, and public confidence. Too often, residents see delays, fragmented decision-making, rising costs, and debates that become polarized instead of solutions-focused.

My priority would be bringing people together around shared goals: affordable housing, economic development, infrastructure renewal, community safety, transparent governance, and support for local businesses, artists, neighbourhoods, and culture. Hamilton succeeds when we stop treating these priorities as competing interests and start recognizing that they are interconnected.

How can our readers best reach you and/or learn more about you?

I encourage residents to stop and speak with me at community events, neighbourhood meetings, and campaign events throughout Hamilton.
One of the reasons I entered this race is because I believe leadership begins by listening, and I welcome respectful conversations with anyone who wants to discuss the future of our city and our experiences as Hamiltonians.

Website: www.ScarlettForMayor.ca
Instagram: @Scarlett4Mayor - https://www.instagram.com/scarlett4mayor/
Facebook: @ScarlettForMayor - https://www.facebook.com/scarlett4mayor
X: @ScarlettG4Mayor - https://x.com/ScarlettG4Mayor
TikTok: @Scarlett4Mayor - https://www.tiktok.com/@scarlett4mayor
Email: scarlett4mayor@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Scarlett Gillespie

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