Before the Ballot- In the Mix - Ward 3

What the Early Ward 3 Interviews May Mean for the Race

The Ward 3 race is beginning to reveal something increasingly important: the candidates are not talking about the same problems.

While all four candidates express dissatisfaction with the status quo, they approach the ward from very different perspectives. That may ultimately determine who gains traction with voters.

At first glance, there appears to be a common thread running through the campaign. Affordability, taxes, neighbourhood conditions, public safety, and accountability all emerge as recurring themes. However, beneath those broad concerns are distinctly different visions for what Ward 3 needs.

Andrew Selman has positioned himself as the accountability and taxpayer-focused candidate. His interview repeatedly returns to issues of spending, taxation, project oversight, transparency, and measurable outcomes. He frames many of Ward 3's challenges through the lens of City Hall performance and financial management. His message appears designed to resonate with residents who believe they are paying more while receiving less in return. His emphasis on audits, process improvement, derelict properties, and economic development suggests a campaign built around fiscal oversight and municipal efficiency.

Christopher Demelo occupies a somewhat different space. While he also speaks about taxes and service delivery, his approach is more governance-oriented than purely fiscal. Drawing on his union leadership experience, Demelo presents himself as someone accustomed to balancing competing interests and solving practical problems. His focus on roads, housing standards, homelessness, and long-term planning may appeal to voters looking for a candidate who combines social concerns with operational management.

Graham Schreiber's interview stands apart in both tone and content. His campaign appears centered on public safety, crime, narcotics activity, property standards, and frustration with government spending. His language is direct, sometimes blunt, and likely intended to resonate with residents who feel that political correctness and bureaucracy have prevented honest conversations about neighbourhood decline. The challenge for Schreiber may be whether that directness attracts a broad enough coalition of voters beyond those already sharing his frustrations.

Kristeen Sprague presents perhaps the most community-oriented and grassroots approach of the four candidates. Her interview focuses on listening, accessibility, local concerns, and responsiveness. Rather than emphasizing large structural reforms, she highlights practical neighbourhood issues such as garbage collection, beautification, environmental cleanup, parks, and community engagement. Her background on advisory committees and community boards may help her appeal to voters who prioritize representation and local involvement over ideological debates.

Taken together, these interviews suggest that Ward 3 may not be a traditional left-versus-right contest. Instead, it may become a competition among four different theories of leadership.

One theory argues that Ward 3's problems stem primarily from spending, taxation, and weak accountability.

Another argues that better management and practical governance can improve services and quality of life.

A third argues that public safety, enforcement, and neighbourhood standards require far greater attention.

A fourth argues that residents simply need a stronger voice and more responsive representation.

At this stage, Selman appears to have assembled the most comprehensive policy platform among the candidates interviewed so far, while Demelo presents himself as a pragmatic problem-solver. Schreiber is offering a sharper anti-establishment message, and Sprague is emphasizing community connection and local responsiveness.

The critical question for Ward 3 voters may become which issue rises to the top of the public agenda over the coming months. If affordability and taxes dominate the conversation, candidates emphasizing fiscal accountability could benefit. If concerns around homelessness, public disorder, and neighbourhood safety intensify, voters may gravitate toward candidates with stronger enforcement-oriented messages. If residents become focused on responsiveness, accessibility, and community engagement, candidates emphasizing grassroots representation may gain momentum.

What is clear from these early interviews is that Ward 3 is unlikely to be a one-issue race. The candidates are presenting voters with distinctly different paths forward. As more residents begin paying attention to the election, the candidate who best connects Ward-wide frustrations with a credible plan for change may ultimately emerge as the one to watch.

The race remains early, but Ward 3 is already showing signs of becoming one of Hamilton's more interesting electoral contests.

Of Note: Incumbent Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann has yet to register and we have yet to hear from candidate Christine Cayuga. In an election year where early activity is becoming a hallmark, it will be interesting to see if there is any correlation between early activity and momentum.

Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Andrew Selman

Welcome to Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Andrew Selman.

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 a lifelong Hamiltonian, and I live right here in Ward 3 with my wife and our daughter. Hamilton, and specifically Ward 3, has incredible potential. This vibrant neighbourhood, full of diverse and hardworking people, is a massive motivating factor for me. I've heard from so many residents across our community who simply do not feel heard by our current Councillor. They don't get calls back, and they don't get answers on the issues that matter most to their daily lives. Our family has felt the exact same way.

Recently, we have all seen the municipal drift. We feel the lack of transparency from City Hall, and we see the lack of progress on our streets. But we absolutely have the power to change course.

I never intended to be a politician, and quite frankly, I do not intend to become a career politician. I have made my living as a data and compliance analyst. My career has been built on examining the numbers, identifying inefficiencies, and holding large organizations to a higher standard so they can improve. When I look at the finances coming out of City Hall, they simply do not add up for the families living here in Ward 3. I know I have the professional tools to help fix that.

We need a Ward 3 Councillor who will stand up and demand the respect taxpayers deserve. When we talk to our neighbours, we hear the exact same frustration from so many. We are all working harder, we are paying way more in property taxes, we are watching our current Councillor support new property taxes added to our bills, and we are getting less and less back from our city. Under our current representation, taxes have jumped more than 30 percent over her two terms. We have been crushed by back-to-back hikes totaling over 22 percent in just the last four years alone.

Now is the right time for new leadership, because we can no longer afford to fund City Hall's mistakes while our elected official passively stands by. We are paying for a micro shelter project at Barton and Tiffany that ballooned 300 percent over budget. We are paying millions in extra interest because the city has failed to file basic financial reports, which cost us our AAA credit rating. We are also paying for nearly 1,000 new city staff hired in just four years, yet our daily municipal services have gotten worse.

We do not need more political rhetoric. We need a representative who will demand measurable results, put a stop to the runaway spending, and go to work for you every single day. We need a fresh approach to how this city operates.

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?

Affordability, Tax Hikes, and Wasteful Spending

Ward 3 families have been crushed by property tax hikes totaling more than 20 percent over the last four years. We have to stop draining our emergency reserve funds just to hide the cost of everyday city operations. While you are being asked to pay more, City Hall payroll costs have skyrocketed, yet the services you rely on have not improved. Instead of actually fixing the terrible state of our local roads, we get temporary patches and quick political photo ops. Through all this, the current Ward 3 councillor has failed to stop the drift and get us back on track.

We need real oversight to fix this. We need to improve the processes that dictate how business gets done in this city. I will push for tough, independent audits to cut wasteful upper management and high-priced consultants. I will demand strict project oversight to stop scope creep and eliminate government waste. At the same time, I will fiercely protect the vital frontline workers who actually deliver for our community.

Safe and Clean Neighbourhoods

Derelict and burned-out buildings are magnets for crime. In Ward 3, a few bad-apple property owners sitting on these long-abandoned buildings are actively holding our communities back. I will launch a 90-day action plan to force the cleanup or demolition of dangerous, fire-gutted shells along the Barton, Main, and King corridors.

When we crack down on these properties, we force negligent owners to either fix them up or sell them. This grows our city tax base and lowers the burden on everyday residents without raising your tax rates. That means we can finally start investing in our neighbourhoods again. We can fund the infrastructure we

Video of the Moment

 A case study on Data Centres - U.S. based but illuminating. Click here to go there.

Before the Ballot- Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor- Hamilton as a Sanctuary City- With Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin

The following is our Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton’s Next Mayor question for the month of June. Enjoy our Q/A with Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin:

Over time, Hamilton has increasingly been described and treated as a ‘sanctuary city,’ largely through council policies and administrative approaches that received relatively limited public attention or broad civic debate at the time they were implemented.

Supporters argue such policies reflect compassion, inclusion, and public health considerations. Critics, however, question the impact on municipal resources, housing pressures, taxpayer burden, and public confidence in immigration and enforcement systems.

As Mayor, would you support Hamilton continuing to operate as a sanctuary city in principle and practice? Why or why not? And how would you balance humanitarian considerations with growing concerns surrounding housing affordability, infrastructure strain, social services capacity, and property tax pressures facing Hamilton residents today? Do you believe Hamiltonians can afford to remain a sanctuary city?

Before Hamilton voted to become Canada’s second sanctuary city in February 2014 the Hamilton Sanctuary City Collation submitted a report to the city. This report examined the factors to be taken into consideration when exploring the idea of creating sanctuary city policies including access to healthcare and police services remain the primary concern for undocumented migrants. Fear of detection, detention and deportation is a major obstacle preventing many from obtaining services to which they would otherwise have access. Precarious migratory status disproportionately affects women who are vulnerable because they often come to Canada using temporary visas and family sponsorships. Women with precarious status are often vulnerable to exploitation and violence in personal relationships. Children are the most severely impacted by precarious status, this status restricts their access to food bank programs, recreational programs and daycare activities that are necessary for a healthy development.

As of April 2014, two Canadian cities adopted sanctuary city policies. Toronto became Canadas first sanctuary city in February 2013 followed by Hamilton in February 2014. Sanctuary city policies in Hamilton municipally funded services can include access to parks and recreation, community centres, police, fire, and emergency services, public transportation services, public libraries, food banks and emergency shelters.

Once Hamilton was declared a sanctuary city this meant non status immigrants would be able to access public services without fear of being reported. A sanctuary city is a place where immigrants can access city services regardless of their citizenship status. Select the concept would mean a don't ask, don't tell policy where immigrants can go to the public health or other taxpayer funded agencies without fear being turned in to the authorities.

The mayor of Hamilton when the City Council voted to adopt A sanctuary city policy in 2014 was Bob Bratina on February 12, 2014. City Council officially voted to become Canada’s second sanctuary city ensuring that undocumented individuals could access municipal and municipal funded services without fear of their immigration status being questioned. The primary driver of this motion at the council level was counselor Sam Merulla alongside community advocacy from the groups like the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic with Hugh Tye – Executive Director initiating the sanctuary city as well as Paul Johnson then director of neighborhood development strategies.

I have worked in shelters and drop-in centres straight from my college grad in 2002, I seen firsthand the enormous difference between need, intakes and call ins for families seeking shelter space and support. for the first 12 years was reasonable access and inquiries almost always with beds available. Fast track to 2015 and on I started having to literally turn two or three families away a day due to the overwhelming shortage in beds even with overflow. In the early years of my career, I was able to seamlessly obtain

Before the Ballot: The Candidates Guide- Signs Don't Win Elections — But They Matter

This article is part of The Hamiltonian's ongoing "Before the Ballot: The Candidate's Guide" series examining the realities, strategies, and challenges of municipal election campaigns.

One of the first visible signs of a campaign is, quite literally, the sign.

Suddenly lawns, fences, businesses, and intersections begin displaying candidate names and slogans. Candidates often spend thousands of dollars on signs. Volunteers spend countless hours installing them. Supporters proudly place them on their properties.

But an important question remains: Do signs actually win elections? The answer is both yes and no. Signs Are About Visibility

The primary purpose of a campaign sign is simple: Name recognition.

Most municipal voters do not follow local politics closely. Many only begin paying attention in the final weeks before voting day. When residents repeatedly see a candidate's name throughout the community, that name becomes familiar. Familiarity matters.

When voters enter the polling station and face a list of names, they are more likely to recognize candidates they have seen before. Signs help create that recognition. One of the biggest mistakes campaigns make is confusing visibility with support. A candidate may have hundreds of signs and still lose.

Another candidate may have far fewer signs and win comfortably. Why? Because signs indicate awareness, not commitment.

A sign cannot tell you whether:

• The resident will vote
• Their family supports the candidate
• They will encourage others to vote
• They will actually cast a ballot

Many experienced campaign managers repeat the same phrase: "Signs don't vote. People do."

Signs perform another important function. They create momentum. Voters often look for cues about whether a candidate is viable. When residents see signs throughout a neighbourhood, they may conclude: "That candidate seems to have support.” This can influence perceptions of legitimacy and competitiveness.

People generally prefer backing candidates they believe have a realistic chance of winning. In this way, signs can become self-reinforcing.

Many supporters hesitate when it comes to signs. They may like a candidate but worry about upsetting neighbours, friends, employers, customers, or political opponents. Once signs begin appearing throughout a neighbourhood, others often become more comfortable displaying their own.

Momentum creates momentum. Location Matters More Than Quantity. Not all signs are equally valuable. A sign on a heavily travelled roadway may be seen by thousands of residents every day. A sign on a quiet side street may receive very little exposure.

Strategic placement often matters more than raw numbers. Candidates should think about:

• Major commuter routes
• Community gathering areas
• High-traffic intersections
• Key neighbourhood gateways

A well-positioned sign can generate more visibility than several poorly located ones.

Every election features what some call "sign wars.” Campaigns become obsessed with counting signs. Candidates drive through neighbourhoods comparing their totals with opponents.

Supporters report where competitors have installed new signs. Entire campaign strategies begin revolving around sign numbers. This is usually a mistake.

Time spent counting an opponent's signs is time not spent speaking with voters. Strong campaigns monitor visibility but remain focused on voter contact.

Signs support campaigns. They do not replace campaigns. Signs Can Reveal Organizational Strength

While signs do not directly predict victory, they can reveal something important: Organization. A campaign with volunteers capable of securing locations, installing signs, maintaining them, and replacing damaged signs often possesses a broader support network.

The sign itself may not matter. The organization behind it does. That's what experienced observers are often measuring.

The Rise of Digital Signs Today's campaigns face a different reality than candidates twenty years ago. Many voters encounter candidates online long before they see a lawn sign. Social media, digital advertising, videos, websites, and online interviews now compete with traditional campaign materials.

The strongest campaigns integrate both approaches. Physical signs reinforce digital visibility. Digital visibility reinforces physical signs. Together they create familiarity.

Final Thoughts

Campaign signs remain an important part of municipal politics.They help build awareness. They demonstrate activity. They contribute to momentum. But candidates should never mistake signs for support.

The campaigns that win elections are rarely the ones with the most signs. They are usually the ones with the most conversations. Because while signs may introduce a candidate's name, it is relationships that ultimately earn votes.

This piece will be reposted closer to sign time. 

Comments

As the election season progresses, experience has shown that public comments and opinions can sometimes become increasingly heated.

The Hamiltonian welcomes respectful discussion and differing viewpoints. However, we will not publish comments that contain personal attacks, insults, or language directed at individuals rather than the issues being discussed.

If you disagree with a position or viewpoint, we encourage you to express your perspective thoughtfully and respectfully. Constructive debate strengthens public discourse and helps foster meaningful community dialogue.

If you have suggestions for The Hamiltonian itself, please direct those to admin AT thehamiltonian DOT info. 

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!  

Before the Ballot- In the Ward 4 Mix- Your Political Intelligence Briefing

The Hamiltonian. does not have a crystal ball, but often times, a race can be read by studying its dynamics and candidates. Let's venture into the Ward 4 race as a three way contest takes shape. 

When incumbent Councillor Tammy Hwang first appeared headed toward re-election, the race seemed likely to revolve around her first-term record and whether voters felt she deserved another four years. The entry of former Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr dramatically changed that equation, transforming the contest into a battle between two established political figures with very different views of municipal government.

Now, with businessman and longtime Ward 4 resident Todd Anderson officially entering the race, a third dynamic has emerged. Ward 4 voters are no longer being presented with a simple choice between continuity and change. They are now being offered three distinct styles of leadership.

Three Different Narratives

The most striking aspect of the three Before the Ballot interviews is that all three candidates identify many of the same concerns: affordability, infrastructure, public safety, and neighbourhood improvement. The differences emerge in how they interpret those concerns and what they believe should be done about them.

Tammy Hwang's campaign is rooted in continuity and long-term investment. Her interview focuses on major city-building initiatives such as the LRT, environmental monitoring, infrastructure renewal, economic revitalization of Kenilworth Avenue, and collaborative approaches to housing and public safety. Her message is that Hamilton faces complex challenges requiring patience, partnerships, and sustained investment.

Jason Farr's campaign is built around affordability and accountability. His interview repeatedly argues that

Before the Ballot- with Ward 4 Candidate Todd Anderson

Welcome to Before the Ballot- with Ward 4 Candidate Todd Anderson.

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

After winding down my construction business following 30 years of ownership and operation, I felt it was time to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. I grew up in Ward 4, raised my children here, own property in the ward, and have several family members who continue to call it home. Ward 4 has always been an important part of my life, and I care deeply about its future.

After speaking with many residents and sharing my interest in serving the community as a councillor, I was encouraged by the positive feedback and support I received. Those conversations confirmed my decision to put my name forward. I love Hamilton's East End and am committed to making Ward 4 an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am ready to put my decades of business experience, along with my knowledge as a property owner and landlord, to work for the benefit of all residents. By listening to the community, being accountable, and focusing on practical solutions, I hope to help build a stronger and more vibrant Ward 4 for everyone.

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?

I believe some of the key issues facing Ward 4 are road repairs, homelessness, crime, and responsible tax management. Road repairs must be a priority to maintain public safety and improve quality of life. Several major streets in our ward are in urgent need of repair, and I will advocate for the investments needed to address this infrastructure backlog.

Homelessness and crime are closely connected challenges that require coordinated solutions. I will work with police, social service agencies, and community organizations to identify practical approaches that improve public safety while helping people access the support they need.

I am committed to keeping taxes at a reasonable level and ensuring Ward 4 receives its fair share of

Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Candidate Kristeen Sprague

Welcome to Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Kristeen Sprague.

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

I believe we needed a change, and I believe in this city. Now is the right time because our voices have been forgotten and no one's hearing them. I believe in the North End, and that everyone has a right to say what they feel.

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?

a) Businesses are not getting a tax break. I would take a look at the budget to see what is needed to do things. b) People's garbage isn't being picked up properly. I would tell the city employees to take more time with their work. There has been glass on the road and cleanup needs to be better. c) I want to listen to people's needs. I've heard people want a dog park, and ask why the land is polluted when we have the means to solve that problem, and install a garden there.

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

I will see what other councillors are saying, but I will always hear what Ward 3 needs first. If there is a lot of red tape, I will ask why and how we can fix that, and make sure things are addressed in the proper way.

9 or 12? - Statecraft and Accountability

9 Cuts or 12?

In an effort to help contain property tax increases, the City of Hamilton has reduced its grass-cutting schedule from 12 cuts per season to 9. The rationale is straightforward: three fewer cuts translate into measurable cost savings.

The decision has sparked considerable discussion on social media, with some councillors emphasizing that they did not support the reduction and suggesting they may seek to revisit the issue if public complaints continue.

It is an easy debate to get drawn into. After all, overgrown grass is visible. Residents see it. They experience it. They talk about it.

Yet the focus on whether Hamilton should cut grass nine times or twelve risks diverting attention from much larger questions about municipal management, accountability, and priorities.

The financial impact of the city allowing itself to fall victim to a major cyberattack that reportedly cost taxpayers millions of dollars dwarfs the savings generated by reducing grass-cutting schedules. One could reasonably argue that the losses associated with the cyberattack would have funded enhanced grass maintenance for years.

According to publicly available information, Mayor Andrea Horwath's total compensation in 2024, including board and agency remuneration, was approximately $271,181.49.

City Manager Marnie Cluckie's compensation is significantly higher, reflecting her role as the municipality's chief administrative officer responsible for thousands of employees and a multi-billion-dollar organization. Recent public-sector salary disclosures have placed her compensation in the range of approximately $330,000 to more than $400,000 annually when salary and taxable benefits are included.

Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Brian Lewis

Welcome to this edition of Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Brian Lewis

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

Ward 2 is not a political opportunity for me. It is where I come from. I was baptized at St. Lawrence Church in the North End. My first holy communion was at St. Mary’s. As a teenager, I lied about my age to get a job delivering the Globe and Mail at 4:30 in the morning along Duke and Robinson streets before most of the city was awake. My mother lived in the North End until she passed away in 2007. My brother lived in the family home until he died in 2018. I have a brother who still lives in the North End today.

These are not talking points. It’s who I am. The North End I grew up in was proudly working class. The Ward 2 of 2026 is something richer and more complicated — artists and tradespeople, young families and long-time residents, new Canadians and people whose grandparents built this city brick by brick. From Corktown to Durand, from Beasley to Central, from the North End to the few memory-filled blocks of Stinson — every corner of this ward has a story, and every resident deserves to be heard.

The private investment downtown is real. The progress is real. But so is the frustration — residents who feel unsafe and unheard, infrastructure that is visibly failing, and public money that isn’t always being used the way residents were told it would be.

Acknowledging what’s going right is not the same as pretending everything is fine. Ward 2 deserves a councillor who sees the whole picture clearly. Who celebrates the wins honestly, confronts the problems directly, and answers to the people who live here — not to a political brand, a preferred ideology, or an election-year agenda.

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?

Safer Streets: According to Hamilton Police Service’s own statistics, Ward 2 records the highest volume of violent crime of any ward in the city — consistently, year after year. That is not acceptable, and it demands real leadership.

The current councillor sits on the Hamilton Police Services Board and has voted against the police budget

Opinion: Brian Lewis Questions Timeline for Steelport AI Approval Process

Mayor Horwath, Members of Council, and Members of the Committee of Adjustment,

I am writing as a candidate for Ward 2 councillor — and as a resident who has closely followed the Steelport AI data centre proposal.

I am not writing to argue for or against the project itself. I am writing about process — because what is unfolding today raises serious questions about whether this decision can be made responsibly under the current timeline.

As of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the public record contained 1,209 letters and thousands of pages of submissions across six files. The agenda was still being updated as of late yesterday afternoon. As of 4:20 p.m. today, neither an updated agenda nor a final speaker count had been publicly released.

No member of the Committee of Adjustment, no member of council, no city staff person, no journalist, and no member of the public has had the time to meaningfully review what has been submitted. That is not a public consultation process. It is the appearance of one.

The issues before the Committee tomorrow are not simple, and several fall entirely outside the Committee of Adjustment's jurisdiction under the Planning Act:

TREATY CONSULTATION
Indigenous community representatives have raised concerns that this application may violate the Nanfan

Before the Ballot- with Ward 10 Councillor Candidate and Incumbent Jeff Beattie

Welcome to Before the Ballot with Ward 10 Councillor Candidate and incumbent Jeff Beattie.

Looking back on your current term, what accomplishments are you most proud of in your ward ? Please elaborate.

That's a difficult list to narrow down. My goal, in any of my various community leadership roles, has always been to make things better, leave it better than you found it, that kind of thing. Since being elected as Ward 10 Councillor, I’ve supported rolling out expanded Transit to Winona, made investments in 5 community parks, with 6 more planned for this year, invested in rebuilding many Ward 10 Roads, such as Fruitland and DeWitt, started the City’s first Youth Council for young people in grades 7 to 12, supported the foodbank in it’s relocation and growth, supported the rebooting of the Community Garden, renovated the newly renamed John Koudys Scout Hall, got the ball rolling on the new Winona Recreation Centre (planned for 2028), restarted the planned reconstruction of Barton Street and Fifty Road and am assisting the local School Board in their efforts to build a new elementary school in the Fruitland area. I’m also proud to be easy to find, very accessible (with local Office at Stoney Creek City Hall), and proud to provide the community with as much information as possible about community events and issues and upcoming City information sessions and meetings.

Looking back on your current term, what things do you wish had gone differently? Please elaborate.

I voted against the first two tax increases, and worked to reduce the second two (no voting on those due to Strong Mayor Powers). I wish that collectively more of us had pushed those increases back to a more reasonable number, although I know that's more of an editorial comment than a personal reflection. I also feel that I was caught off guard by the Stoney Creek Parking Lot debate. For us living here in Stoney Creek, the consideration was never-ever anti-afforable-housing, and so it was was quite shocking to be accused of that by some of my colleagues (One colleague in particular referred to the pleas of Stoney Creekers as “Sanctimonious Horsesh**”), as well as non-Stoney Creekers who had been (in my opinion) misinformed about what the concern was actually about. How ugly that whole issue became, and allowing it to feel personal was something I was not prepared for.

Residents across Hamilton continue to express concerns about affordability, infrastructure, and public safety. What specific priorities would define your next term if re-elected?

My track record will speak for itself on this - I have supported infrastructure investment (particularly in

Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor, with Mayoral Candidate Ejaz Butt

In this instalment of Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor, our question for the month of June centres around Hamilton being a sanctuary city.

In 2014, Hamilton City Council adopted an “Access Without Fear” policy allowing undocumented or non-status residents to access certain municipal services without fear of being reported to immigration authorities. Hamilton became one of the first Canadian municipalities to formally adopt such a policy.

The following is our q/a with Mayoral Candidate Ejaz Butt:

Q, Over time, Hamilton has increasingly been described and treated as a ‘sanctuary city,’ largely through council policies and administrative approaches that received relatively limited public attention or broad civic debate at the time they were implemented.

Supporters argue such policies reflect compassion, inclusion, and public health considerations. Critics, however, question the impact on municipal resources, housing pressures, taxpayer burden, and public confidence in immigration and enforcement systems.

As Mayor, would you support Hamilton continuing to operate as a sanctuary city in principle and practice? Why or why not? And how would you balance humanitarian considerations with growing concerns surrounding housing affordability, infrastructure strain, social services capacity, and property tax pressures facing Hamilton residents today? Do you believe Hamiltonians can afford to remain a sanctuary city?

Mr. Butt's reply

What matters most to me is that Hamilton citizens are compassionate and that the city operates in a way that is lawful and financially responsible. I support the principle behind Hamilton operating as a sanctuary city in the sense that people should be able to access essential services and report crimes without repercussions. However,supporting that principle doesn't mean ignoring the realities. Hamilton residents are facing daily such as housing affordability, infrastructure demands, decrease in social services,rising property taxes. These issues are placing tremendous pressure on families and small business owners across our city. I think it is important to find a balance. We can be compassionate while also being honest about our limited capabilities. It would be unsustainable if Hamiltonians are expected to absorb increasing cost without adequate support from other governments. Municipal taxpayers should not have to be left carrying responsibilities that properly belong to higher levels of government. 

As Mayor, I would advocate for greater transparency around the costs and impacts of these policies as well as additional provincial and federal funding. If we receive the resources needed to meet growing demands, then I believe we can afford to remain a sanctuary city while still protecting taxpayers and maintaining essential services. Hamilton has always been a welcoming community and can remain this way while we are being responsible with taxpayer dollars as well as addressing the challenges residents are facing every day

Ejaz Butt
Candidate for Hamilton Mayor

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

Before the Ballot- with Ward 15 Councillor Candidate Colleen Stewart

Welcome to Before the Ballot with Ward 15 Councillor Candidate Colleen Stewart.

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

Parents who served with me on a Catholic School Council in Hamilton for four years encouraged me to run. They saw my passionate engagement as Chair of their Council, the connections I have quickly made through my church in Waterdown, and my willingness and ability to be an influential voice for them. After thinking and praying, I believe this is the right time. I have spent fourteen years building and operating a communications consulting business, teaching storytelling to everyone from the CEO to the mid-level employee at Fortune 500 companies in all sorts of industries. I am a strong communicator and quick learner. Most importantly though, I love this Ward. When I moved here, I fell in love with the physical beauty: hiking trails, farm stands, winding country roads, and charming villages. I also fell in love with the sound of children playing outside. I happily pay any child who rings my bell and offers to shovel my driveway or asks me if I want some lemonade. This Ward is a treasure. I also see it crumbling at the edges. If you drive north from Waterdown to Puslinch Township Road, the crumbling is literal on the roads. But our Ward is crumbling in other ways. I hear my neighbours express concerns about rising crime, abandoned public spaces, growth with no infrastructure, taxes without services, and potholes. These are all things that concern me as well. City Councillor won't be a retirement plan or a stepping stone if our residents see fit to elect me. It will be my full time job. One I will work at with the same passion, energy, and care for people that I have brought to all of my work.

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?

With humility, I will say that I am in a listening and learning phase right now. Announcing a firm platform today would imply that I know it all now. That is not the case. Not seeing where my high taxes are going bothers me. The potholes bother me. The stories about crime bother me. The promised but never-completed playgrounds bother me. I don't like driving past abandoned gas stations and construction sites that litter our landscape. I don't like hearing that taxes are going back up in 2027. I hear the same from my neighbours. Ward 15 faces unique challenges because most of the population sits in the bottom sliver of our Ward, Waterdown, and that is where most of the growth is happening as well. How do we balance Waterdown needs with those of our rural neighbours who face an ever-growing list of taxes without also seeing where those dollars are going in their communities? Right now I see that as a challenge for this Ward. Getting the City's attention and then making sure the investment makes sense to both sets of residents.

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

At my core, I have a moral compass. Every human being possesses inherent dignity and must be treated accordingly. I believe that strong communities depend on strong families. If you live in a place that attracts couples with children because they think, wow, this would be a great place to raise our kids or this is a terrific place for our teenagers to finish out their high school years, then I would say you live in a great place. You probably have safe streets, safe neighbourhoods, beautiful spaces, and great services. We have a lot of that right now. But, like I said, it's crumbling at the edges. As City Councillor, I will vote for

Meet The Hamiltonian's Publishers

In 2009, I founded The Hamiltonian with a simple but important vision: to create an independent media voice dedicated to the people, politics, and communities of Hamilton.

Over the years, The Hamiltonian has grown into a widely read and influential publication, proudly carrying the motto: “Hamilton’s Tastemaker for Local Politics and Community.” It is a responsibility we have always cherished and one we remain deeply committed to upholding.

For the past 17 years, that vision has been strengthened and realized through the astute, passionate, and visionary leadership of The Hamiltonian’s Publisher, my wife, Teresa DiFalco. Leading a dedicated team of volunteers, Teresa shaped The Hamiltonian into a respected and fiercely independent voice within our city.

Through thoughtful reporting, challenging questions, and meaningful community engagement, The Hamiltonian embraced its longstanding principle: “Sometimes Tough, Always Fair.” That commitment has reflected our belief that local journalism must not only inform, but also hold elected officials and public institutions accountable to the people they serve.

Teresa’s other leadership roles and the demands on her that they bring has necessitated transition of The Hamiltonian back to me as Publisher. I accept this role with profound gratitude and respect for Teresa and the remarkable team that stood beside her. Her dedication, integrity, and countless hours of volunteer service ensured that The Hamiltonian remained trusted, relevant, and unapologetically fiercely independent. Her guidance will continue to inform our efforts going forward

Teresa shared the following reflection on this transition:

“It has been an honour to serve Hamilton through The Hamiltonian and to work alongside so many passionate volunteers who believe deeply in community, fairness, and meaningful dialogue. I remain incredibly proud of what we have built together and grateful to the many readers, contributors, public servants, and everyday Hamiltonians who engaged with us over the years. The Hamiltonian has always been about giving voice to important conversations in our city, and I know that mission will continue with strength and integrity moving forward.”

With endless thanks to Teresa, I am truly honoured to once again step into the role of Publisher and look forward to continuing The Hamiltonian’s tradition of independent journalism, civic engagement, and service to Hamilton.

Cal DiFalco

Ward 4: Hwang vs. Farr- Genuine Debate- Pointed Attacks

The Hamiltonian's recent "Before the Ballot" interviews with incumbent Councillor Tammy Hwang and former Councillor Jason Farr reveal something more significant than a simple policy disagreement. They expose two fundamentally different narratives about Hamilton, Ward 4, and the role of municipal government itself.

What stands out immediately is the tone. Jason Farr's interview reads as a prosecution. It is highly critical, sharply focused on taxation, spending, affordability, and what he characterizes as ideological governance. His answers repeatedly challenge the current council's priorities and directly connect Ward 4's challenges to decisions made by the incumbent and council majority. The language is forceful and combative. He presents himself as the experienced corrective to what he sees as fiscal excess and poor public engagement.

Tammy Hwang's interview, by contrast, reads as a defence brief. However, it is important to note that Ms. Hwang's interview was published before Mr. Farr's.  Rather than attacking opponents, she spends considerable time explaining the context in which decisions were made. Her narrative is one of long-term city-building, external challenges, infrastructure deficits, cyberattacks, housing pressures, and institutional instability. The tone is measured, optimistic, and focused on continuity rather than change. This difference matters.

At its core, the race appears to be shaping up as a referendum on whether Hamilton's current challenges are the result of necessary investments or poor management.

Farr argues that residents are paying historically high taxes and seeing little return. His campaign message is rooted in affordability and skepticism toward City Hall spending. He repeatedly invokes his previous council experience and positions himself as someone who understands how to deliver improvements without dramatically increasing taxes.

Hwang's message is almost the mirror opposite. She argues that Hamilton inherited decades of infrastructure challenges and is now confronting unavoidable realities. Rather than focusing on cutting spending, she emphasizes modernizing the city, leveraging other revenue sources, strategic investment,

Should Hamilton Councillors Live in the Wards They Represent?

As Hamilton's 2026 municipal election begins to take shape, voters are once again asking a question that surfaces every election cycle: Should a candidate for ward councillor actually live in the ward they seek to represent?

At first glance, the answer may seem obvious. If someone wishes to represent Ward 4, Ward 8, or Ward 13, shouldn't they be a resident of that community?

Ontario law says otherwise. Under the Municipal Elections Act, a candidate running for councillor must reside in the municipality, own or rent property in the municipality, or be the spouse of someone who does. A candidate does not have to live in the specific ward they seek to represent.

The Case for Living in the Ward- Many voters believe a councillor should be a neighbour first and a politician second. The argument is straightforward:

• They experience the same roads, parks, taxes, development pressures, and local issues as residents

.• They are directly impacted by council decisions affecting the ward.

• They are more likely to have long-standing relationships within the community.

• They possess firsthand knowledge of neighbourhood concerns.

Supporters of this view often argue that residency creates accountability. If a councillor supports a controversial development, residents know that councillor must live with the consequences alongside everyone else. For many voters, local representation means exactly that — local.

The Case Against Mandatory Residency-Others argue that where a candidate lives matters less than how effectively they represent residents. Hamilton is a single municipality. Decisions made at City Hall affect

Before the Ballot- The Candidate's Guide- Building a Winning Ground Game

This article is part of The Hamiltonian’s ongoing “Before the Ballot: The Candidate’s Guide” series examining the realities, strategies, and challenges of municipal election campaigns.

Signs don’t vote. Social media doesn’t vote. Endorsements don’t vote.

People vote.

Candidates who understand that simple reality often outperform campaigns with larger budgets, bigger signs, and more online attention. A campaign’s “ground game” refers to the direct voter contact operation that connects candidates with residents throughout the election. It is often the single most important factor separating successful campaigns from unsuccessful ones.

What Is a Ground Game? A ground game is the organized effort to identify supporters, persuade undecided voters, and ensure supporters actually vote.

It includes:

• Door-to-door canvassing
• Telephone outreach
• Community events
• Volunteer recruitment
• Literature drops
• Voter identification
• Election day operations

At its core, a ground game is about relationships. People are more likely to vote for someone they have met, spoken with, or seen actively engaged in their community.

The Power of the Front Door. Nothing replaces face-to-face conversations. Despite advances in