Before the Ballot- The Candidate's Guide- What to Say When You Knock on a Door

There is an old saying in politics: "Elections are won on the doorstep.” There is a great deal of truth in that statement.

Despite social media, websites, podcasts, and digital advertising, door-to-door canvassing remains one of the most effective tools available to municipal candidates. Nothing replaces a face-to-face conversation with a voter.

However, many first-time candidates make a common mistake. They overthink what they are going to say. Or worse, they turn their canvass into a speech. The reality is that the best canvassing scripts are not speeches at all. They are conversations.

Why Scripts Matter

A script serves several purposes. It keeps volunteers focused. It ensures consistency of message. It prevents awkward introductions. It allows campaigns to collect useful information.

And perhaps most importantly, it builds confidence. Many volunteers are nervous about knocking on doors. They worry about saying the wrong thing or being asked difficult questions. A simple script gives them structure.

But there is an important rule: A script should guide a conversation, not control it. The

Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question, featuring Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question, featuring Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin.

The Lawnchair question: You are given a billboard visible to every Hamiltonian for one week. You may put only six words on it. What do you write?

Ms. Austin's  reply: Hamiltonians deserve loyalty, honesty and prosperity.

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

I Have Wondered

I have often wondered why some local politicians are, at certain times, quite willing to share their thoughts with The Hamiltonian, while at other times appear reluctant to do so. One can reasonably conclude that such decisions are strategic, tactical, informed by the issues of the day, or perhaps some combination of all three.

Then there is another phenomenon altogether: not responding at all, even to indicate whether one intends to participate. Given that The Hamiltonian is entirely volunteer-driven and has never collected a single penny for its services to the community, the failure to reply is, at minimum, poor form.

It has also occurred to me that some may view The Hamiltonian as inconsequential when compared to our colleagues at The Hamilton Spectator. I have never operated under the illusion that our reach is equal to that of The Spec. They are an established institution with a long and respected history in this city.

At the same time, it has become increasingly indisputable, by a variety of measures and indicators, that The Hamiltonian is consequential. Since 2009, it has carved out a unique place in Hamilton's civic life and continues to earn its motto: Hamilton's Tastemaker in Local Politics and Community.

More importantly, The Hamiltonian is not simply a website. It is a conversation. It is a place where Hamiltonians exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, ask difficult questions, and engage with the issues shaping their city. The voices represented here are not abstract metrics or web traffic statistics. They are voters, taxpayers, volunteers, community leaders, and residents who care deeply about Hamilton's future.

Municipal elections are often decided by remarkably small margins. In the last mayoral election, the difference between winning and losing was negligible. In races decided by hundreds—or even dozens—of votes, can any candidate afford to ignore any segment of the electorate? Can anyone afford to dismiss a forum where engaged Hamiltonians gather to read, discuss, and form opinions?

Perhaps the better question is this: In an era where public trust and meaningful engagement matter more than ever, can any aspiring public servant afford not to participate in every genuine opportunity to connect with the people they seek to represent?

I suspect the answer is self-evident.

Cal DiFalco, Publisher

The Hamiltonian

Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question, featuring Ward 4 Councillor Candidate Todd Anderson

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question, featuring Ward 4 Councillor Candidate Todd Anderson

The Lawnchair question: You are given a billboard visible to every Hamiltonian for one week. You may put only six words on it. What do you write?

Mr. Anderson's reply: My Ear, Your Voice, Change, Accountability

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

With and Without Mayor Horwath

Those of you who are regular readers of The Hamiltonian will know that, from time to time, we publish interviews under our 10 Tough Questions With… series. The series has primarily focused on sitting mayors, and over the years we have featured former Mayors Eisenberger, Bratina, and Di Ianni. In the case of Mayor Di Ianni, he was no longer serving as mayor at the time of the interview; however, that interview was conducted during the early days of The Hamiltonian.

It has been some time since we last conducted a substantive interview with Mayor Andrea Horwath. Our records indicate that our most recent in-depth interview with the Mayor was in March 2025 (see it here). Since then, the Mayor has provided statements to The Hamiltonian on various issues from time to time, but our last focused interview with her took place more than a year ago.

Readers may also recall that The Hamiltonian recently published an assessment of Mayor Horwath's term in office (see it here) . As is our practice, we approached that piece from a position of neutrality and offered our observations as we saw them, based on the information available to us.

Given the passage of time since our last substantive interview with the Mayor, we recently reached out to her office and extended an invitation to participate in another instalment of our 10 Tough Questions With… series. We believed the timing was appropriate, not only because we had not conducted a focused interview with the Mayor since 2025, but also because the interview would provide an opportunity for her to address any issues, concerns, or points of clarification arising from our recent opinion piece, should she have wished to do so.

Today, we received the following response from the Mayor's office:

"Thank you for reaching out. Mayor Horwath will not be participating."

As always, The Hamiltonian remains committed to providing all elected officials and candidates with a fair and equal opportunity to share their views with our readers.

Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Graham Schreiber

Welcome to this instalment of The Lawnchair Question, featuring Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Graham Schreiber

The Lawnchair question: You are given a billboard visible to every Hamiltonian for one week. You may put only six words on it. What do you write?

Mr. Schreiber's reply: Safe Injection Sites foster Narcotics Traffickers!

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

Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question, with Mayoral Candidate Ejaz Butt

Welcome to this instalment of The Lawnchair Question, featuring Mayoral Candidate Ejaz Butt.

The Lawnchair question: You are given a billboard visible to every Hamiltonian for one week. You may put only six words on it. What do you write

Mr. Butt's reply: Ejaz Butt will make Hamilton great again

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

If I Ran for Mayor

If I ran for Mayor of Hamilton, the first thing I would do is humble myself.

I would begin by recognizing a simple truth: for far too many Hamiltonians, life has become harder.

Families are struggling with the rising cost of living. Seniors worry about paying their bills and remaining in their homes. Young people wonder whether they will ever be able to afford a house in the city they love. Small businesses fight every day to survive. Many residents feel unheard, unseen, and disconnected from the decisions being made at City Hall.

I have been listening to Hamiltonians for a very long time. I know that many are bewildered. They look around and ask -How can things keep getting worse while our voices keep getting louder?

I would not insult them by pretending that another round of consultations and listening sessions alone will solve our problems. Of course I would listen. Listening is essential. But I would also understand something equally important: Hamiltonians want leadership that gets to work. They want action. They want results.

My vision for Hamilton would be ambitious and unapologetically aspirational.

Why?

Because Hamilton has everything going for it except the kind of leadership that can unlock its extraordinary potential.

We have world-class healthcare institutions. We have brilliant entrepreneurs, skilled workers, remarkable neighbourhoods, a rich cultural heritage, and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Canada. We have resilience. We have grit. We have heart.

We need a shared conviction that we can become something greater than what we currently are. Because we can!

In fact, we have a responsibility to aspire to greatness. When a city loses the ability to imagine what it can become, it settles for what it has always been.

That is not acceptable. And it has not been acceptable for a very long time.

I would ask Hamiltonians to imagine something bold:

A downtown that once again becomes a source of pride. Neighbourhoods that are clean, safe, and vibrant. Roads and infrastructure that are maintained with excellence. A city that approaches homelessness with both compassion and accountability. A city where investment flows, businesses thrive, and our children and grandchildren choose to stay because opportunity lives here.

A city that believes in itself again.

But aspirations mean nothing without accountability. City Hall would become a place where performance matters.

We would no longer accept a system where senior executives are paid hundreds of thousands of dollars without clearly defined, public-facing expectations. We would no longer accept situations where millions of tax dollars are lost through scandal, mismanagement, or incompetence and everyone simply moves on.

Leadership without accountability is not leadership. It is entitlement.

There must be consequences. There must be responsibility. And there must be transparency.

We would establish publicly declared goals and measurable objectives. Progress would be routinely reported to residents. When we succeed, we would celebrate it. When we fall short, we would say so honestly and course-correct.

Because trust is built through honesty.

I would also introduce a brand of zero-based budgeting. In simple terms, I would ask City Hall to imagine that we are building our municipal government from the ground up. Every department would have to answer some fundamental questions:

Why do you exist? What value do you provide to Hamiltonians? How many people do you really need? How will success be measured? What outcomes should taxpayers expect in return for their investment?

This would not be an exercise in fear or indiscriminate cuts. Services would continue uninterrupted. The lights would stay on. It would be an exercise in purpose.

Because growth in staffing does not automatically translate into better services or better value for taxpayers. Every dollar belongs to the people of Hamilton and should be treated with respect.

Finally, I would seek to inspire something that has become increasingly rare in public institutions: a culture of pride.

I want people to come to work because they believe they are making a difference. I want City employees to feel challenged, valued, and empowered. I want excellence to be recognized and celebrated.

Performance goals and accountability should never be about fear. Done properly, they become a source of pride. They create meaning. They inspire innovation. They remind people that their work matters.

And when people who serve the public feel inspired, cities transform.

Hamilton's problems are serious. But our potential is greater. Much greater.

I believe we can create a Hamilton that is so transformed, so vibrant, and so hopeful that future generations will look back and say:

“That was the moment our city decided to believe in itself again.”


Cal DiFalco
Publisher; The Hamiltonian
Hamilton's Tastemaker In Local Politics and Community

Traction in Action with Ward 13 Councillor Candidate Rick Kunc

I had the pleasure of joining the Dundas Blues as an Alumni to support the creation of a path behind Margaret’s Place Hospice for residents to use.This is another great example of community organizations supporting each other.

Before the Ballot- with Ward 9 Councillor Candidate Eileen Walker

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

My decision to run for Council comes down to a lifelong commitment to public service. I believe true leadership means stepping forward when you see an opporunity to help, rolling up your sleeves, and tackling challenges head-on. Right now, our community needs a forward-looking voice to help shape our future for the better. This is the moment for new leadership to bring fresh perspective, collaborative ideas, and active dedication to local government. I am ready to channel my knowledge, experience, and energy into making a positive, lasting impact for everyone in our community.

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?

First, Ward 9 has grown rapidly, and our infrastructure and local services must catch up. Families need schools, parks, community centres, and road improvements that reflect the pace of development. I will be a strong advocate at City Hall for infrastructure investment in our neighbourhoods and work with school boards and the province to ensure new schools are built in a timely way, so children can learn close to home in modern, accessible spaces.

Second, residents deserve strong environmental protections and clean air. I will push for stricter enforcement of air and odour standards in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment, and for stronger City monitoring of local air quality. I will also advocate for the closure of the Stoney Creek landfill alongside a viable alternative for industrial waste. Protecting Ward 9's natural assets - including the Niagara Escarpment, Eramosa Karst, and our watershed - means requiring strong environmental assessments, preventing stormwater runoff pollution, and ensuring growth is managed responsibly through careful planning and site plan control.

Third, community safety and traffic calming remain top concerns for many residents. We need to be proactive, not reactive. I will support a balanced approach that includes speed cushions, digital feedback signs, safer street design, and targeted traffic enforcement. I will also work with Hamilton Police Services and City staff to improve safety in Ward 9 through prevention, visibility, and practical neighbourhood-level solutions.

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

As a former Justice of the Peace, making difficult decisions is something I have done throughout my career. I will approach tough choices at City Hall the same way I approached my decisions from the bench: by remaining objective, thoroughly weighing all competing arguments, and making decisions based on evidence and the long-term public interest. Municipal budgets represent the community's priorities. I will actively listen to all stakeholders, evaluate the immediate versus long-term impacts and provide clear, transparent reasoning to the public so residents understand exactly why a decision was made, even if they do not entirely agree with it.

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

What distinguishes me is a uniquely diverse, three decade career rooted in public service. I have worked directly with families as a social worker, and I have served as a volunteer in many recreation programs right here in the City of Hamilton. Furthermore, I managed regulatory accountability while serving on committees for the Ontario College of Teachers, and I upheld justice through my career as a former Justice of the Peace. I offer a career's worth of practical, real-world experience with proven leadership and accountability. I am ready to serve Ward 9 from day one.

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

Campaign website: voteeileenwalker.com
Email me directly: eejwalker@gmail.com
Call me directly: 905-870-6421


Sincerely,
Eileen E J Walker

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

Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question, with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Christine Cayuga

Welcome to this instalment of The Lawnchair Question, featuring Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Christine Cayuga.

The Lawnchair question: You are given a billboard visible to every Hamiltonian for one week. You may put only six words on it. What do you write

Ms. Cayuga's reply: Hamilton Families deserve a stronger Hamilton 

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

Cutting Through the Noise: Hamilton Must Do Better!

As reported by our colleagues at The Hamilton Spectator, the City of Hamilton has received an "F" for financial transparency from the C.D. Howe Institute for the third consecutive year.

The reason? Hamilton has not publicly released audited financial statements since 2022 and received a score of zero in all thirteen categories measured by the institute. The city says the 2024 cyberattack is largely responsible for the delays. There is no question that the cyberattack was serious and caused major disruptions. That much is true. But after three consecutive failing grades, Hamiltonians are entitled to ask a broader question:

How is performance being measured and who is being held accountable?

At a time when property taxes continue to rise, many residents remain concerned about issues such as the condition of the downtown core, public safety, crime, homelessness, infrastructure, and the state of neighbourhood streets. 

This raises another question that rarely receives public attention.

Why does Hamilton not have a publicly facing performance contract for its most senior executive, the City Manager? A position that makes over $300,000.00 per year. 

This is not about  City Manager Marnie Cluckie. Rather, it is about governance and accountability.

In many serious organizations, a chief executive's performance is governed by clearly defined expectations, measurable objectives, and regular reporting on progress. A performance contract might include targets such as:

Reliability of mission-critical systems;
Cybersecurity preparedness and recovery benchmarks;
Service delivery standards;
Public safety indicators;
Infrastructure performance measures;

Erdaicating homelessness
Financial reporting timelines; and
Other measurable outcomes that matter to residents.

No one expects a City Manager to solve complex challenges overnight or to single-handedly fix every problem facing a municipality. Cities are complicated organizations, and progress is often incremental.

However, a formal performance contract does something important: it creates clear expectations, identifies measurable goals, tracks progress, and provides opportunities for course corrections when targets are not being met. It also keeps staff and politicians accountable to you, the taxpayer. 

Accountability does not stop at the top. Expectations cascade throughout the organization so that executives, managers, and staff are all working toward common outcomes that have been clearly established by council.

Ultimately, this discussion is not about blame. It is about a simple principle: when taxpayers invest hundreds of millions of dollars into municipal government, they have a reasonable expectation that performance standards exist, that results are measured, and that accountability is visible.

Hamilton's latest "F" from the C.D. Howe Institute is, on its face, a grade for financial transparency.

But for many residents, it may also prompt a larger conversation about accountability itself, in which Hamilton appears to also be scoring an F.

The Hamiltonian

Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question- with Mayoral Candidate Scarlett Gillespie

Welcome to the first instalment of Before the Ballot- The Lawnchair Question. This instalment features Mayoral Candidate Scarlett Gillespie.

The Lawnchair question: You are given a billboard visible to every Hamiltonian for one week. You may put only six words on it. What do you write

Ms. Gillespie's reply: Hamiltonians are the Working-Class Heroes

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

Before the Ballot: Summer Edition — The Lawn-chair Question

The Before the Ballot series continues to be a tremendous success and we can assure you that the series will continue up to election day. 

In tandem, we are pleased to introduce:

Before the Ballot: Summer Edition — The Lawn-chair Question

Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, weekends at the cottage, evenings on the patio, and relaxing in a lawn-chair. Municipal elections, however, do not take the summer off.

Throughout the summer, The Hamiltonian will present The Lawn-chair Question. The concept is simple: we ask candidates seeking public office one question. 

While Before the Ballot focuses on issues, priorities, and plans, The Lawnchair Question focuses on something different—the person behind the campaign.

The questions may be reflective, challenging, personal, strategic, or entirely unexpected. Every candidate will receive the same question and the same opportunity to answer. Participation is optional, and yet, represents another opportunity to have constituents get to know you. 

Some answers may be insightful. Some may be surprising. Some may even be fun. But all of them will provide a small window into the people asking for your vote.

Because elections are not only about what candidates promise to do. They are also about who they are.

So, as summer unfolds, pull up a lawn chair and join us.

Welcome to Before the Ballot: Summer Edition — The Lawnchair Question. First guest seated soon. 

Before the Ballot- Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor - Hamilton as a Sanctuary City

Further to The Hamiltonian’s recent piece on Hamilton as a Sanctuary City, and why it matters, (click here to see it) we invited all declared mayoral candidates to participate in The Hamiltonian’s Before the Ballot – Questions for Hamilton’s Next Mayor and share their perspectives on this important issue.

The submission period has now concluded. Below are links to the candidates who participated and their responses:

Sasha Austin (click here) 
Ejaz Butt (click here) 
Scarlett Gillespie (click here) 

At The Hamiltonian, we strive to  provide Hamiltonians with as much information as possible so that voters can make informed decisions at the ballot box. 

I would like to personally  recognize and thank mayoral candidates Sasha Austin, Ejaz Butt, and Scarlett Gillespie for taking the time to share their views and place them before the public for consideration. As always, The Hamiltonian’s Before the Ballot series is open to all declared candidates, and we encourage readers to consider not only the perspectives offered, but also the information made available to them as they assess those seeking to lead our city.

I believe an informed electorate is a stronger electorate, and a stronger electorate ultimately contributes to a stronger Hamilton.


Cal DiFalco
Publisher, The Hamiltonian

Hamilton's Tastemaker in Local Politics and Community

Beyond the Interviews: What Ward 2 May Really Be About

By now, Before the Ballot has provided Hamiltonians with an opportunity to hear directly from incumbent Councillor Cameron Kroetsch and challengers Brian Lewis, Tony Sciara, Kelly Oucharek, and Eisham Abdulkarim. While each candidate brings a distinct personality and set of priorities, the interviews reveal something deeper than a simple contest between five individuals.

This race may ultimately become a referendum on what Ward 2 residents believe the role of a city councillor should be. At its core, there appear to be two competing philosophies emerging.

The first philosophy, represented largely by the incumbent's approach, views the role of councillor through a broader lens of city-building, social issues, policy development, and advocacy on issues that often extend beyond the immediate concerns of roads, garbage collection, and local service delivery. Supporters of this approach often want their councillor to be an activist, a champion for larger societal issues, and a voice in shaping the direction of the city as a whole.

The second philosophy, which repeatedly surfaces in various forms among the challengers, places greater emphasis on neighbourhood-level governance, constituent responsiveness, practical problem-solving, affordability, public safety, cleanliness, infrastructure, and the everyday concerns that residents encounter when they leave their homes each morning.

The question is which philosophy currently aligns more closely with the mood of Ward 2. That may be where this race becomes fascinating.

Ward 2 is arguably Hamilton's most politically complex ward. It encompasses neighbourhoods with dramatically different socio-economic realities, varying demographic compositions, differing levels of housing security, and sometimes competing priorities. A downtown resident concerned about homelessness, active transportation, and climate initiatives may have a very different set of priorities than a resident concerned about encampments, neighbourhood disorder, affordability, parking, or the condition of local infrastructure. The candidate who can successfully build bridges between these differing priorities may have the advantage.

The interviews also reveal another important dynamic: experience versus fatigue. Incumbents often benefit from visibility, relationships, and organizational infrastructure. Councillor Kroetsch has spent four years developing all three. However, incumbency can also create vulnerability. The longer one serves, the easier it becomes for voters to attribute unresolved problems to the person currently occupying the office—even when many of those problems are systemic, longstanding, or beyond the control of a single councillor.

Municipal elections frequently become less about what an incumbent has done and more about what residents feel has changed around them. Do residents feel safer? Do they feel heard? Do they believe their neighbourhood is improving? Do they feel hopeful? These are emotional questions as much as they are political ones.

The interviews also suggest that the challengers may be underestimating the difficulty of defeating an incumbent in Ward 2. Municipal elections are rarely won solely on ideas. They are won through organization, discipline, voter identification, and turnout.

Ward 2 has historically exhibited lower voter participation than many suburban wards. In low-turnout elections, highly motivated voting blocs can have an outsized impact. The ability to identify supporters and ensure they cast ballots often matters more than broad name recognition or social media engagement. This may ultimately become a race of coalition-building.

Can Councillor Kroetsch maintain the coalition that elected him in 2022 while adding enough moderate and undecided voters to secure another term? Or can one of the challengers build an entirely different coalition composed of residents who believe the ward's priorities should shift toward a more neighbourhood-centric model of representation?

At present, there appears to be another risk for the challengers. They are all articulating change, but not necessarily the same change. One is speaking about practical governance. Another emphasizes community concerns. Another speaks about affordability and quality of life. Another presents himself as an alternative voice and fresh perspective.

If these messages continue to appeal to different segments of the electorate without converging into a coherent movement, the incumbent may benefit from the fragmentation. However, if one candidate begins to emerge as the vessel through which residents can express dissatisfaction or desire for a different direction, Ward 2 could become highly competitive very quickly.

The race, therefore, may not ultimately turn on ideology. It may turn on a much simpler question:

What do Ward 2 residents believe they need right now? A city-builder? A neighbourhood manager? An advocate? A problem-solver? A fresh voice? Some combination of all four?

The candidate who best answers that question—not in theory, but in a way that resonates emotionally with residents' lived experiences—may very well become the next councillor for Ward 2.

And that is why, despite the number of candidates in the race, Ward 2 may ultimately be one of the most intellectually interesting contests in Hamilton's 2026 municipal election.

Want to read interviews conducted with Ward 2 candidates? Click here and go to the page titled "Before the Ballot Intelligence Directory"

Before the Ballot- with Ward 15 Councillor Candidate Jeff Yaeger

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 15 Councillor Candidate Jeff Yaeger

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

I grew up in a small town, Elmira, where a strong sense of community was part of everyday life. That same feeling is what drew my family to Waterdown in 2013. Since then, our community has changed significantly, and many residents feel that decisions affecting Waterdown and the rest of Flamborough are increasingly being made without enough local input.

Through conversations across the ward, I’ve heard a consistent message: people want a stronger voice in the decisions that shape their community and better value for the taxes they pay. I’m running to help restore that local voice and ensure residents are meaningfully represented at the decision-making table.

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 most consistent concerns I’ve heard from residents are traffic, road conditions, and construction impacts. Growth and construction are necessary, but the way projects are planned, coordinated, and communicated has created unnecessary frustration. Beyond Ward 15, there are larger issues which affect us, when it comes to budgeting and allocation of resources.

I would begin to look at WHY these problems are occurring. Let's use the current construction going on for an example. When traffic on Dundas was reduced to one lane repeatedly at Avonsyde, Spring Creek, Pamela, and Burke, it was causing chaos. Then Skinner Road was closed, which resulted in all the residents South of Dundas having to funnel through to Spring Creek to get home. After multiple emails and phone calls in which responsibility was passed from one department to another, I finally was able to meet with a fellow from Construction Services. As we spoke about the congestion on Dundas St. and opening the lanes back to 2 (which he took care of and we are REALLY grateful), he was not aware that Skinner Road had been closed. In this case, the problem was not the reduction in lanes, it was the lack of communication and an effective feedback loop. Everything is not going to run perfectly, however when things are not working, we as a community need to be able to have our voices heard and, if necessary, actions taken in a timely manner.

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

Everyone has different ideas on priorities and their value to the community. The passion that residents have for issues depends on the level that it affects their lives. I learned a long time ago from a gentleman at Dupont Chemical, that when you are deciding on the importance of issues, you need to have the backing of EVERYONE who has a say in the decision. In order to do so, all parties have to come to a point where they can live with the decision. Some will love a proposal, some will be totally against it. The goal is not to get just enough support to pass the proposal: it is to modify the proposal, whether it be the cost, the time, the scope, or details, to the point where everyone making the decision can say "I can live with that".

Having said that, I realize we are not in an ideal situation where the interests of Hamilton as a city may not align with what we want for our community. The important thing, as I see it, is that your voice is heard on each decision, the results have to be communicated to the our community and provide the reasons behind those decisions.

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

My career has spanned multiple industries, from manufacturing to financial services to software, giving me a well-rounded understanding of different perspectives and challenges. Over the past 20 years, I’ve progressed from Business Analyst to Senior Product Manager, working in areas such as healthcare, cybersecurity, environmental compliance, and social media technology. Throughout this time, I had the opportunity to work closely with large organizations who used our products, such as Royal Bank, US Bank, Facebook, and Bank of America, where I was directly responsible for managing their enhancement requests. The challenge throughout was balancing what each customer wanted, while maintaining the purpose and direction of what our product was designed to do.

Across all of these roles, my strength has been asking the right questions—understanding not just what needs to be done, but why. I focus on bringing people together, challenging assumptions, and finding practical, well-informed solutions. That cross-industry experience helps me think differently and avoid “one-size-fits-all” approaches to complex problems. In addition, I have been asked to speak to Certificate in Product Management class for the last 5 semesters and I love sharing and hearing different perspectives on ideas and challenges.

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

Residents can reach me directly by email at jeffyaegerward15@gmail.com or by phone at 519-497-5569. To learn more about my professional background and how I work, I encourage people to visit my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaegerjeff/ and review recommendations from colleagues and partners.

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

Traction in Action with Christopher Demelo, Councillor Candidate for Ward 3

   

 Out enjoying the green house with family at Gage park.

Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate and Incumbent Cameron Kroetsch

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate and Incumbent Cameron Kroetsch.

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

Ward 2 is the heart of our city and over 37,000 people call downtown home. I’m one of them. As Councillor, I’m proud of the fact I worked hard to deliver on the goals I promised in my detailed 2022 platform. It was filled with actions and measures. I worked with residents, my Council colleagues, and City staff to do what I said I would do. From making decisions around the horseshoe to spending meaningful one on one time with residents, I’ve been able to deliver on the priorities that I ran on in the last election.

Engagement has been an important focus of my time in office, which is why I prioritized holding more than 100 meetings, town halls, and events this term, in every neighbourhood in Ward 2, about issues big and small. In addition, I’ve attended regular meetings with the boards of our three BIAs, with representatives from all six of our neighbourhood associations, and with groups of tenants in every corner of our downtown to work on municipal issues and come up with creative solutions.

It’s not just the number of meetings, but the quality and quantity of the feedback I receive at them, both positive and negative. At each meeting and event, I listen and I share, sometimes to a handful of residents, and other times hundreds. I’m proud of the discussions I’ve been privileged to have at these meetings, even when opinions run counter to facts and evidence, and we have to work together, a little harder, to find understanding and come to resolutions.

Persisting, even when conversations are difficult, is important to me. Probably the best measure of that is when someone says to me, “I didn’t love your answer, but I respect that you’re open to having hard discussions and willing to give us information we didn’t have before”.

That’s been a theme of this term - doing what hasn’t been done before, despite it being difficult. I was told it was impossible to fast track or introduce new greenspace in Ward 2, but we’re on the way to expanding Beasley Park ahead of schedule, creating a new greenspace along Strachan Street in the North End, and making early plans to reimagine the property at Scout House in the south part of Ward 2.

Accomplishments I’m particularly proud of are things like implementing what many say is the most rigorous and impactful community grants program in the city, which has supported more than 100 community not for profit organizations from food banks to community gardens and youth programs to neighbourhood events.

In fact, a number of my Council colleagues have adopted our program to administer their own community grants. For more information on the program, and all of its recipients, visit the Ward 2 website at https://ward2hamilton.ca/resources/grants/.

Things like investing millions in safer and better sidewalks and crosswalks - to ensure those who’re pushing a stroller or a walker, and everyone in between, can get around more safely. This includes protecting more bike lanes and redesigning intersections to make them easier and safer to navigate.

Things like actively working to find solutions to our affordable housing crisis by supporting new not for profit cooperative housing in Ward 2 and leading the way on repairing 500 units of City housing, citywide, that were sitting vacant for years due to disrepair. Council’s adoption of this bold CityHousing Hamilton repair program was the most significant single affordable housing initiative in this term of Council.

It not only put these units back in circulation but it gave people a place to live. The repair program ensured that hundreds of additional individuals, couples, and families had a place to call home. That’s a huge impact on people’s lives. It was also the financially responsible and timely thing to do. To build 500 units of housing in today’s market, we’d have to spend around $150 million and dedicate at least 3 years to the planning and development process. To repair the same number of units cost $5.7 million and the work was quickly wrapped up, on schedule, in under 2 years.

Things like, after years of questionable decisions that led to requests for annual financial bailouts, leading the Board of the Hamilton Waterfront Trust to return the Trust to profitability with an eye to winding it down and transferring its assets and programming to City departments already doing this work across the city. These are just some of the things I’m proud of during my first term. I do have more and I’ll be highlighting them throughout the campaign.

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

There are a number of things I think could have been done much better, but here are three that I think are important to highlight.

In our first full budget year, we should have directed staff to completely restructure the process, budget documents, and mandate. These are things I asked to be done, but they were not adopted. I think the way things are being done now is not conducive to collaboration with colleagues or residents. We have to do better.

The process used for the Barton-Tiffany Temporary Outdoor Shelter should have been conducted very differently. It should not have been forced through in time for winter if there was no way for the work to actually get done in that timeframe. Not only should Council have been made aware of this impossible timing, but we should also have been notified, immediately, when the costs started to go over budget. Those responsible were held accountable, but it was very damaging to the City’s reputation. I don’t believe it was handled properly by those involved, at all levels.

Lastly, Council’s vote in favour of luxury condominiums at Pier 8 was a huge mistake. As one of the only members of Council to vote against the decision, I was disappointed my colleagues couldn’t see the writing on the wall. Now, we have a stalled project where we could have already started building apartments, affordable and market rent, when housing is desperately needed. Instead, Council voted in favour of the luxury proposal. Recently, it was announced the project wouldn’t be moving forward on the schedule initially approved and would be delayed for at least another three years. That’s more than just disappointing. 

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

These really are among the biggest issues facing our residents and I hear about them every day.

Ward 2 is unique and it’s important that’s reflected in my campaign priorities - the issues here are not always the same as those across Hamilton. Nearly 80% of all Ward 2 residents rent their homes, according to 2021 census data, compared to 30% citywide.

It’s also the densest part of the city, has the most transit routes, experiences some of the most severe environmental impacts, and has a high concentration of social services. When it comes to safety on our streets, I don’t have authority over criminal matters, which are the responsibility of Chief Bergen and the Hamilton Police Service, but I do have some direct authority over street infrastructure which is why I’ve focused on getting those projects funded during this term of Council.

All of these priorities will shape my 2026 campaign platform and I look forward to sharing it when it’s completed. To review the priorities I ran on during the last election, visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pKDv6szMmVxMwHTIoxmn2OX6lsA8sVxwWYZm__V88uw/edit?usp=sharing.

I’ll be releasing my platform this summer, just as I did in 2022, which will include information, goals, and actions on each of those areas, but will also reflect what Ward 2 residents are telling me is impacting them most.

What distinguishes you from potential challengers seeking to represent your ward in this election? If your bid is presently unchallenged, summarize what skills you offer that define you.

The best way to answer this question is to share the comments and feedback I’ve heard directly from residents at meetings and presentations, as well as when they stop me on the street to chat. Perhaps the three most common things I hear are -

Transparency - Residents most often tell me they appreciate how transparent and honest I am. They tell me they appreciate my frequent appearances through mainstream media, the information provided through my regular newsletter, and my willingness to speak up about big issues on the minds of all Hamiltonians. They’ve also appreciated my directness at Council meetings and my videos explaining what’s happening or keeping residents up to date about an important issue. Residents say it’s important to be able to see the downtown Councillor, know what they think, and feel like they can trust what they’re saying. I’ll keep doing that if I’m elected again and plan to increase my visibility and reporting to the public. 

 
Work ethic - I also often hear from residents about how pleased they are with my participation in Council and committee work and how satisfied they are with the work of the Ward 2 Team. I sit on nearly 50 committees, representing Ward 2 on issues as big as public works and planning and as detailed as governance and community benefits. The committees and boards I sit on, and chair, are a huge part of my job - at the end of the day we’re here to legislate and govern and we can’t do that if we’re not sitting at decision making tables. I’m committed to the job and I care about doing it well. While I’m doing this work, the Ward 2 Team is there to back me up and offer residents support. They’ve been responsive, factual, helpful, and professional, based on what residents tell me every day. Over this term, the Ward 2 Team has managed to consistently respond to and track incoming requests, with a robust ticketing system, from many thousands of Ward 2 residents who reach out by phone and email. We’ve fine tuned our internal policies and office hours so we’re able to get back to most inquiries in under 24 hours. Residents continue to praise the Ward 2 Team and I couldn’t be happier to have them by my side, helping me to represent our community.

 
Engagement - I’m most often thanked for my direct engagement with residents. So far this term, our office has held a record 110 meetings and events in Ward 2. They’ve ranged from town halls to community BBQs and from public skates to small business forums. When I was knocking on doors in 2022, one of the biggest requests of me, if I was elected, was to hold more public meetings and be more present in the community. Voters said they wanted an opportunity to meet their Councillor and to share their hopes, dreams, and concerns with them face to face. I committed to doing that and I’m proud of the results. I don’t think there’s ever been a Councillor who has committed this much time and energy to engagement with residents in our city’s history. It was an incredible learning experience for me and I look forward to maintaining a high standard of engagement in the next term of Council.

If re-elected, what would success look like for your ward by the end of your next term?

Our success is defined by how I helped make it easier and more accessible for Ward 2 residents to enjoy all that our community has to offer - the library, the farmers’ market, the restaurants and other businesses, more events like Art Crawl, street festivals, enhanced parks, and recreation facilities.

I’ll work with my council colleagues to see more progress on issues that we face as a municipality that fall under the mandates of the provincial and federal governments like homelessness, affordable housing, enhanced social services, and policies that affect all residents, one way or another, even if they’re not under municipal control.

As municipal leaders, we can do many things, but some things are not only beyond our financial capabilities, they’re also beyond our stated responsibilities. I see my role as building a better Ward 2, but also as a builder of a better city for all residents. That means being up to date on issues and reading the research that is required to make the best decisions.

How can voters contact you or learn more about you, in the context of this election?

The best way for voters to reach me is to email me directly at Cameron@CameronForWard2.ca and visit my website at CameronForWard2.ca.

You can find me on the following social media networks as well -

Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/cameronkroetsch.bsky.social
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cameronkroetsch/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cameronkroetsch
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@cameronforward2

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

Mayor Horwath's Term- The Hamiltonian's View

Andrea Horwath assumed office on November 15, 2022, after a lengthy career as a Hamilton city councillor and leader of the Ontario NDP. Her mayoralty has been marked by a series of crises that would have tested any municipal leader: homelessness and encampments, affordability concerns, rising property taxes, public safety concerns, infrastructure deficits, economic uncertainty, and increasingly polarized politics. 

Here is our view of a year-by-year analysis of her term.

2022: The Transition Year

Challenges

• Taking over a city experiencing significant divisions over development, growth, and governance.
• Inheriting longstanding problems involving housing affordability, homelessness, and infrastructure deficits.
• Managing expectations after running a highly visible mayoral campaign.

How She Made Out

Her first months were largely about setting a tone. She entered office with considerable political experience and immediately emphasized collaboration, affordability, and housing.

Strengths:

• High profile and name recognition.
• Strong provincial and federal connections.
• Ability to attract attention to Hamilton's issues.

Weaknesses:

Expectations were extraordinarily high. Many voters expected rapid transformation.

Grade: B+

The honeymoon period was positive, though there was little opportunity to deliver major policy outcomes in only a few weeks.

2023: Reality Sets In

Challenges

• Hamilton declared a state of emergency regarding homelessness, addiction, and mental health.