Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Eisham Abdulkarim

Welcome to this instalment of Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Eisham Abdulkarim.

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

Ward 2 is not an abstract policy file to me. It is where my family’s story in Hamilton was built. My children were born at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. I did not discover this ward during an election. I have been showing up here as a neighbour, an advocate, and a parent long before any campaign sign went up.

I have personally experienced employment uncertainty, housing pressure, and the daily calculation of how to provide for children while costs keep rising. That is not a talking point. That is my life, and it is the life of thousands of Ward 2 residents right now.

As a community advocate, former Constituency Assistant, and former Vice Chair of Hamilton’s Immigrants and Refugees Advisory Committee, I spent years helping real people seniors struggling to navigate complex systems, families who needed someone to stand beside them, and vulnerable youth who often felt overlooked by institutions meant to support them. I know where the system breaks down because I have watched it break down, up close and repeatedly. People do not expect perfection from City Hall. They expect a councillor who actually listens, actually shows up, and actually delivers. Ward 2 deserves better. That is why I am running.

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?

1. Safety and Community Well-Being: Safety is a growing concern one I am experiencing firsthand as a resident connected to the downtown core. People no longer feel safe walking downtown, using transit, or enjoying public spaces. Parents are increasingly protective of their children visiting parks or simply being kids. Those concerns are legitimate and deserve a direct response not another committee report. I support expanding visible police foot patrols further west to Queen Street and throughout identified hotspots. I support stronger coordination between Hamilton Police Services, mental health professionals, outreach workers, housing providers, and community organizations a highly coordinated model that maximizes existing resources and delivers measurable outcomes. Visible policing matters but it is not the whole answer. Many incidents involve people in crisis mental health emergencies, addiction, homelessness situations requiring more than enforcement alone. Lasting solutions require both accountability and genuine human support. People in crisis need pathways to housing, treatment, recovery, and long-term stability. I will push for stronger integration between outreach teams and crisis response services so the right response reaches the right situation every time.

Ward 2 has underinvested in youth for too long. Young people do not want to be managed or handed

The Council Contrast: Four Years That Changed Hamilton

As Hamilton prepares for another municipal election, voters have an opportunity to reflect on an important question: How does the current City Council compare with the one that preceded it?

The answer depends largely on what one values in municipal government. In many respects, the two councils have been markedly different in both style and substance.

The Previous Council: Pragmatic and Incremental

The previous council, while certainly not without controversy, was generally characterized by a more cautious and incremental approach to governance. It tended to move deliberately, often favouring compromise and gradual change.

Tax increases, while still present, generally remained closer to historical norms. Staffing growth was more measured, and debates often focused on traditional municipal concerns such as roads, infrastructure, development, economic growth, and maintaining core services.

Critics argued that the previous council could be slow-moving and resistant to transformative change. Supporters, however, viewed it as fiscally disciplined and grounded in practical decision-making.

The Current Council: Ambitious and Activist

The current council entered office with a markedly different philosophy.

This council has demonstrated a willingness to pursue broader social objectives, embrace transformative initiatives, and significantly expand municipal involvement in areas such as housing, climate initiatives, social programs, equity initiatives, and community well-being.

It has also overseen one of the most significant expansions of municipal staffing in recent memory, with approximately 1,000 additional employees added over the course of the term. Property tax increases have also reached levels that many residents consider historically high and beyond the rate of inflation.

Supporters argue that these investments were necessary to address years of underinvestment and to respond to increasingly complex urban challenges facing Hamilton.

Critics counter that the pace and scale of spending have outstripped taxpayers' ability to pay and have fundamentally altered the size and role of municipal government.

A Different Relationship with the Public

Another distinction between the two councils has been public perception.

The previous council was often criticized for being overly cautious and too connected to established ways of governing. The previous council also had its fair share of multi term councillors.

The current council, meanwhile, has frequently faced criticism over transparency, communication, and whether it sufficiently appreciates the affordability pressures facing residents.

Whether those criticisms are entirely fair is open to debate. What is undeniable is that this council has generated stronger reactions—both positive and negative—than many councils before it.

The Leadership Factor

Leadership styles have also differed.

The previous council often operated through more traditional political alliances and negotiations among councillors.

The current council has been viewed by some observers as more ideologically cohesive and more willing to advance a shared vision of social and structural change. Supporters call this leadership. Critics call it groupthink. Again, much depends on one's perspective.

The Election Question

Ultimately, the coming election may become less a referendum on individual councillors and more a referendum on the type of city Hamiltonians want.

Do residents want a larger, more interventionist municipal government willing to pursue ambitious social objectives, even if it requires significant spending and higher taxes?

Or do they prefer a return to a more restrained and incremental approach focused primarily on core municipal services and affordability?

Neither model is inherently right or wrong.But they are fundamentally different.

And perhaps that is the most important lesson of the past four years.

Hamilton has, in many ways, experienced two very different philosophies of municipal governance. This election will determine which version of Hamilton its residents wish to see continue.

The Hamiltonian

Listening is a Mistake

Now that we have your attention with the title, let us explain.

We are skeptical when candidates emphasize that they mainly want to listen to constituents or when they make listening a pillar of their bid. Our immediate reaction is: Is that all you've got?

Have you not been reading The Hamiltonian, The Hamilton Spectator, The Public Record, Facebook, and the countless other places where Hamiltonians have been expressing their concerns for years? In many cases, they are not merely speaking; they are practically pleading for relief.

Of course listening is part of campaigning. But to us, it is like a mechanic saying, "First, I'm going to look at your car."

Well, of course you are. I expect you to. Why are you telling me that? Tell me how you're going to fix it.

In political terms, we want to hear your vision for Hamilton and/or your ward. More importantly, we want to know whether you possess not just a good understanding, but an exceptional understanding of how to turn that vision into reality.

Listening is not the destination. It is the starting point.

The Hamiltonian

(This post has been cross posted from After Dark)

Can Hamilton Still Afford Hamilton?- A Conversation with Bob Van de Vrande

The Hamiltonian is fortunate to feature Bob Van de Vrande of Casora Realty Inc. to discuss Hamilton and the real estate market. Enjoy our chat with Bob. 

Looking at Hamilton’s real estate market today, what would you say is the biggest misconception the public has about housing in our city?

Ironically, I think the biggest misconception is that housing in Hamilton is inexpensive. While prices may be at a somewhat lower average than surrounding communities, in general housing in Hamilton is not inexpensive. Of course, this varies by neighbourhood, but when mortgage payments, municipal taxes and condo fees (when applicable) are considered, Hamilton is not much more affordable than other cities.

Has Hamilton fully recovered from the market correction of the past few years, or are we still in a transition period?

If you mean, “Are prices back to previous levels?” then no, Hamilton and most other cities have not recovered from the market correction of the past couple of years and it may be some time before we see a full recovery of prices. Prices during Covid rose far too quickly and the correction following that was to be expected. 

What are you hearing most often from buyers right now that you weren’t hearing five years ago?

I believe that the most frequent concern amongst buyers is whether prices will continue to decline. While prices may be more attractive for buyers now than during 2021-2023, they are wondering if they will drop even further. Buyers’ overall lack of confidence in the economy and disenchantment with all levels of government are in my opinion the most important reason why many would-be home buyers remain hesitant to enter the market. The significant reduction in real estate investment buyers also has a major impact on the market. This is due to numerous factors and can largely be laid at the feet of governments, in this case federal and provincial.

For young families trying to enter the housing market, what are the biggest barriers they face today?

Qualifying for mortgages, even at today’s prices, remains the largest barrier as incomes often do not support the monthly payment requirements. Other debt held by buyers also seriously impacts their ability to buy as does the level of municipal property taxes, all of which are factored into the mortgage qualification ratios. 

How has the affordability crisis changed the way people approach buying and selling homes?

In general, it appears that people are simply opting to stay out of the market. This not only due to

Traction in Action with Ward 2 Councillot Candidate Kelly Oucherak

 

As a nurse with 25 yrs of steady 12- hr night shifts under her belt, I am accustomed to hard work and never afraid to take on the dirtiest and hardest tasks. Last weekend I chipped in at the Durand Neighbourhood Clean-Up and Corktown's Spring Clean-up in Shamrock Park. Durand is now 210 cigarette butts cleaner and Shamrock Park now home to some of my garden plants.

Traction in Action- With Ward 7 Councillor Candidate Mark Daly

 

My wife Rowena and I flipping more than 500 pancakes for students at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School on Shrove Tuesday 2025. After 34 years in Hamilton Catholic schools, including time as an administrator at Holy Name, I continue to volunteer there at school events

Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Tony Sciara

Welcome to this edition of Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Tony Sciara.

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

Hamilton’s best days are still ahead—and I’m running for City Council because I believe we have a unique opportunity to shape that future together. Born and raised in Hamilton, I have built my life and career here, and this city is more than my hometown—it is a community I deeply care about and believe in. I have always been passionate about Hamilton’s growth and potential. With our hardworking people, strong community spirit, and unique geographic advantages, I believe Hamilton can be one of Canada’s great cities.

As a lifelong entrepreneur and engaged citizen, I have seen both the opportunities before us and the challenges holding us back. With strong leadership, a clear vision, and a focus on residents’ priorities, I believe we can achieve far more. That is why I am running for City Council. I want to help build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Hamilton—one that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for families, and inspires pride in our community. I believe now is the time for leadership that listens, collaborates, and delivers results for the people of Hamilton.

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?

As a resident of Ward 2, I have spent a great deal of time speaking with neighbors, business owners, and community members. What I have found is that their concerns are my concerns. The three issues I hear

Traction in Action with Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin

Welcome to this edition of Traction in Action, with candidates driving toward being elected. In this instalment- Mayoral candidate Sasha Austin.

                                               Hamilton Public Library board public session.
                                               West Harbour Site - Vision committee.

Traction In Action- With Ward 9 Councillor Candidate Brad Stapleton

Quality time with my son playing Sledge Hockey with the Hamilton Sledgehammers!

Brad Stapleton

Before the Ballot- Candidate's Guide - The Single Most Important Thing a Campaign Can Do

At a recent team meeting, we discussed how frequently we should publish new instalments of Before the Ballot: The Candidate's Guide. Some felt we may have been releasing them a little too often, while others believed the current pace was just right.

What was interesting, however, was that there was complete agreement on one thing: this particular instalment needs to be published now and emphasized repeatedly throughout the campaign season.

In fact, we believe this may be the single most important advisory piece in the entire series for anyone serious about getting elected. It is a lesson that should be taken to heart immediately and revisited often as voting day approaches.

Before the Ballot: Pulling the Vote — The Single Most Important Thing a Campaign Can Do

Many first-time candidates spend months focused on signs, websites, social media posts, endorsements, literature, debates, fundraising, and media coverage. All of those things matter.

None of them matter as much as pulling the vote.What Is Pulling the Vote?

Pulling the vote refers to the organized effort to ensure that identified supporters actually cast a ballot.

Campaign veterans understand a simple truth: Support that never reaches the ballot box is worthless.

Imagine a household of four people who fully support your campaign. They intend to vote for you.

Article of the Moment

  

Thanks to our friends at The Hamilton Spectator for publishing this piece in today's paper , penned by our Publisher, Cal DiFalco.

Before the Ballot- with Ward 15 Candidate Zac Wrobel

Welcome to this edition Before the Ballot- with Ward 15 Candidate Zac Wrobel.

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

I have been a resident of Hamilton since 2012 and moved to our current home in 2020 shortly after welcoming our daughter. Since then, I have become more involved in the community and gained a greater appreciation for the incredible area we live in. At the same time, I have reflected on how much our local environment and leadership impact not only today’s residents, but also the next generation growing up here.

As a husband, father, and resident, I felt a responsibility to invest in my daughter’s future and educate myself on the issues affecting our city. I am not a career politician — I am someone who believes residents deserve stronger representation, greater accountability, and a clearer understanding of where their record-high tax dollars are being spent. I believe now is the right time for leadership that is connected to the community and focused on practical results for residents.

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?

Ward 15 is one of the most unique wards in Hamilton. It includes rapidly growing residential communities alongside long-established rural and farming areas. Within minutes, residents can travel from busy commercial centres and subdivisions to rural backroads and farmland that support our local economy and food supply.

One of the most consistent concerns I hear from residents is affordability and accountability. People are paying high property taxes and deserve transparency with regards to where that money is going. I believe residents deserve a councillor who will advocate for reinvesting tax dollars directly back into the community through measurable improvements and responsible spending.

Community safety is another major issue. Residents deserve to feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and our

Traction In Action- With Ward 10 Councillor Candidate and Incumbent, Jeff Beattie

I think this image captures me in my natural form - in the community, supporting, serving, volunteering - and having fun along the way.  The picture is inside the Peach Sundae Booth at the Winona Peach Festival, where I spend time every year serving Peach Sundaes to Festival-goers.  I've been a member of the club that runs the booth for over 20 years, a Festival volunteer my entire life, and the person I'm sharing a laugh with is another long-time volunteer, former Scout Leader and former librarian of the now-closed Winona Branch of the Hamilton Public Library.

~Jeff

Before the Ballot- Candidate's Guide - Your Competitive Edge

The Hamiltonian releases its Before the Ballot- Candidate's Guide - Your Competitive Edge. This guide will be updated regularly.

Ready to sharpen your competitive edge? Download the guide by clicking here. 

The Warning Signs Are Everywhere

"I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord."

Phil Collins was not writing about municipal politics when he penned those famous lyrics, but they capture something that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore in Hamilton's 2026 municipal election.

Something is changing.

For decades, a familiar script has guided many municipal campaigns.

The conventional wisdom went something like this: Summer is quiet. Voters are distracted. Campaigns can wait. Incumbents can afford to take their time. Serious campaigning begins after Labour Day, when people return from vacations and begin paying attention.

The assumption was simple. Wait until September. Secure media coverage. Roll out the platform. Attend debates. Let the campaign begin.

But there are growing signs that this script may no longer be reliable. The first sign is early registration.

Across Hamilton, candidates are entering races earlier than many observers would typically expect. Early registration is more than an administrative act. It signals intent. It signals commitment. Most importantly, it signals hunger.

The second sign is participation. An overwhelming majority of candidates invited to participate in The Hamiltonian's Before the Ballot series have accepted. Candidates are not waiting for election season. They are stepping forward now to answer questions, explain their priorities, and place their ideas before voters.

The third sign is visibility. Consider the mayoral race. Mayoral candidate Keanin Loomis has been highly visible, attending community events, meeting residents, participating in discussions, and steadily building his presence across the city.

Meanwhile, mayoral candidate Scarlett Gillespie has demonstrated an ability to penetrate social media conversations, attract attention, and inspire discussions.

At the same time, mayoral candidate Sasha Austin has sought to reshape the conversation by publicly challenging both Loomis and fellow candidate Rob Cooper to debate, signaling that some candidates are not prepared to wait for the traditional campaign calendar before testing their ideas in public.

Nor are these the only examples. Across Hamilton's wards, candidates are engaging , introducing themselves to voters, and building support long before many would traditionally consider campaign season to have begun.

Some are doing so quietly. Others more visibly. But they are doing it. And perhaps that is the most important point. This is not about any one candidate. It is about a broader shift.

Perhaps the most telling sign of all is the public response. The level of interest being generated around local politics is unmistakable. The Hamiltonian's readership numbers are climbing. Social media discussions are expanding. Conversations sparked by the Before the Ballot candidate interviews are spreading well beyond the original articles.

What is particularly noteworthy is not simply the volume of engagement, but its quality. Yes, there are still occasional comments driven more by emotion than analysis. Every election has them.

But increasingly, Hamiltonians are asking thoughtful questions. They are comparing visions. They are challenging assumptions. They are examining records. They are debating ideas rather than personalities. And even through the glorious weather we have been enjoying , people are engaging.

With relatively low voter turnout, one also wonders what segment of the population can be relied on to cast their ballot. More than likely, it will be those who engage and care about what candidates say on The Hamiltonian. 

Further, The Hamiltonian's Before the Ballot- The Candidates' Guide seeks to provide invaluable advice to anyone running. 

There is an energy building. There is curiosity. There is scrutiny. There is accountability. And there is a growing realization that voters no longer need to wait for traditional campaign season to begin learning about those who seek to govern them.

The information is already available. The conversations have already started. The campaign, in many respects, is already underway. That should give pause to anyone relying on the old assumptions.

The candidate who believes nobody is paying attention until September may discover that voters have been paying attention all summer and have checked them out of the conversation.

The incumbent who assumes name recognition alone will carry the day may discover that voters are looking more closely than ever before while recognizing that incumbency carries with it an unfair advantage. 

The campaign that waits for the traditional starting gun may find that the race has already left the starting line.

History has a habit of changing gradually and then suddenly. That is what we are witnessing now.

Perhaps Hamilton is entering a new era of municipal politics—one where engagement starts earlier, scrutiny runs deeper, and voters expect more from those seeking their trust. Perhaps The Before the Ballot series is more telling than anticipated. 

If so, the old playbook may not merely be outdated.

It may be obsolete.

Traction in Action- with Mayoral Candidate Ejaz Butt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this second edition. of Traction in Action, featuring pictures of candidates driving toward being elected, we feature mayoral candidate Ejaz Butt.

Before the Ballot- The Candidate's Guide - The Media Is Not Your Campaign Team

Municipal candidates often have a complicated relationship with the media. Some believe the media will ignore them. Others believe the media will help them. Some become frustrated when coverage does not appear. Others become overly dependent upon it.

The reality lies somewhere in between.

One of the most important lessons a candidate can learn is this: The media is not your campaign team.Nor should it be.

The primary responsibility of journalists and media organizations is to inform the public. Their job is not to elect candidates. Their job is not to defeat candidates. Their job is not to amplify campaign messaging simply because a campaign wishes it.

Candidates who understand this generally navigate media relationships more effectively than those who do not. Media outlets decide what is newsworthy through their own editorial lens.

Sometimes that will benefit a candidate. Sometimes it will not. Understanding this reality is essential.

The Changing Media Landscape

One of the most significant changes in modern municipal politics is that candidates are no longer dependent upon a handful of traditional media outlets to communicate with voters. That reality has fundamentally altered the political landscape.

Today, candidates can communicate through a wide variety of channels, including community publications, podcasts, online interview series, digital news platforms, blogs, social media, newsletters, and independent publishers. The result is that voters often have access to far more information about candidates than previous generations ever enjoyed.

The Rise of Direct-to-Voter Communication

In the past, candidates often depended upon a reporter's summary of their position. In The Hamiltonian, voters hear directly from candidates themselves. Candidate profiles and interviews allow voters to assess not only what candidates think, but how they think.

This shift has created new opportunities for candidates willing to engage thoughtfully and substantively. The strongest candidates are often those willing to answer questions in depth, explain their positions clearly, and make themselves accessible to public scrutiny.

Transparency itself has become a campaign asset.

Earned Media Versus Paid Media 

Campaigns typically operate in two media environments. The first is paid media. This includes advertising that a campaign controls completely. The candidate decides the message. The candidate decides the

Traction in Action, with Ward 15 Councillor Candidate Colleen Stewart

Hamiltonians often see candidates on signs, websites, and campaign literature. We'd like to show voters something a little different.

We invited all candidates running for Mayor or Council to submit one photograph of themselves "in action" — doing something that reflects who they are, what they care about, or how they engage with the community. Along with the photo, we asked them to include a brief one- or two-line caption

We are calling this series Traction in Action, because these are candidates who are driven and who are out there earning your vote, gaining traction in their respective races. 

This first edition features Ward 15 Councillor Candidate Colleen Stewart. Here is Colleen (on the left) in action:

Cleaning a garden on Dundas Street during Waterdown's Community Cleanup. Beautiful communities inspire good citizenship in the people who live in them. I was delighted  to help.

Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Christine Cayuga

Welcome to this edition of Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Christine Cayuga.

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

My motivation for running comes from the people I've met through owning a local diner and sitting as a Borad of Director on a non for profit . Every day, I hear residents community members ' concerns, ideas, and frustrations. Those conversations have shown me that people want leadership that listens, acts with integrity, and puts residents first. I believe Ward 3 deserves a strong voice at City Hall, and I'm ready to deliver that leadership.

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

Ward 3 faces many challenges, but the three issues I hear about most often are affordability, neighbourhood safety and well-being, and trust in local government financial decisions.

1.Affordability is one of the biggest concerns I hear from residents. Families, seniors, and individuals are dealing with rising property taxes, utility costs, housing expenses, and the increasing cost of everyday living.

As a councillor, I would carefully review budgets and supporting documents , ask questions about spending, and ensure every dollar is being used responsibly. Residents work hard for their money and deserve to know their tax dollars are being spent wisely and effectively.

2. Neighborhood & safety Ward 3 residents want clean streets, well-maintained public spaces, and solutions that address issues such as property crime, illegal dumping, neglected infrastructure, traffic safety, and concerns related to homelessness and mental health.

I would work with residents, City staff, Hamilton Police, community organizations, and local businesses to identify priorities and develop practical solutions. This includes improving lighting in public spaces, advocating for traffic-calming measures where needed, supporting community safety initiatives, maintaining parks and public spaces, and ensuring support services are available for all residents.

3. Trust in local government and financial decision-making is another issue I hear about regularly from residents. People want confidence that decisions are being carefully reviewed—not simply rubber-stamped.

Residents want to know that when Council is considering a project, budget item, or major development, the right questions are being asked: What is the purpose? Why is it needed? When will it be completed? What are the expected costs? Are there potential cost overruns, delays, or long-term financial impacts?

As a councillor, I believe it is my responsibility to do the homework, review reports thoroughly, ask questions, and ensure decisions are made with transparency and accountability. Residents deserve clear explanations about how their tax dollars are being spent and what results they can expect. Good governance means being prepared, informed, and willing to ask questions before decisions are made—not after. Building trust starts with openness, accountability, and ensuring residents have confidence that their interests are being represented at City Hall.

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

I would approach tough decisions by listening first, gathering the facts, and asking questions. I want to understand the costs, benefits, risks, and long-term impacts before making a decision. While not everyone will agree with every outcome, residents deserve transparency about how decisions are made. My goal is to be accountable, make informed choices, respect taxpayer dollars, and ensure decisions benefit residents both today and for future generations."

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

I bring to table the perspective of a small business owner who understands budgets, accountability, and the importance of serving people. Through my diner, I've had countless conversations with residents and have heard firsthand the challenges they're facing. I am approachable, independent, and willing to ask tough questions. I believe residents want a councillor who listens, does the homework, and makes thoughtful decisions with integrity, and that's the leadership I hope to bring to Ward 3.

In addition, my experience serving on a Board of Directors has given me a strong understanding of governance, oversight, policy development, strategic planning, and fiduciary responsibility. I've learned the importance of reviewing information carefully, asking questions, considering different perspectives, and making decisions that are in the best interests of the organization and the people it serves.

I have a strong sense of community. Through my business, volunteer work, and community involvement, I have had the opportunity to connect with residents from all walks of life. I understand the challenges people are facing because I've listened to their concerns and heard their stories firsthand.

Together, these experiences have prepared me to be a thoughtful, accountable, and effective representative for Ward 3—someone who listens, leads with integrity, and works collaboratively to find practical solutions for our community.

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

Cayugaward3@Gmail.com
Cell:365-335-4196
www.christinecayuga@ward3.com

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

Before the Ballot- with Ward 12 Councillor Candidate Fred Bennick

Welcome to this edition of Before the Ballot- with Ward 12 Councillor Candidate Fred Bennick

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

I’m running in ward 12, that is Ancaster, Rural Ancaster, and West Flamborough, out of a desire to make a positive impact on our city and our community. I want to see, not just our part of the city thrive, but the whole city of Hamilton. I choose to run at this time because I also have some serious concerns about the direction and condition of things at City Hall. Increased property taxes (23% in this last term alone) crumbling infrastructure, poor financial management, and lack of accountability are just too prevalent. New and more competent leadership is urgently needed to address these issues. I believe I have the skills and time necessary to do this work. It will not be easy. In fact, I know it will be hard. However, hard work has never been something that I have shied away from.

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?

My campaign has 4 pillars.

A. Infrastructure that works. Ie roads, and associated procurement.
B. Lower Property Tax
C. Community Safety.
D. End the upcoming Rain Tax

Each of these pillars requires further explanation, which I’d be pleased to discuss with any Ward 12 Resident.  I can assure residents that calls and emails will be returned promptly.

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

I believe Council needs a much stronger review of spending growth, administrative expansion, and project prioritization. We also need to distinguish between essential infrastructure and discretionary spending. Growing our commercial and industrial base needs to accelerate which will lessen the tax burden on homeowners.

People feel they are paying more and getting less. We need fiscal responsibility, stronger infrastructure planning, and leadership that will focus on the basics that residents care about every day.

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

I would encourage anyone interested in knowing about me to visit my campaign website. (Bennink.ca) you can see my background including building a business starting at age 23, serving on many Boards, giving back to my community, etc.

Residents feel they are paying more and getting less. Taxes go up, roads get worse, they can’t get anyone to answer their calls or emails. We have some councillors with a very narrow ideology, and I believe that needs to change. Will it be easy? No, not at all. It’ll be hard work. I learned the importance of working hard and doing all things to the best of my ability from my parents and extended family. Like many people in Ward 12 and in the city of Hamilton, I am from an immigrant family. My wife and I are children of Dutch immigrants. We learned the value of hard work, honesty, and commitment to family, faith, and community. It is these things which also give me hope for the future. Our city can and will thrive when we work together for the good of all.

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

FredBenninkward12@gmail.com

Cell/text 905.570.5665

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