Municipal election notebook: ‘Furry friends’ invited to chew on east-end issues
Your attention, please
Knocking on every door in Hamilton's expansive wards under the blazing summer sun is no small feat. But some candidates are also trying to reach voters through other means.
If you're not interested in Tammy Hwang, maybe Johnny will grab your attention.
The Ward 4 candidate - and her pooch, Johnny - invite residents and their furry friends to share issues that matter to them."
Hwang co-hosts her Puppies & Politics" meetup at a local leash-free dog park amid a field of 10 hopefuls vying for Coun. Sam Merulla's soon-to-be-vacated seat.
In other wards, candidates are also finding out-of-the-box ways to engage voters.
Cameron Kroetsch, for instance, is leading a walk and roll" tour of parks and development sites in Ward 2's Corktown to discuss sustainable growth."
Or consider Ward 14 candidate Kojo Damptey's AMA" or Ask Me Anything" forum on the social media platform Reddit, the first of our (hopefully many)" as the campaign progresses.
The deadline to file papers at city for the Oct. 24 election is Aug. 19.
Lukasik in the race
Longtime local environmental activist Lynda Lukasik has joined the race for Ward 5.
She'll dial down her duties as executive director of Environment Hamilton to focus on her campaign, Lukasik said after registering at city hall Thursday.
The environment will be central piece" of her platform, but she said housing affordability, community engagement, transparency, as well as safer and friendlier" streets are also key issues.
Lukasik said Ward 5 - which includes the beach strip, Riverdale and downtown Stoney Creek among its communities - needs better public transportation and is sorely lacking" in bike lanes.
She has regularly addressed council on planning, public works and environmental matters, including its long-term growth plan. No secret, I'm a strong supporter of a firm urban boundary."
Ward 5 is an open race without incumbents. Matt Francis, Bob Hurst, Kevin Geenen, Sebastian Aldea and Angela Pugliese are also running.
Jama for Hamilton Centre
A crowd cheered on Sarah Jama's quest to become Hamilton Centre's next NDP candidate outside city hall Wednesday.
The prominent activist for racial, disability and housing justice announced she's seeking the nomination with longtime MPP Andrea Horwath resigning to run for mayor.
I'm promising that I will continue to show up," said Jama, 28.
She encouraged supporters to recruit Hamilton Centre residents for the NDP so they can vote in a future nomination meeting.
I think it's the most exciting nomination I've heard of in a long time," Coun. Nrinder Nann said.
Jama represents accountability and action" and is not stuck in the status quo."
A byelection for voters to choose the next Hamilton Centre MPP must be called within six months.
Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com