All elections are change elections. This one is no different
(Editor's note: Candidates who registered near or on the last day, Aug. 19, may not be reflected here.)
Hamilton's upcoming municipal vote is being hailed as a change' election, mostly by those who are seeking seats on council or those who have long been advocating for a wholesale makeover.
The fact is that every election is a change election! In 2018 five new members were added to the roster, and that is a 31 per cent turnover. This time around six new faces are sure to be new because six current reps have confirmed their intentions to retire. This list may grow as a couple of Councillors have yet to announce their intentions. Terry Whitehead would be wise to sit this one out and concentrate on his health.
Regardless of the final number, six is a considerable number of rookie faces and voices with new and idealistic visions of curing our municipal ills. And should the incumbents win re-election, the newbies will be anchored by experience and institutional memory, and that is a good thing.
Of course, most attention will be given to the mayoralty race, as is appropriate, but the ward races will also be fun to watch.
According to an early poll by Mainstreet Research, Andrea Horwath seems to be coasting to victory with her 37 per cent support-more than doubling the other main contenders Bob Bratina and Keanin Loomis. It is early days, but trends are difficult to buck once they take hold.
The interesting ward races are, of course the constituencies where incumbency does not factor in. A couple of existing races with incumbents are also worth noting: Jason Farr is being challenged by a newcomer to politics, Raquel Rakovac whose enthusiasm will garner attention, as well as Cameron Kroetch who hasn't stopped running since the 2018 election and he and his supporters have been waging a social media campaign against the sitting councillor. Will the strategy work or backfire?
Ward 7 has an incumbent in Esther Pauls who seems to be embracing anti-vaxxer sentiment these days, but the popular Scott Duval is making a play for his old seat. Is something old new again?
Ward 4 long a stronghold for the departing Sam Merulla, the race is a stable of contenders with some recognizable names including Alex Johnstone, former Chair of HWDSB, Max Francis of Hamilton is Home' fame, Adam Oldfield, entrepreneur and radio guest and Eric Tuck of the transit union. Will any break through?
Ward 5, left by current MP Chad Collins has 7 candidates with only Lynda Lukasic of Environment Hamilton well-known among environmental advocates and Matt Francis of Save the Pier' fame as somewhat recognizable faces. Will Lynda be able to convince people that she isn't a one-issue candidate? Will Matt's popular efforts on the Beach Strip and experience at city hall garner him support?
Ward 9 will be an interesting race. Brad Clark is an incumbent who ran for mayor two elections ago and is a former provincial Conservative politician. He is smart and skilled but made some errors this last term which drew the attention of the Integrity Commissioner. Might that come back to haunt him as Peter Lanza who is being endorsed by former Councillor Doug Conley makes another stab?
Ward 11 has two newcomers with Nick Lauwers, a psychotherapist and social worker coming strongly out of the gate. His skill set might have been useful this last term. Also running is teacher Mark Tadeson.
Ward 12 has five vying for Lloyd Ferguson's seat with some social activists and environmentalists in the fray and a president of the Rotary Club also going for the brass ring.
Ward 14 is currently held by Terry Whitehead who hasn't declared his intentions but three candidates have: Kojo Damptey of Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion involvement has been advocating about issues of diversity, defunding the police, and systemic discrimination in the city. Brian Lewis who has been known in sports circles and ran in Ward 1 last time, and Colleen Wicken who worked in the Councillor's office are also running.
Ward 15 currently held by the retiring Judi Partridge sees the venerable veteran Ted McMeekin wanting to re-enter politics against two women from diverse backgrounds, Sumaira Wagar and Zobia Jawed, seeking to carry the Flamborough mantle. Ted has been around forever at the municipal and provincial scene. He knows the score. Will his left-of-center leanings play well in Flamborough or will his name recognition, wisdom and folksy manner win the day?
Oct. 24 will be an important civic date for Hamiltonians. Please vote so you can make a difference in electing those who will look after our civic interests. A lot is at stake and that is the subject of another column.
Larry Di Ianni is a former Hamilton mayor and a current commentator