Time to build Hamilton of ‘our dreams,’ Mayor Andrea Horwath says
Mayor Andrea Horwath is striking a note of optimism and pledging a fresh start to municipal governance as Hamilton's new council takes office.
As your mayor, I will work to inspire, motivate and mobilize all of our residents - starting with our wonderful, dynamic new city council and the folks at city hall - to do better, to reach higher and to leave no one behind," Horwath said during her inaugural address Wednesday.
We will work to build the Hamilton of our dreams and aspirations. We will build a city that is again a leader of Canada. We will do this important work together, inviting everyone to participate, to innovate and to thrive. Let's get started!"
Horwath offered that upbeat message to about 500 spectators at the downtown convention centre to watch her and 15 councillors take the oath of office after the Oct. 24 election.
The former Ontario NDP leader - the first woman to become mayor in Hamilton - is one of 10 newcomers joining six returning representatives to form the 2022-26 council.
New this term are Cameron Kroetsch (Ward 2), Tammy Hwang (Ward 4), Matt Francis (Ward 5), Jeff Beattie (Ward 10), Mark Tadeson (Ward 11), Craig Cassar (Ward 12), Alex Wilson (Ward 13), Mike Spadafora (Ward 14) and Ted McMeekin (Ward 15).
Maureen Wilson (Ward 1), Nrinder Nann (Ward 3), Tom Jackson (Ward 6), Esther Pauls (Ward 7), John-Paul Danko (Ward 8) and Brad Clark (Ward 9) won re-election.
To bagpipes, the new group filed onto a stage in the large conference room before Joseph Martin, on behalf of Chief Mark Hill of Six Nations of the Grand River, delivered a welcoming ceremony in Mohawk and English.
Officials took their oath of office before Justice Martha Zivolak and, as a first order of business, passed motions to decide members of boards and committees.
In her address, Horwath noted her gratitude to voters for lending her the sacred trust" of the mayoralty and praised rivals Keanin Loomis and Bob Bratina as very worthy opponents" during the campaign.
She thanked her predecessor, Fred Eisenberger, who watched in the front row, for his leadership over three terms. Fred, you've laid the groundwork for our city to excel."
Horwath said the new council would have to tackle the city's housing-affordability crunch, make its roads safer for all users, address infrastructure needs, expand public transit, follow through on its climate plan and stamp out racism.
Hamilton, meanwhile, can capitalize on its strengths, including its arts and culture sector, a solid" industrial-commercial base and a diverse population" with the know-how" to innovate.
One thing I head loud and clear during the campaign," Horwath added, is that the residents of Hamilton want greater openness, transparency and accountability."
This council takes office in the lingering aftermath of a 24-billion-litre sewage leak city officials initially kept under wraps and amid an ongoing public inquiry into a buried Red Hill Valley Parkway friction report.
Beattie said he feels very optimistic" after getting to know his new colleagues in recent days. I don't think we're just turning the leaf; I think we're turning the whole tree."
Likewise, Francis said he's encouraged" so far. I'm excited to get to work. The people in Hamilton are looking for a council to work hard for them."
Jackson - the longest-serving member with 34 years under his belt - said every election brings 16 people together who try to work as a new family for four years" to move the city forward. My door is always open to any new member of council."
Teviah Moro is a reporter at The Spectator. tmoro@thespec.com