Project aims for ‘big turnover’ on Hamilton council
A group of Hamilton residents frustrated with the political status quo has launched a campaign to elect fresh faces at city hall late next year.
The salient themes of infrastructure, economy, leadership, environment, community and transportation form the name IELECT Hamilton.
The goal isn't to support a slate of candidates or endorse any for the October 2022 election, says Graham Crawford, one of the group's organizers.
This is truly just a grassroots citywide community group that's come together to say, Enough. We need to make some changes,'" said Crawford, a vocal council critic in recent years.
The internet-based project launched Friday is the culmination of 50 people from all parts of Hamilton with a variety of skill sets, including marketing, web design, photography, data collection and legal knowledge, he noted.
The website, ielectHamilton.ca, features recent controversies and scandals, including a 24-billion-litre sewage leak into Chedoke Creek and council's decision to delay informing the public about the scale of the disaster.
It also focuses on the city and police's handling of anti-LGBTQ-fuelled violence at the 2019 Pride celebrations in Gage Park and white supremacist rallies outside city hall.
Other issues mentioned include LRT dithering," the city's affordable housing crisis and area rating.
Featured prominently on the home page is a council election timeline" that specifies how long each of the city's 16 elected officials has been in office.
Ward 6's Tom Jackson, first elected in 1988, is the longest-serving member, while most have been on council for more than 10 years
Organizer Ryan Moran said the effort comes after a massive boiling over of frustration" with local leaders on a number of fronts.
We definitely want to see a big turnover, and it's more about that message of new leadership and what old incumbency has cost the city," Moran said.
Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who hasn't committed to running for re-election, and councillors didn't respond to requests for comment Friday.
Coun. Sam Merulla, who has served Ward 4 since 2002, has announced his plan to retire at the end of this term.
The website also features a resident survey that asks a series of questions relating to services and governance.
That's part of the project's goal to provide residents with data-driven, evidence-based information about city issues in the lead-up to the Oct. 24, 2022, election, says Ameil Joseph, another organizer.
It's important to offer information beyond what's available through election campaigns, said Joseph, a social work professor at McMaster University who focuses on racism.
It's a well-thought-out, citywide initiative that I think is going to be impactful," he said.
It's actually about developing capacity for a more inclusive democracy so that people are making informed decisions on who they vote for."
Crawford noted IELECT Hamilton is a registered non-profit organization.
Not a nickel" of donations that are collected to sustain the project will go toward candidates, he said.
Moran said organizers have spoken to people who have expressed interest in running in the next election.
But the approach, he said, will be to support new leadership without necessarily campaigning directly" for individuals.
Crawford said he hopes the initiative opens up the field of candidates and increases voter turnout alike.
Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com