Keanin Loomis launches mayoral campaign, promising that ‘change is on the way’ for Hamilton

Keanin Loomis kicked off his campaign run for Hamilton mayor under a warm June sky and to the tunes Sly and the Family Stone Saturday afternoon.

More than 100 people gathered at the upbeat event hosted in the beer garden at Collective Arts Brewing on Burlington Street East. There were cupcakes from Bitten, a children's area with crafts, a DJ and food from Rony's Rotisserie.

The patio was decorated with blue and green signs in the shape of Steeltown - colours that have been adopted for the campaign.

Loomis announced his bid for the mayor's chair back in May, after resigning from his position at the helm of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in early March.

Speaking to an exuberant crowd, Loomis, a former Washington, D.C., lawyer and dual citizen, called the upcoming election a significant moment" for the city, as he gave early supporters a preview of his platform.

Change is on the way," said Loomis. This is my home and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world right now."

Loomis' plan focuses on four areas, including improved government transparency, community-focused growth, a more responsive municipality and creating a clean and safe city.

Hamilton is evolving and city hall needs to evolve with it," said Loomis. We have to optimize the opportunity we have in this moment in our city's history in a way that benefits everyone."

Loomis reiterated that he was inspired to run for mayor following the Red Hill Valley Parkway friction scandal, the violence at Hamilton Pride and Sewergate.

I just could not remain silent any further," he said, while also pointing to the culture around the city hall horseshoe. What I see does not inspire me with confidence nor does it instil me with pride."

Loomis said as a father of three, one of his greatest concerns in Hamilton is the safety of the city's streets, which have claimed the lives of nine pedestrians this year alone.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Loomis said under his leadership, the city would actually implement" its Vision Zero mandate, as opposed to just paying lip service to it."

He pointed to a need to create a dialogue with drivers and improve the design of roadways and bike lanes throughout the city.

Loomis has also pledged to repair relationships" with marginalized communities within the city.

It's about forming those relationships over the course of this process," he said, claiming the work has already begun in preparation for November. There will already be that basis of trust."

One of the most memorable speeches of the afternoon came from Loomis' wife, Trish Loomis. She detailed their journey as a couple from their beginnings in university to their arrival in Hamilton during the global financial crisis in 2009.

A born-and-raised Hamiltonian, Trish Loomis described her husband as a humble and hardworking cheerleader that helped her fall in love" with her hometown.

He deeply, deeply cares about this city," said Trish. And he sees its potential and he wants to encourage that greatness."

Loomis is just one of two candidates that are officially vying for the mayor's chair. Former head of taxi driver's union Ejaz Butt has thrown his hat in the ring for a second time. Incumbent mayor Fred Eisenberger has yet to announce his intentions.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com