Before the Ballot- The Candidate's Guide

In our quest to bring you the best minds to lead our great city, The Hamiltonian announces the launch of Before the Ballot- The Candidate's Guide. In this series, we will provide practical tips and insights into positioning yourself to win an election.

This first instalment is entitled: How to Build a Winning Ground Game

Municipal campaigns are often decided less by advertising and more by presence—who shows up, who listens, and who follows through. In Hamilton, where neighbourhood identity is strong and voters expect direct engagement, a disciplined ground game is not optional. It is the foundation of a credible campaign.

Start with focus, not coverage.

A common early mistake is trying to be everywhere at once. Strong campaigns identify priority areas quickly—based on demographics, past voting patterns where available, and early conversations at the door. Not every street carries equal strategic value. Focus your time and volunteers where persuasion or turnout will matter most.

Build a simple, repeatable structure.

A ground game is not just activity—it is organized activity. Set weekly and daily targets: number of doors knocked, shifts completed, and areas covered. Create a basic schedule and stick to it. Campaigns that operate on routine outperform those that rely on bursts of effort.

Recruit early—and train properly.

Volunteers are the engine of the ground game, but enthusiasm alone is not enough. Take the time to train them. They should know how to introduce the candidate, ask effective questions, and record responses accurately. A short, consistent script is more effective than improvisation.

At the door, listen more than you speak.

Voters are not looking for a speech—they are looking to be heard. A simple approach works best: introduce yourself, ask what matters most to them, and respond briefly and clearly. The quality of the interaction matters more than the length. Respect for time and tone leaves a lasting impression.

Capture information—and use it.

Every conversation should inform the campaign. Track who supports you, who is undecided, and what issues are being raised. This does not require complex systems—just discipline. Data allows you to return to the right doors, tailor your message, and shift resources where they are needed.

Integrate presence beyond canvassing.

A winning ground game extends beyond door knocking. Community events, local meetings, and informal visibility reinforce your presence. Voters are more likely to respond positively when they have seen a candidate more than once, in different settings.

Stay consistent.

Momentum in a municipal campaign is built through repetition. Sporadic canvassing followed by long gaps weakens impact. Even a modest but steady presence—day after day, week after week—builds recognition and trust.

Manage your time carefully.

Not every interaction will be productive. Some doors will not answer; some conversations will not move. Discipline means knowing when to engage and when to move on. Time is the campaign’s most limited resource—use it deliberately.

Create a feedback loop.

Your ground game is also your best source of intelligence. What are voters talking about? Which issues are resonating? Are there misconceptions that need to be addressed? Feed this information back into your messaging and adjust as needed.

Prepare for the shift to turnout.

As the campaign progresses, the ground game evolves. Early on, the focus is identification and persuasion. Later, it becomes mobilization—ensuring that identified supporters actually vote. A campaign that does not make this shift in time often leaves support unrealized.

A final note

A strong ground game is not about scale alone. It is about discipline, clarity, and consistency. In Hamilton, where municipal politics remains personal and local, the candidates who invest in direct, structured engagement are the ones most likely to convert effort into votes.

Running for office begins with a message. Winning requires showing up—and doing so with purpose.

Enjoying The Hamiltonian? Please share thehamiltonian.net with your networks. 

Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor - with Keanin Loomis

The Hamiltonian has launched a new feature titled Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton’s Next Mayor.

As the municipal election approaches, we will be putting a consistent series of focused questions to all declared and prospective mayoral candidates. Responses will be published in full, providing readers with a clear and fair basis to compare positions over time. Where a candidate chooses not to respond, that will be noted for transparency.

We believe Hamiltonians are best served when they have the opportunity to consider the views of all those seeking to lead the city.

Our second instalment features mayoral candidate Keanin Loomis. This set of questions has been circulated to all known potential candidates.

We invite you to read our conversation with Mr. Loomis.

Jackson Square was once envisioned as a “people place” at the heart of Hamilton’s downtown. Today, it reflects mounting pressures tied to safety concerns, disorder, and declining commercial activity.

Do you believe Hamilton’s downtown—beginning with areas like Jackson Square—requires fundamental transformation? If so, what specific, actionable plan would you lead to restore safety, economic viability, and public confidence? How would your plan be different from others attempts Hamiltonians have seen in the past?

If you are in support of a concerted effort to transform Hamilton’s s downtown, what do you say to those who would argue that such an effort would take away from other priority issues in other parts of the city?

We’re early in our campaign, and in the coming weeks we’ll release clear plans on public safety, downtown revitalization, and homelessness to improve our downtown core. I know Hamiltonians care deeply about the challenges facing our downtown, and those voices will directly shape our platform. We’re committed to meaningful, two-way engagement—and we’ll share more on that soon.

Jackson Square, and downtown more broadly, should be the pride of Hamilton. It is alarming to see what is happening in the core right now.

Personally, I worked in Jackson Square for a decade. I kept our office downtown on purpose because I believed in it and felt we were on the cusp of something great. I also know the team there. I’ve had many conversations with them over the years, and I know their commitment to the property and to this community.

But we have to be honest about where things stand today. We’ve seen random acts of violence, including murders, and that has shaken us all. I’m hearing directly from businesses facing unsustainable futures and struggling to retain staff. It’s unacceptable that retail workers and mall security are put in the position of managing the mental health, addictions, and homelessness crises. They shouldn’t be carrying that responsibility.

We have a serious problem, and fixing the downtown must be a top priority. Hamilton needs a mayor who will step up and champion the core.

I disagree with the current mayor’s suggestion that this is simply about changing retail trends and the evolution of malls. What Jackson Square is facing goes far beyond what other malls are dealing with. That framing misses the reality on the ground—and what businesses and workers are experiencing every single day.

We’re also seeing a new downtown revitalization plan come forward, but in my view, it risks being too little, too late. We need to be proactive as a city. We should not be waiting for challenges to reach a crisis point before acting.

A strong downtown is a win for the entire city. When the core works, everyone benefits. It should be a destination for Hamiltonians from every neighbourhood and beyond. Our downtown should command some of the city's highest property values, not the lowest. That’s how we grow our tax base and reduce our over-reliance on residential property taxes.

I will take a much more collaborative approach than we’ve seen in the past—working with council, businesses, and the community to ensure our downtown core reaches its full potential.

Thank-you Mr. Loomis for engaging with Hamiltonians in The Hamiltonian. To read a prior piece featuring Keanin Loomis, click here

Tips on Writing a Media Release and The Hamiltonian's Policy

During an election cycle, The Hamiltonian receives a steady flow of media releases, and we welcome that—it reflects a healthy, engaged local democracy. At the same time, The Hamiltonian isn’t able to publish every release. Our focus is on sharing content that helps Hamiltonians better understand the issues, the choices, and the people seeking to lead. Releases that offer clear policy positions, respond to current city matters, or add meaningful insight are far more likely to stand out and be considered for publication.

We’ve also found that more isn’t always better. Campaigns that send releases too frequently can dilute their own message, while those that communicate at a reasonable pace with strong, substantive content tend to have greater impact. Clear, concise, and relevant releases—grounded in real issues and respectful of the reader’s time—give candidates the best chance of being featured and, more importantly, of connecting with the community in a meaningful way. We offer this insight as a way of assisting Hamiltonians in receiving information that would help them decide who to support. Having said all that, if your release isn't picked up, it may have nothing to do with the nature of your release and more to do with the volume we are receiving at that particular time or other editorial priorities. Don't be dissuaded. 

The following are some tips on how to write an effective media release. 

A campaign press release is not a flyer, a speech, or a stream of talking points. It is a disciplined communications instrument designed to earn attention, convey substance, and withstand scrutiny. In a municipal environment like Hamilton’s—where readers are increasingly attuned to policy detail and authenticity—the difference between a publishable release and one that is ignored comes down to structure, clarity, and credibility.

Start with news value, not self-promotion. A strong release answers a simple question: why should Hamiltonians care today? Announcing a candidacy is not, on its own, sufficient. Tie the announcement to a concrete issue—housing approvals, downtown safety, transit reliability—and position the candidate’s action or position as a response to a real, current pressure point. Editors and readers are looking for relevance, not résumé.

The headline and opening paragraph carry disproportionate weight. The headline should be declarative and specific, avoiding vague phrases like “committed to change.” The lead paragraph should deliver the core message in one or two sentences: who is speaking, what they are announcing, and why it matters now. If a reader stops after the first paragraph, they should still understand the substance of the release.

Precision matters in the body. This is where many campaign releases fail. Replace generalities with particulars. If a candidate is “prioritizing affordable housing,” specify how: zoning reform, timelines for approvals, or targets for new units. If the issue is public safety, outline what coordination or investment is being proposed. Substance signals seriousness; vagueness reads as avoidance.

Quotations should sound like a person, not a committee. A good quote adds perspective or conviction, not repetition. It should be attributable, concise, and anchored in the issue at hand. Overloaded, multi-sentence quotes filled with clichés dilute credibility. One or two well-crafted quotes are sufficient.

Tone is a strategic choice. The most effective campaign releases strike a balance between conviction and restraint. Direct contrasts with opponents can be legitimate, but they should be grounded in policy differences, not rhetoric. In Hamilton’s civic culture, readers tend to reward clarity and fairness over aggression.

Context strengthens legitimacy. A brief reference to recent developments—council decisions, reports, or community concerns—signals that the campaign is engaged with the file. Where appropriate, include a data point or a verifiable fact. Unsupported assertions are quickly discounted.

Form and discipline still matter. Keep the release to one page where possible. Use a clean structure: headline, lead, body, quotes, and a short “about the candidate” line. Include accurate contact information. Avoid attachments when the content can be placed directly in the email body; accessibility increases the likelihood of coverage.

Finally, understand the audience. A campaign press release is written for intermediaries—editors, reporters, and informed readers—not just supporters. It must stand on its own, without explanation, and add value to the public conversation. If it reads as campaign literature, it will be treated as such. If it reads as a concise, informative contribution to a live issue in the city, it has a chance to be published—and to matter.

In the end, the discipline of a good press release mirrors the discipline of good governance: clarity of purpose, respect for the audience, and a willingness to move beyond words into specifics.

We extend our best wishes to all candidates in the upcoming election. The Hamiltonian remains committed to maintaining a neutral position and providing each candidate with a fair and equitable opportunity to be heard.

 

If you are supporting a candidate in this election, you may want to consider sharing this article with them. It may be helpful in developing their releases. Here is the link to it:  http://www.thehamiltonian.net/2026/05/tips-on-writing-media-release-and.html 

Rick Kunc Officially Launches Campaign for Ward 13 Councillor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rick Kunc Officially Launches Campaign for Ward 13 Councillor

Hamilton, ON — Lifelong Dundas resident and education leader Rick Kunc has announced he will run for Councillor in Ward 13 and will officially launch his campaign on Monday, May 4 at SHED brewery in Dundas.

Rick was born in Dundas and has spent his life living, working, and raising his family in the community. He and his wife Jackie raised their family in Dundas and remain active members of the community today.

“With lifelong roots in Dundas, this community has shaped who I am,” said Rick.“Running for Councillor is about stepping forward to serve the place that has given so much to my family.”

Rick brings more than three decades of leadership experience in education, working across public, private, and independent schools. Throughout his career, he has focused on building strong teams, supporting community development, and guiding organizations through change.

Over the past year, while out in the many communities that comprise Ward 13, Rick has spent time connecting with residents, listening to their perspectives and hearing from many who encouraged him to step forward and run for Council.

“I believe Ward 13 deserves leadership that listens, brings people together, and works constructively to move our community forward,” Rick has said.

Additional campaign details will be shared in the coming months.

Contact:
rickkunc2026@gmail.com

Website
https://www.rickkunc.ca/

Ward 13- Up for Grabs

Ward 13 Councillor Alex Wilson will not be seeking to be re-elected.

Ward 13 is not easily understood through a typical urban lens. It is a ward shaped as much by land as by policy—stretching across Flamborough, Dundas Greensville, and surrounding rural communities where farmland, escarpment, and village life form the backbone of daily experience. Here, municipal decisions are rarely abstract. They are felt in the soil, in traffic patterns on rural roads, in the protection—or perceived erosion—of long-standing ways of life.

For years, Ward 13 has been central to some of Hamilton’s most contentious debates. The question of urban boundary expansion has loomed large, with many residents firmly opposed to the idea of outward growth into agricultural lands. That resistance has not been theoretical—it has been organized, vocal, and persistent. In parallel, issues such as quarry and aggregate extraction have stirred deep concern, particularly around environmental impacts, water systems, and heavy truck traffic through rural corridors.

At the same time, the ward has lived with a quieter but equally important tension: the uneven distribution of municipal services. Infrastructure gaps, limited transit, and the realities of maintaining rural roads have contributed to a longstanding perception among some residents that Ward 13 exists at the edge of municipal priorities rather than at their centre.

Within that landscape, Alex Wilson carved out a role that was often independent, sometimes oppositional, and consistently rooted in a strong reading of local sentiment. His approach did not always align with the prevailing direction of council, particularly on growth and development issues, but it reflected a clear responsiveness to the communities he represented. Whether one agreed with his positions or not, his presence ensured that rural concerns were not easily sidelined.

His stepping away, changes the political calculus immediately. Without an incumbent, Ward 13 becomes one of the most open—and potentially competitive—races in the next municipal election. The advantages that typically shape local contests—name recognition, established networks, a defined voting record—are suddenly removed. What replaces them is something less predictable but more revealing: a contest built almost entirely on vision.

That shift matters. Candidates will not be running against a sitting councillor’s record, nor will they be able to rely on continuity as a default message. Instead, they will need to articulate clearly what Ward 13 should become. For some, that will mean doubling down on preservation—protecting farmland, resisting expansion, and maintaining the rural character that defines the ward. For others, it may mean acknowledging that growth pressures are inevitable and focusing instead on how to manage them in a way that respects community identity while addressing broader city needs.

What is almost certain is that the race will engage residents in a meaningful way. Ward 13 has never been passive when it comes to issues that affect its future, and an open seat—combined with ongoing debates around land use, environment, and development—will likely draw strong participation from both candidates and voters.

There is also a broader implication for City Hall. While it is only one vote, Ward 13 has historically carried influence beyond its numbers, particularly in debates tied to planning, environment, and growth strategy. A new councillor could reinforce the ward’s traditional stance as a counterweight to expansion, or signal a shift toward a more accommodating approach to development. Either outcome would subtly reshape the balance of discussion around the council table.

For Ward 13 itself, the moment presents a genuine opportunity. With no incumbent defining the conversation, the ward has space to re-express its priorities—to decide not just what it opposes, but what it supports. It can also redefine how it engages with the rest of the city, potentially moving from a posture of resistance to one of influence, where rural perspectives help shape, rather than simply respond to, Hamilton’s growth trajectory.

What comes next will depend on who steps forward and how they frame that choice. Open seats tend to attract a mix of seasoned community advocates, single-issue candidates, and newcomers who see an opening. In Ward 13, where identity and land are so closely tied, the field is unlikely to be thin.

The departure of Alex Wilson,, marks the end of a particular chapter. What follows will not simply be a replacement, but a redefinition. For voters, the decision ahead is less about continuity and more about direction—about what kind of ward they want to be, and how they want that voice to be heard at City Hall.

Will you be running for Ward 13 Councillor? If so, write to us to be featured in The Hamiltonian- Hamilton's Taste maker.

The Hamiltonian- Our Roots

For the past 16 years, The Hamiltonian has thrived under the astute leadership of our Publisher, Teresa DiFalco.

Our origins trace back to August of 2009, when founder Cal DiFalco launched The Hamiltonian and served as its inaugural Publisher. The following article, published in the Stoney Creek News on November 13, 2009, offers a glimpse into our early beginnings:

 

Click on image to enlarge