Listening is a Mistake

Now that we have your attention with the title, let us explain.

We are skeptical when candidates emphasize that they mainly want to listen to constituents or when they make listening a pillar of their bid. Our immediate reaction is: Is that all you've got?

Have you not been reading The Hamiltonian, The Hamilton Spectator, The Public Record, Facebook, and the countless other places where Hamiltonians have been expressing their concerns for years? In many cases, they are not merely speaking; they are practically pleading for relief.

Of course listening is part of campaigning. But to us, it is like a mechanic saying, "First, I'm going to look at your car."

Well, of course you are. I expect you to. Why are you telling me that? Tell me how you're going to fix it.

In political terms, we want to hear your vision for Hamilton and/or your ward. More importantly, we want to know whether you possess not just a good understanding, but an exceptional understanding of how to turn that vision into reality.

Listening is not the destination. It is the starting point.

The Hamiltonian

(This post has been cross posted from After Dark)

Can Hamilton Still Afford Hamilton?- A Conversation with Bob Van de Vrande

The Hamiltonian is fortunate to feature Bob Van de Vrande of Casora Realty Inc. to discuss Hamilton and the real estate market. Enjoy our chat with Bob. 

Looking at Hamilton’s real estate market today, what would you say is the biggest misconception the public has about housing in our city?

Ironically, I think the biggest misconception is that housing in Hamilton is inexpensive. While prices may be at a somewhat lower average than surrounding communities, in general housing in Hamilton is not inexpensive. Of course, this varies by neighbourhood, but when mortgage payments, municipal taxes and condo fees (when applicable) are considered, Hamilton is not much more affordable than other cities.

Has Hamilton fully recovered from the market correction of the past few years, or are we still in a transition period?

If you mean, “Are prices back to previous levels?” then no, Hamilton and most other cities have not recovered from the market correction of the past couple of years and it may be some time before we see a full recovery of prices. Prices during Covid rose far too quickly and the correction following that was to be expected. 

What are you hearing most often from buyers right now that you weren’t hearing five years ago?

I believe that the most frequent concern amongst buyers is whether prices will continue to decline. While prices may be more attractive for buyers now than during 2021-2023, they are wondering if they will drop even further. Buyers’ overall lack of confidence in the economy and disenchantment with all levels of government are in my opinion the most important reason why many would-be home buyers remain hesitant to enter the market. The significant reduction in real estate investment buyers also has a major impact on the market. This is due to numerous factors and can largely be laid at the feet of governments, in this case federal and provincial.

For young families trying to enter the housing market, what are the biggest barriers they face today?

Qualifying for mortgages, even at today’s prices, remains the largest barrier as incomes often do not support the monthly payment requirements. Other debt held by buyers also seriously impacts their ability to buy as does the level of municipal property taxes, all of which are factored into the mortgage qualification ratios. 

How has the affordability crisis changed the way people approach buying and selling homes?

In general, it appears that people are simply opting to stay out of the market. This not only due to

Traction in Action with Ward 2 Councillot Candidate Kelly Oucherak

 

As a nurse with 25 yrs of steady 12- hr night shifts under her belt, I am accustomed to hard work and never afraid to take on the dirtiest and hardest tasks. Last weekend I chipped in at the Durand Neighbourhood Clean-Up and Corktown's Spring Clean-up in Shamrock Park. Durand is now 210 cigarette butts cleaner and Shamrock Park now home to some of my garden plants.

Traction in Action- With Ward 7 Councillor Candidate Mark Daly

 

My wife Rowena and I flipping more than 500 pancakes for students at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School on Shrove Tuesday 2025. After 34 years in Hamilton Catholic schools, including time as an administrator at Holy Name, I continue to volunteer there at school events

Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Tony Sciara

Welcome to this edition of Before the Ballot- with Ward 2 Councillor Candidate Tony Sciara.

What motivated you to run for council, and why do you believe now is the right time for new leadership in your ward?

Hamilton’s best days are still ahead—and I’m running for City Council because I believe we have a unique opportunity to shape that future together. Born and raised in Hamilton, I have built my life and career here, and this city is more than my hometown—it is a community I deeply care about and believe in. I have always been passionate about Hamilton’s growth and potential. With our hardworking people, strong community spirit, and unique geographic advantages, I believe Hamilton can be one of Canada’s great cities.

As a lifelong entrepreneur and engaged citizen, I have seen both the opportunities before us and the challenges holding us back. With strong leadership, a clear vision, and a focus on residents’ priorities, I believe we can achieve far more. That is why I am running for City Council. I want to help build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Hamilton—one that supports local businesses, creates opportunities for families, and inspires pride in our community. I believe now is the time for leadership that listens, collaborates, and delivers results for the people of Hamilton.

Every ward has its own unique challenges. What do you believe are the top three issues facing residents in your ward today, and how would you address them?

As a resident of Ward 2, I have spent a great deal of time speaking with neighbors, business owners, and community members. What I have found is that their concerns are my concerns. The three issues I hear

Traction in Action with Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin

Welcome to this edition of Traction in Action, with candidates driving toward being elected. In this instalment- Mayoral candidate Sasha Austin.

                                               Hamilton Public Library board public session.
                                               West Harbour Site - Vision committee.

Traction In Action- With Ward 9 Councillor Candidate Brad Stapleton

Quality time with my son playing Sledge Hockey with the Hamilton Sledgehammers!

Brad Stapleton

Before the Ballot- Candidate's Guide - The Single Most Important Thing a Campaign Can Do

At a recent team meeting, we discussed how frequently we should publish new instalments of Before the Ballot: The Candidate's Guide. Some felt we may have been releasing them a little too often, while others believed the current pace was just right.

What was interesting, however, was that there was complete agreement on one thing: this particular instalment needs to be published now and emphasized repeatedly throughout the campaign season.

In fact, we believe this may be the single most important advisory piece in the entire series for anyone serious about getting elected. It is a lesson that should be taken to heart immediately and revisited often as voting day approaches.

Before the Ballot: Pulling the Vote — The Single Most Important Thing a Campaign Can Do

Many first-time candidates spend months focused on signs, websites, social media posts, endorsements, literature, debates, fundraising, and media coverage. All of those things matter.

None of them matter as much as pulling the vote.What Is Pulling the Vote?

Pulling the vote refers to the organized effort to ensure that identified supporters actually cast a ballot.

Campaign veterans understand a simple truth: Support that never reaches the ballot box is worthless.

Imagine a household of four people who fully support your campaign. They intend to vote for you.