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Before the Ballot- Questions for Hamilton's Next Mayor- Hamilton as a Sanctuary City- With Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin

The following is our Before the Ballot: Questions for Hamilton’s Next Mayor question for the month of June. Enjoy our Q/A with Mayoral Candidate Sasha Austin:

Over time, Hamilton has increasingly been described and treated as a ‘sanctuary city,’ largely through council policies and administrative approaches that received relatively limited public attention or broad civic debate at the time they were implemented.

Supporters argue such policies reflect compassion, inclusion, and public health considerations. Critics, however, question the impact on municipal resources, housing pressures, taxpayer burden, and public confidence in immigration and enforcement systems.

As Mayor, would you support Hamilton continuing to operate as a sanctuary city in principle and practice? Why or why not? And how would you balance humanitarian considerations with growing concerns surrounding housing affordability, infrastructure strain, social services capacity, and property tax pressures facing Hamilton residents today? Do you believe Hamiltonians can afford to remain a sanctuary city?

Before Hamilton voted to become Canada’s second sanctuary city in February 2014 the Hamilton Sanctuary City Collation submitted a report to the city. This report examined the factors to be taken into consideration when exploring the idea of creating sanctuary city policies including access to healthcare and police services remain the primary concern for undocumented migrants. Fear of detection, detention and deportation is a major obstacle preventing many from obtaining services to which they would otherwise have access. Precarious migratory status disproportionately affects women who are vulnerable because they often come to Canada using temporary visas and family sponsorships. Women with precarious status are often vulnerable to exploitation and violence in personal relationships. Children are the most severely impacted by precarious status, this status restricts their access to food bank programs, recreational programs and daycare activities that are necessary for a healthy development.

As of April 2014, two Canadian cities adopted sanctuary city policies. Toronto became Canadas first sanctuary city in February 2013 followed by Hamilton in February 2014. Sanctuary city policies in Hamilton municipally funded services can include access to parks and recreation, community centres, police, fire, and emergency services, public transportation services, public libraries, food banks and emergency shelters.

Once Hamilton was declared a sanctuary city this meant non status immigrants would be able to access public services without fear of being reported. A sanctuary city is a place where immigrants can access city services regardless of their citizenship status. Select the concept would mean a don't ask, don't tell policy where immigrants can go to the public health or other taxpayer funded agencies without fear being turned in to the authorities.

The mayor of Hamilton when the City Council voted to adopt A sanctuary city policy in 2014 was Bob Bratina on February 12, 2014. City Council officially voted to become Canada’s second sanctuary city ensuring that undocumented individuals could access municipal and municipal funded services without fear of their immigration status being questioned. The primary driver of this motion at the council level was counselor Sam Merulla alongside community advocacy from the groups like the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic with Hugh Tye – Executive Director initiating the sanctuary city as well as Paul Johnson then director of neighborhood development strategies.

I have worked in shelters and drop-in centres straight from my college grad in 2002, I seen firsthand the enormous difference between need, intakes and call ins for families seeking shelter space and support. for the first 12 years was reasonable access and inquiries almost always with beds available. Fast track to 2015 and on I started having to literally turn two or three families away a day due to the overwhelming shortage in beds even with overflow. In the early years of my career, I was able to seamlessly obtain housing and necessities for clients then to have to turn them away in the later years is heartbreaking and inhumane. It does no good either to the families that cannot access resources due to overcapacity.

The sanctuary city plan is not revenue neutral for taxpayers. The sanctuary city policy has affected taxpayers with broad financial strains including shelter and housing costs. Hamilton has recently spent millions annually in emergency shelter overflow and hotel placements to handle demands. Because these pressures hit the municipal level, as mayor I would actively push the federal and provincial governments for millions in financial reimbursements to cover refugee and asylum claimant support.

As mayor I would advocate to grandfather in migrant Hamilton Families who have choose our city to find refuge and raise their children. Our newcomers that have made Hamilton home and proudly contribute, study, work and grow are an extension of how our city reflects a welcoming melting pot. Our diverse migrants are very valuable, bring different perspectives and are insightful. Hamiltonians alike are made up inclusive backgrounds, cultures and status. With that said as mayor I would fiercely lobby to grandfather our ready-made migrant families into Hamilton who will receive permanent access to sanctuary city policies. I will work routinely through municipal organisations like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities or the Association of Municipalities of Ontario to push the federal government to alter immigration policy's and communicate with federal members of parliament and cabinet ministers such as the ministry of immigration refugees and citizenship to propose legalizing the status of undocumented residents already living in the city of Hamilton calling it home for many years. These communications will be done in compliance with federal guidelines such as those outlined in the lobbying act. As mayor I will use my public platform, media and grassroots collations to build political pressure on the federal government to grant a blanket amnesty and stop of removal on deportations for specific demographics or all current non status migrants living in Hamilton. Employee training will be mandated, education for municipal employees to recognize and accommodate the rights of newcomers already living in Hamilton.

With all that said I do feel that Hamilton jumped the gun and joined the band wagon when pushing to become a sanctuary city shortly after Toronto made the decision to do so. It is alarming that Hamilton Leadership at the time did not take into consideration the public input and went ahead without real assessment as to how a sanctuary city would exhaust our resources in the long run and in turn harming Hamiltonians that are already struggling to say the least. By becoming a sanctuary city so shortly after the city of Toronto did appears as a ‘follow the leader” move that does not align with our Hammers strong, bright, community structures that seek long term stability. With the right, strong, leadership in touch with reality that practiced common sense, the sanctuary city would not have been passed, effectively reducing the hardship on our housing, food banks, infrastructure etc. Once the sanctuary city was announced many flocked to her city in record numbers pushing may Hamiltonians on the streets due strain on our resources. With all that said, I would put forward to council to end sanctuary city policies until our city has fully recovered and is able to accommodate.

In conclusion In the City of Hamilton as mayor, I could not unilaterally remove the cities sanctuary status. As reversing established municipal policies requires a formal vote by the full City Council. The key factors that dictate how this policy can be changed include council authority. The Hamiltons access to services for undocumented individuals was established in February 2014 via a unanimous vote by the City Council modifying or reversing this municipal designation similarly requires a successful majority vote out of formal council meeting.

In Unity,
Sasha Austin
Hamilton Mayoral Candidate

Thank-you Sasha for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian! 

Before the Ballot: The Candidates Guide- Signs Don't Win Elections — But They Matter

This article is part of The Hamiltonian's ongoing "Before the Ballot: The Candidate's Guide" series examining the realities, strategies, and challenges of municipal election campaigns.

One of the first visible signs of a campaign is, quite literally, the sign.

Suddenly lawns, fences, businesses, and intersections begin displaying candidate names and slogans. Candidates often spend thousands of dollars on signs. Volunteers spend countless hours installing them. Supporters proudly place them on their properties.

But an important question remains: Do signs actually win elections? The answer is both yes and no. Signs Are About Visibility

The primary purpose of a campaign sign is simple: Name recognition.

Most municipal voters do not follow local politics closely. Many only begin paying attention in the final weeks before voting day. When residents repeatedly see a candidate's name throughout the community, that name becomes familiar. Familiarity matters.

When voters enter the polling station and face a list of names, they are more likely to recognize candidates they have seen before. Signs help create that recognition. One of the biggest mistakes campaigns make is confusing visibility with support. A candidate may have hundreds of signs and still lose.

Another candidate may have far fewer signs and win comfortably. Why? Because signs indicate awareness, not commitment.

A sign cannot tell you whether:

• The resident will vote
• Their family supports the candidate
• They will encourage others to vote
• They will actually cast a ballot

Many experienced campaign managers repeat the same phrase: "Signs don't vote. People do."

Signs perform another important function. They create momentum. Voters often look for cues about whether a candidate is viable. When residents see signs throughout a neighbourhood, they may conclude: "That candidate seems to have support.” This can influence perceptions of legitimacy and competitiveness.

People generally prefer backing candidates they believe have a realistic chance of winning. In this way, signs can become self-reinforcing.

Many supporters hesitate when it comes to signs. They may like a candidate but worry about upsetting neighbours, friends, employers, customers, or political opponents. Once signs begin appearing throughout a neighbourhood, others often become more comfortable displaying their own.

Momentum creates momentum. Location Matters More Than Quantity. Not all signs are equally valuable. A sign on a heavily travelled roadway may be seen by thousands of residents every day. A sign on a quiet side street may receive very little exposure.

Strategic placement often matters more than raw numbers. Candidates should think about:

• Major commuter routes
• Community gathering areas
• High-traffic intersections
• Key neighbourhood gateways

A well-positioned sign can generate more visibility than several poorly located ones.

Every election features what some call "sign wars.” Campaigns become obsessed with counting signs. Candidates drive through neighbourhoods comparing their totals with opponents.

Supporters report where competitors have installed new signs. Entire campaign strategies begin revolving around sign numbers. This is usually a mistake.

Time spent counting an opponent's signs is time not spent speaking with voters. Strong campaigns monitor visibility but remain focused on voter contact.

Signs support campaigns. They do not replace campaigns. Signs Can Reveal Organizational Strength

While signs do not directly predict victory, they can reveal something important: Organization. A campaign with volunteers capable of securing locations, installing signs, maintaining them, and replacing damaged signs often possesses a broader support network.

The sign itself may not matter. The organization behind it does. That's what experienced observers are often measuring.

The Rise of Digital Signs Today's campaigns face a different reality than candidates twenty years ago. Many voters encounter candidates online long before they see a lawn sign. Social media, digital advertising, videos, websites, and online interviews now compete with traditional campaign materials.

The strongest campaigns integrate both approaches. Physical signs reinforce digital visibility. Digital visibility reinforces physical signs. Together they create familiarity.

Final Thoughts

Campaign signs remain an important part of municipal politics.They help build awareness. They demonstrate activity. They contribute to momentum. But candidates should never mistake signs for support.

The campaigns that win elections are rarely the ones with the most signs. They are usually the ones with the most conversations. Because while signs may introduce a candidate's name, it is relationships that ultimately earn votes.

This piece will be reposted closer to sign time. 

Comments

As the election season progresses, experience has shown that public comments and opinions can sometimes become increasingly heated.

The Hamiltonian welcomes respectful discussion and differing viewpoints. However, we will not publish comments that contain personal attacks, insults, or language directed at individuals rather than the issues being discussed.

If you disagree with a position or viewpoint, we encourage you to express your perspective thoughtfully and respectfully. Constructive debate strengthens public discourse and helps foster meaningful community dialogue.

If you have suggestions for The Hamiltonian itself, please direct those to admin AT thehamiltonian DOT info. 

Ward 4 Councillor Candidate and Incumbant Tammy Hwang Responds to Farr's Criticisms

In his recent Before the Ballot interview with The Hamiltonian, Ward 4 candidate Jason Farr offered a number of pointed criticisms regarding incumbent Councillor Tammy Hwang's record and approach to governance. (see that piece here).

Consistent with The Hamiltonian's commitment to fairness, balance, and providing readers with the opportunity to hear directly from those involved, we contacted Councillor Hwang and invited her to respond to the comments and observations raised during Mr. Farr's interview.

Councillor Hwang accepted that invitation. We received the following response from Ms. Hwang:

Bringing real results, evidence and collaboration – all for a stronger Ward 4

As recent commentary pointed out, the choice facing Ward 4 residents this October isn’t about identifying our challenges. The real choice is about how we solve them.

We can look backward and rely on the combative political rhetoric of the past.

Or we can look forward – do the hard, evidence-based work required to build a modern, resilient Hamilton.

I’m here for the latter, because Ward 4 residents deserve a councillor who listens, advocates, solves problems and, frankly, works hard for the community.

My approach to governance has always been rooted in data, strategic investment and deep collaboration. True leadership isn't about looking backward to point fingers, nor is it a solo effort.

It’s a team effort with my councillor colleagues, Ward 4 office and City staff – one that requires making connections, pulling strategic levers and calling for responsibility and investments from higher levels of government.

I want to bring evidence and facts to clarify recent claims:

● Credit rating: Hamilton recently received ‘AA+’ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings; it’s the second highest possible on S&P’s global scale. Hamilton obtained and maintained its credit rating of ‘AAA’ since 2022 – the year I started on council. The report also highlighted Hamilton’s strong cash reserve, with enough liquidity to cover its annual debt payments nine times over.

● Engagement: Our Ward 4 office hosted 300+ meetings with residents and local businesses per year to directly listen to their concerns. Outside of that, I regularly attend community events hosted by local and regional organizations, neighbourhood associations and connect with anchor businesses (e.g. Dofasco) in the community by keeping them accountable through participation on their community liaison committees. Showing up for community matters, and that’s what I enjoy the most.

● Community benefits: Partnership and influence is another way I’ve brought greater transparency to Ward 4 residents. My office encouraged New Horizon Development Group to host an open house at their 1284 Main St. E. site (the old Delta secondary school, my high school). We helped engage residents and received 200+ comments on that development application and changes to the original plan. I also backed my councillor colleagues to develop a community benefit protocol for developments and big city projects and spearheaded actions to support small businesses affected by LRT construction.

● Budget process: The Strong Mayor Act introduced in 2022 by the province means that the mayor is granted exclusive authority over the budget proposal – a significant change from prior years. Throughout this shift and change, I met with city staff to work together and find efficiencies without reducing service levels while finding alternate revenues and opportunities to reduce the tax levy burden on property taxes. One example: reallocating dollars from the Municipal Accommodation Tax Revenues to reduce the overall tax levy by $2 million.

● Cycling infrastructure: Hamilton’s cycling master plan was introduced in 2007, estimated to be completed by 2031. However, the plan is far from complete with costs that continue to increase. Hamilton received matching funding from the Federal Active Transportation Fund to support the project, which enabled the new bike boulevards in Ward 4 along Central Ave, Graham Ave, and soon Cochrane Rd. It's how we were able to improve the mountain Brow and connect east to west with a multi-use trail along the escarpment.Since 2023, Hamilton has been spending approximately $6 million on new cycling infrastructure. Council and staff further advocated for matching funds from the province and federal governments. With commitments from all levels of government, we’ve made each dollar of infrastructure stretch further.

Healthy debate is par for course in politics. With me, you get accurate information, transparent discussions and evidence-based decisions.

The Ward 4 community deserves a councillor who views governance not as a political tit-for-tat, but as a shared commitment to city-building.

I look forward to continuing this positive, constructive and fact-based conversation with neighbours across Ward 4 on the campaign trail.

Thank-you Tammy for engaging with Hamiltonians on The Hamiltonian!  

Before the Ballot- In the Ward 4 Mix- Your Political Intelligence Briefing

The Hamiltonian. does not have a crystal ball, but often times, a race can be read by studying its dynamics and candidates. Let's venture into the Ward 4 race as a three way contest takes shape. 

When incumbent Councillor Tammy Hwang first appeared headed toward re-election, the race seemed likely to revolve around her first-term record and whether voters felt she deserved another four years. The entry of former Ward 2 Councillor Jason Farr dramatically changed that equation, transforming the contest into a battle between two established political figures with very different views of municipal government.

Now, with businessman and longtime Ward 4 resident Todd Anderson officially entering the race, a third dynamic has emerged. Ward 4 voters are no longer being presented with a simple choice between continuity and change. They are now being offered three distinct styles of leadership.

Three Different Narratives

The most striking aspect of the three Before the Ballot interviews is that all three candidates identify many of the same concerns: affordability, infrastructure, public safety, and neighbourhood improvement. The differences emerge in how they interpret those concerns and what they believe should be done about them.

Tammy Hwang's campaign is rooted in continuity and long-term investment. Her interview focuses on major city-building initiatives such as the LRT, environmental monitoring, infrastructure renewal, economic revitalization of Kenilworth Avenue, and collaborative approaches to housing and public safety. Her message is that Hamilton faces complex challenges requiring patience, partnerships, and sustained investment.

Jason Farr's campaign is built around affordability and accountability. His interview repeatedly argues that

Before the Ballot- with Ward 4 Candidate Todd Anderson

Welcome to Before the Ballot- with Ward 4 Candidate Todd Anderson.

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

After winding down my construction business following 30 years of ownership and operation, I felt it was time to give back to the community that has given so much to me and my family. I grew up in Ward 4, raised my children here, own property in the ward, and have several family members who continue to call it home. Ward 4 has always been an important part of my life, and I care deeply about its future.

After speaking with many residents and sharing my interest in serving the community as a councillor, I was encouraged by the positive feedback and support I received. Those conversations confirmed my decision to put my name forward. I love Hamilton's East End and am committed to making Ward 4 an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I am ready to put my decades of business experience, along with my knowledge as a property owner and landlord, to work for the benefit of all residents. By listening to the community, being accountable, and focusing on practical solutions, I hope to help build a stronger and more vibrant Ward 4 for everyone.

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?

I believe some of the key issues facing Ward 4 are road repairs, homelessness, crime, and responsible tax management. Road repairs must be a priority to maintain public safety and improve quality of life. Several major streets in our ward are in urgent need of repair, and I will advocate for the investments needed to address this infrastructure backlog.

Homelessness and crime are closely connected challenges that require coordinated solutions. I will work with police, social service agencies, and community organizations to identify practical approaches that improve public safety while helping people access the support they need.

I am committed to keeping taxes at a reasonable level and ensuring Ward 4 receives its fair share of

Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Candidate Kristeen Sprague

Welcome to Before the Ballot- with Ward 3 Councillor Candidate Kristeen Sprague.

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

I believe we needed a change, and I believe in this city. Now is the right time because our voices have been forgotten and no one's hearing them. I believe in the North End, and that everyone has a right to say what they feel.

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?

a) Businesses are not getting a tax break. I would take a look at the budget to see what is needed to do things. b) People's garbage isn't being picked up properly. I would tell the city employees to take more time with their work. There has been glass on the road and cleanup needs to be better. c) I want to listen to people's needs. I've heard people want a dog park, and ask why the land is polluted when we have the means to solve that problem, and install a garden there.

Municipal government often requires balancing competing interests and difficult budget decisions. How would you approach making tough decisions at City Hall?

I will see what other councillors are saying, but I will always hear what Ward 3 needs first. If there is a lot of red tape, I will ask why and how we can fix that, and make sure things are addressed in the proper way.