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If you believe that no one cares about local politics any more — you may not be a resident of Hamilton’s ward three. The inner-city ward has nearly 40-thousand residents, and plenty of problems. It has one of the lowest average incomes, and the highest crime rate, of any ward in the city. It also has, by far the largest number of candidates vying to fix those problems, in the October 27th election.
It is a dizzying cast of characters, even for the media to follow. 15 in all. Each of them trying to step into the ward left vacant by the death of veteran councillor Bernie Morelli in January of this year. So how will voters narrow things down to one choice on the October ballot? It won’t be easy.
It’s a large ward. Stretching from Wellington Street — east to Ottawa Street and from the escarpment, to the industrial harbour on the North. But even at that size, is 15 candidates for one council seat too many? And how will Ward three voters ever choose, between all of them? And how do the candidates, get ahead of the competition? Well, one way is to get a head start.
Matt Green, Ward 3 candidate: “I was actually the first person in the entire city to register on January 2nd.”
Since then, Green has worn out the pair of shoes on the wall behind him. And intends to wear out another pair knocking on doors.
“Have you had any candidates at your door yet?”
Of course, it also helps if voters recognize your name.
Tim Simmonds, resident: “It’s been eight years. Two terms on the school board.”
And Simmonds is hoping the third time is the charm that brings him to city council.
Ralph Agostino was also a trustee — but he has another advantage. His brother Dominic was a popular representative at both City Hall and Queen’s Park.
Ralph Agostino: “Out of the people that I meet here, probably five out of ten people say ‘you’re Dominic’s brother, you’re Dominic’s brother’ and I say, yeah.”
Drina Omazic didn’t have a brother, or sister in politics. But she is a political veteran. She worked as an assistant for both Sheila Copps, and Marie Bountrigiani. But admits, steering her own campaign bus is a little different: “In terms of knowing how to organize and prioritize. That part’s helpful. But I’m also a first time candidate and that’s a completely different experience.”
So, from a list of candidates with energy, experience, and political savvy — how will Ward Three voters decide? Well, one way is to pay attention.
Russ Davis: “There is a couple that have impressive credentials.”
Or you could go with experience — or perhaps a familiar face.
Chrissy Olejniczak: “It was an older gentleman, something maybe looked, looks a little like you. Maybe it was you, I’m not sure.”
For the record — Nope. Not me.
Although, voters like Peter Gnish are looking for experience: “You know, how do we make a decision? We take a look at what they’ve done right?”
And then there are voters like Sara MacLeod, who are looking for anyone at all: “I haven’t really seen any people put much effort out here.” “So you’re still waitin’ for someone to come and talk to you?” “Ya’ — I’m waiting!!”
Although there are plenty of political hopefuls in this ward, the biggest challenge for any of them may be simply getting voters to the polls. Ward three had the lowest voter turn-out in the city during the last election — below 30 percent.
But with a wide open race and plenty of choices, that could easily change this time around. Certainly, there seemed to be plenty of political engagement in the areas toured today. And with 42 days to go, who knows. At least one of those 15 candidates may even make it to Sara MacLeod’s door in the southeast corner of the riding.
