Hamilton’s Ward 14 Coun. Mike Spadafora joins police board

Hamilton’s police board has appointed first-term Ward 14 Coun. Mike Spadafora — a seat once held by Mayor Andrea Horwath.

Last month, via a statement posted to social media,  the mayor said she would be resigning from the Hamilton Police Service Board (HPSB) citing “scheduling conflicts”.

During Friday’s interview on CHCH Morning Live, Horwath says the police board is going through a strategic planning process and requires full attention.

“I’m not walking away from my support for the work that [Hamilton Police Service does] but I am saying it’s time for somebody else to be able to put in more time than I can right now,” Horwath said.

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In a statement, the councillor underscored his support for the Hamilton Police Service while balancing his commitment for fiscal responsibility.

He cites his family as being the greatest inspiration to extending his voice and efforts into making Hamilton a better place to raise a family and call the city home.

Horwath’s resignation took immediate effect on Oct. 8 via a council motion, which unanimously passed 16-0.

Spadafora’s first meeting as a voting member happens on Nov. 27.