THREE PRIORITIES. NO EXCUSES
FIX OUR ROADS
CAA has ranked a Hamilton road the #1 worst road in Ontario for six of the last eight years. Our city currently holds both the #1 and #2 spots on the 2025 CAA Ontario Worst Roads list — the only city in Ontario with two roads in the top ten. Hamiltonians and Ward 7 residents know this firsthand. The state of Limeridge Road between Upper Gage and Upper Wentworth, Fennell, Mohawk, Rymal and a host of other roads is not acceptable.
As one Ward 7 mechanic told me directly: 'I won't drive my good car on Fennell.' That is where we are.
Many other Ontario cities manage their infrastructure without above-inflation tax increases every year. What are they doing that Hamilton isn't? That's a question I will ask on Day 1.
CONTROL TAXES
Hamilton property taxes rose more than 18% from 2022-2025. Over that same period, inflation was under 9%. Residents are paying more than double the rate of inflation — and not seeing the results they deserve. In 2026, we are facing another tax increase of 3.87% - more than inflation again. In 2026, we have enough affordability challenges without the City of Hamilton making things worse.
If elected, I will not support any tax increase above the rate of inflation.
That means prioritizing what matters, demanding real efficiencies, and holding City Hall accountable for every dollar — the same approach I applied throughout 34 years managing school budgets.
Ward 7 Councillor Esther Pauls voted for Hamilton’s 5.85% property tax increase in 2023 and the 5.79% increase in 2024. Both budgets passed by a 10–6 vote, including the Mayor’s vote.
Council settles on 5.85% hike for 2023 budget.
2024 Hamilton council approved 5.79% tax increase.
When a business overcharges you, you can shop somewhere else. When City Hall raises the taxes on your home, your only recourse is your vote.
RESTORE ACCOUNTABILITY
Hamilton taxpayers deserve better value for their money. Reports from the City’s Auditor General and public records have repeatedly raised concerns about costly mistakes, weak oversight, and poor follow-through.
Ransomware Attack
The 2023 cyberattack cost taxpayers millions and exposed serious weaknesses in preparedness, oversight, and risk management.
Red Hill Valley Parkway
A buried safety report led to years of public concern, a costly inquiry, and a loss of trust.
Chedoke Creek Sewage Leak
A 24-billion-litre sewage leak went undisclosed for far too long, damaging public confidence.
Barton-Tiffany Shelter Project
A project budgeted at $2.8 million grew to roughly $8 million, with serious questions about vendor review and oversight.
Road Asphalt Not Tested
The Auditor General found that asphalt quality was not being properly verified, contributing to premature road failure.
Vacant Unit Tax Rollout
A poorly executed rollout wrongly penalized thousands of residents, including seniors.
Accountability is not about blame for its own sake. It is about protecting taxpayers, fixing problems early, and making sure basic services come first.
I will push for stronger oversight, clearer public reporting, and better value for every dollar spent.
Sources: City of Hamilton Auditor General reports and public records.