Hamiltonians look to Andrea Horwath to 'bridge' the political division in city

Thestar.com
July 29, 2022

Hamilton mayoral candidate Andrea Horwath says her political style is about engaging with all residents, regardless of where they sit on the political spectrum.

“I want to be the mayor of everyone regardless of political stripe,” said Horwath in a recent interview.

During her news conference on July 26, prior to registering to run for mayor, Horwath had a phalanx of supporters from across the city cheering her on, including NDP MPPs Monique Taylor, Hamilton West--Ancaster--Dundas’s Sandy Shaw and former Hamilton Centre NDP MP David Christopherson, who ran for mayor against Stoney Creek’s Larry Di Ianni in 2003. But it was the non-politicians who sometimes applauded the loudest for Horwath’s announcement.

“It is exciting to see,” said Evelyn Myrie, the principal at EMPOWER Strategy Group. “She has many years of experience. She can provide a fresh start to the city.”

Of importance to Myrie is Horwath’s ability to address issues of diversity and inclusion, which the community activist has long championed.

“And it is really time Hamilton had a female mayor,” said Myrie.

Stoney Creek resident Nithy Ananth, who has been involved in Liberal party politics in the community for years, said he was supporting Horwath because of her ability to unite the city. Also, as a staunch supporter of the $3.4-billion light rail transit (LRT) project, he looked to Horwath as a booster of the project. He just couldn’t bring himself to back former mayor Bob Bratina, who opposes LRT.

“I think she can win,” he said. “She can reach out to all kinds of people.”

Duncan Beattie, who is the last Progressive Conservative MP to represent the Mountain from 1972 to 1974 and 1979 to 1980, said the people who vote Conservative will vote for Horwath.

“They like her,” he said.

Beattie said the last time an MPP for Hamilton became mayor of the city was Sam Lawrence, who was in office as the MPP for Hamilton East from 1934 to 1937. He served as mayor from 1944 to 1949.

Patrick Dillon, the former business manager and secretary treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, said Horwath has a good chance of winning the mayoral race and will get the support she needs, from union members as well as small business owners.

“People are looking for someone new,” said Dillon. “She is the right candidate at the right time.”

Karl Andrus, manager of the Hamilton Community Benefits Network, said Horwath does have strong name recognition for a mayoral race, which features former mayor Bob Bratina and Keanin Loomis, former president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, which is critical in municipal elections.

But she has several negatives against her, he said, including running for mayor so soon after winning her Hamilton Centre provincial riding but failing to lead the NDP to victory in the provincial election. He said residents will be frustrated with her decision.

“Residents don’t want to be considered her plan B or C for politics,” he said.

In addition, this municipal election is about sweeping out the so-called “old guard” councillors, such as Bratina, and Horwath could be considered too closely associated with the councillors in power.

“She needs to establish a fresh campaign, introducing strong policies and a strong vision for the city,” said Andrus. “She has to distinguish herself from (Bratina) and a newcomer to politics, Loomis.”

Horwath said she understands some Hamiltonians may see the city council moving too far leftward. But most of the criticisms are from people who “are not being heard” by city hall, especially as politics across the country is becoming increasingly polarized.

“I can bridge these divides,” said Horwath. “I’m collaborative in my decision-making to listen to all people.”

She said at the municipal level, whether a person is left- or right-wing, residents still want their garbage picked up and roads improved.

“It’s not partisan. You are free to debate the issues without any pre-conceived notions. You can find common ground and be respectful about it.”