Hamilton, Ontario, municipal election, 2003

Hamilton municipal election, 2003

November 13, 2003

Candidate Larry Di Ianni David Christopherson Dick Wildeman Popular vote 70539 54298 4462 Percentage 50.92 39.20 3.22     Candidate Michael Peters Popular vote 3270 Percentage 2.36

The results of the 2003 Election. Whereas Christopherson held all downtown wards, DiIanni won enough of the suburbs to secure victory.

Mayor before election Bob Wade Elected Mayor Larry Di Ianni

The 2003 Hamilton municipal election was held on November 10, 2003 to elect municipal officials in Hamilton, Ontario. The most high-profile contest was for the mayoral office. Candidates also campaigned for city council and for school trustee positions.

Mayoral election

  Candidates for the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Mayoral Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Larry DiIanni	70,539	50.92%
	David Christopherson	54,298	39.20%
	Dick Wildeman	4,462	3.22%
	Michael Peters	3,270	2.36%
	Tom Murray	2,881	2.08%
	Michael Baldasaro	2,569	1.85%
	Matt Jelly	510	0.37%
Total votes		139,902	37.97%
Registered voters		368,480	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

The Ward-By-Ward percentages for the top three candidates: DiIanni, Christopherson and Wildeman.

• Larry Di Ianni was first elected to Stoney Creek city council in 1982, where he served until the 2000 amalgamation of Stoney Creek into Hamilton. He then served as a Hamilton councillor until November 2003. Di Ianni's major policies included the completion of the Red Hill Creek Expressway, business tax reduction, airport development,^[1] improving relations among the amalgamated municipalities, and obtaining additional social service funding from the more senior levels of government.
• David Christopherson was elected to Hamilton, Ontario City Council in 1985, where he served until 1990, when he was elected to the Ontario Legislature as a New Democrat, where he served, both in government and opposition until 2003. During the NDP's tenure in government from 1990 to 1995, Christopherson held the positions of Minister of Correctional Services and Solicitor-General.
• Dick Wildeman was a 61-year-old PhD in pharmacology, and former director of Pharmaceutical Sciences at McMaster University Medical Centre. He led a de-amalgamation slate in the election, attempting to reverse a 2000 decision by the provincial government to amalgamate Hamilton with the neighbouring municipalities of Dundas, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Flamborough and Glanbrook. His vision on how to do so, though, attempted to recreate the version of local government utilized in 1975, where rural communities bought services from the Hamilton municipality and contributed to 80% of the cost. Local media berated his plan, saying there was "a troubling lack of clarity in how Wildeman envisions" demalgamation and that he "doesn't have what it takes to be mayor of the city of Hamilton," because of "huge disconnects in [his] logic."^[2]
• Michael Peters was a 36-year-old first-time candidate and financial controller for a Burlington electrical company at the time of the election. His major campaign planks focused on supporting the Red Hill Creek Expressway, keeping the newly amalgamated suburban communities united with Greater Hamilton and slowing urban sprawl by supporting industrial brownfield development. Peters also lamented the flight of university educated residents from the city, and was quoted as saying, "Of my group of high school friends who went off to university, not one of them lives here, other than me."^[3]
• Tom Murray was a 50-year-old electrician at Dofasco and former four-term councillor for Ward 8. During his tenure on council, his aggressive style proved controversial, but he maintained that this would be a strong quality for Hamilton's Mayor to have. His platform included no-tax increases, revitalization of the waterfront, support for the completion of the Red Hill Creek Expressway and ensuring the city focuses on providing essential services while selling off assets like golf courses and entertainment facilities.^[4]
• Michael Baldasaro was a perennial candidate and the Leader of the Church of the Universe. He stood for Parliament in 1984 and 2000 on a number of different party tickets. In 2003, Baldasaro ran on a platform of monetary rewards for voting, removing City Hall security and legalizing marijuana, prostitution and nudity.^[5]
• Matt Jelly was born in Hamilton, and was a 21-year-old visual artist at the time of the election. He did not enter the election to win votes, but to gain experience and draw attention to certain issues. He wanted to give a final decision on amalgamation more time and opposed the Red Hill Creek Expressway, citing the plan's environmental drawbacks, all while humorously ending his campaign speeches with the line, "Don't vote for me, thank you and good night".^[6]

City Council Election

Ward One (Chedoke-Cootes)

The race for Ward One councillor was marked by nine-year incumbent councillor Marvin Caplan's faltering support because of two major issues. Prior to the election, Caplan found himself embroiled in a sexual harassment case and, during the campaign, openly supported the completion of the Red Hill Creek Expressway, opposed by a majority of Ward One's residents.^[7]

Challenger Brian McHattie, who had run for Mayor in 1997, was a 43-year-old environmental consultant at the time of the election, and received support due to his opposition to the Red Hill Creek Expressway.^[7] Michael Puskas, the third candidate in the race, was a local lawyer who echoed Caplan's support for the Expressway.^[7]

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward One Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Brian McHattie	5,614	57.94%
	Marvin Caplan (incumbent)	3,043	31.40%
	Michael Puskas	1,033	10.66%
Total votes		9,879	100%
Registered voters		25,347	38.98%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Two (Downtown)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Two Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Andrea Horwath (incumbent)	4,601	63.81%
	James Novak	1,993	27.64%
	Ronald Berenbaum	325	4.51%
	Jerry Moore	291	4.04%
Total votes		7,443	28%
Registered voters		26,578	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Three (Hamilton Centre)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Three Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Bernie Morelli (incumbent)	4,802	67.48%
	John Best	2,017	28.34%
	Robert Westbrook	297	4.17%
Total votes		7,410	25.36%
Registered voters		29,223	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Four (East Hamilton)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Four Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Sam Merulla (incumbent)	5,015	54.22%
	Lynda Lukasik	3,430	37.09%
	James Byron	668	7.22%
	Carmen Misale	136	1.47%
Total votes		9,366	34.67%
Registered voters		27,014	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Five (Redhill)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Five Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Chad Collins (incumbent)	8.077	75.20%
	Andrew Schroeder	2,663	24.80%
Total votes		10,946	38.35%
Registered voters		28,545	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Six (East Mountain)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Six Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Tom Jackson (incumbent)	9.012	74.83%
	Kevin Beattie	1,446	12.01%
	Peter O'Hagan	916	7.61%
	Shauna McShane	670	6.70%
Total votes		12,297	41.30%
Registered voters		29,778	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Seven (Central Mountain)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Seven Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Bill Kelly (incumbent)	10,699	64.66%
	Henry Merling	3,540	21.39%
	John Gallagher	1,340	8.10%
	Bill Cottrell	968	5.85%
Total votes		16,765	41.14%
Registered voters		40,749	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Eight (West Mountain)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Eight Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Terry Whitehead	4,135	27.13%
	Jamie West	3,816	35.04%
	George Morasse	3,081	20.22%
	Peter Martin	2,280	14.96%
	Naseem Jamil	978	6.42%
	Roman Sarachman	789	5.18%
	Wayne Boychuk	160	1.05%
Total votes		15,501	44.79%
Registered voters		34,607	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Nine (Upper Stoney Creek)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Nine Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Phil Bruckler	3,946	53.80%
	Anne Bain (Incumbent)	3,032	41.34%
	Tim Riach	192	2.62%
	Abe Din	164	2.25%
Total votes		7,521	40.41%
Registered voters		18,614	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Ten (Lower Stoney Creek)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Ten Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Maria Pearson	3,322	36.97%
	John Santarelli	2,659	29.59%
	Louie Milojevic	1,322	14.71%
	Robert Barlow	1,016	11.31%
	Jim Davis	419	4.66%
	Jeff Corradetti	247	2.75%
Total votes		9,141	46.17%
Registered voters		19,798	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Eleven (Glanbrook Winona)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Eleven Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	David Mitchell (incumbent)	Acclaimed
Total votes		6,768	37.43%
Registered voters		18,082	100%
Note: For this election, voter-turnout is just for the position of Mayor and School Board Trustees in that the councillor's position was acclaimed. Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: Hamilton, Ontario, City Clerk's Office

Ward Twelve (Ancaster)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Twelve Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Murray Ferguson (Incumbent)	5,967	69.03%
	Bryan Kerman	2,677	30.97%
Total votes		8,816	42.13%
Registered voters		20,924	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Thirteen (Dundas)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Thirteen Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Russ Powers (Incumbent)	5,184	71.39%
	David Longo	2,078	28.81%
Total votes		7,544	40.48%
Registered voters		18,635	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Fourteen (Wentworth)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Fourteen Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Dave Braden (Incumbent)	2,350	50.92%
	Don Robertson	2,265	49.08%
Total votes		4,662	37.24%
Registered voters		12,519	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

Ward Fifteen (Flamborough)

  Summary of the November 10, 2003 Hamilton, Ontario Ward Fifteen Councillor Election

Candidate		Popular vote
		Votes	%	±%
	Margaret McCarthy (Incumbent)	2,924	50.43%
	Arend Kersten	2,346	40.46%
	Richard Sams	440	7.59%
	Stan Johnson	88	1.52%
Total votes		5,843	32.34%
Registered voters		18,067	100%
Note: All Hamilton Municipal Elections are officially non-partisan. Note: Candidate campaign colours are based on the prominent colour used in campaign items (signs, literature, etc.) and are used as a visual differentiation between candidates.
Sources: City of Hamilton, "2003 Results"

References

1. http://www.raisethehammer.org/article/131/ | Smoove D: An Interview with Mayor Larry Di Ianni
2. Prokaska, Lee. "Wildeman: a shrunken view," The Hamilton Spectator, November 6, 2003, Editorial, A21.
3. Morse, Paul. "Candidate Profile: Michael Peters," The Hamilton Spectator, November 7, 2003, Local News, A5.
4. Stepan, Cheryl. "Candidate Profile: Tom Murray," The Hamilton Spectator, November 7, 2003, Local News, A5.
5. Puxley, Chinta. "Candidate Profile: Michael Baldasaro," The Hamilton Spectator, November 7, 2003, Local News, A6.
6. Morse, Paul. "Candidate Profile: Matt Jelly," The Hamilton Spectator, November 7, 2003, Local News, A5.
7. Nolan, Dan. "McHattie topples Caplan; New councillor says it's 'overwhelming'," The Hamilton Spectator, November 11, 2003, Local News, A5.