As I predicted, it has already begun: the dirty—and at times absurd—side of municipal politics.
Over the past few days, social media has once again reminded us how quickly context can be discarded in favour of ridicule. A video clip (the socket puppet one) involving mayoral candidate Scarlett Gillespie has been selectively presented to invite mockery rather than understanding. Anyone who views the full context should recognize it for what it is: a manufactured controversy that deserves no attention.
Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be the last time we see this kind of campaigning. As election day draws closer, expect more edited clips, misleading narratives, half-truths, anonymous posts, and personal attacks designed to generate clicks rather than inform voters.
Hamilton deserves better.
Our city faces serious challenges—housing affordability, public safety, infrastructure, taxation, economic growth, and the future of our neighbourhoods. Those issues should define this election, not schoolyard-style political gamesmanship.
Voters should be skeptical of sensational social media posts, verify information before sharing it, and judge every candidate on the strength of their ideas, their leadership, and their ability to govern—not on contrived attempts to score cheap political points.
The campaign is just getting started. If this is any indication of what lies ahead, voters will need to be as discerning as ever.