| Dear Fellow Candidate: I learned recently that the Hamilton Chambers of Commerce would be hosting a Mayoralty Debate.Today, I learned from talking to Drina Omazic that only three of us will be participating. In a city which proclaims “inclusion”, it seems that most of us will be excluded. We all have something to contribute. How does this exclusion sit with you? Paul Fromm Candidate for Mayor Mayoral Debate: 2026 Municipal Election  Date: September 22, 2026 Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Location: Carmen’s Event Centre As Hamilton prepares to elect its next Mayor, hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead our city through its next chapter of growth. Moderated by renowned journalist Steve Paikin, this debate brings together Hamilton’s business community and industry leaders for an engaging discussion on the issues shaping our city’s future—including housing, infrastructure, economic growth, public safety, and affordability. |
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Another déjà vu, another election, another round of exclusion of unknown legally registered candidates! As usual, the “main” candidates, usually appear not associated to the mainstream parties in municipal level, are in cahoots with the organizers of “all” candidates debates, excluding unwanted candidates, stifling their voices.
Elections are about the people and not the just few “main” candidates, as decided by the mainstream Parties, behind closed doors, hidden from the public. The electorate should be exposed to choices available to them. Exclusion from debates violates constitutional rights of both the candidates and electorate, by depriving them from exposure to the choices they might have.
Not being exposed to available options alters the destiny of the constituents. Apparently, preventing other candidates from participation in debates is the sole option to prevent the electorate not to find out that these career politicians lack faith in their own principles; preaching inclusiveness, while excluding thoughts, perspectives, and visions.
This irresponsible practice not only impedes the democratic progress and its further development, its outcomes are insulting the voters’ intelligence; in other words, a few people decide which candidates are worthy of support. The organizers of the “all” candidates debates exhibit a dangerous god complex, believing electors are incapable of taking responsibility for their choices, and in this case, for the person for whom they vote. The last thing the populace needs is to have unelected individuals acting like God!
Furthermore, to put icing on the cake, these unscrupulous politicians and their crony debates organizers not only rig electoral process to stay in power, they have the audacity to blame the tax payers for the lack of participation and low voter turnout.
Hooray for the process of “democracy”!