In Hamilton’s upcoming municipal election, while mayoral and city councillor candidates are gearing up for intensive campaigning over the next two months, eight school board trustee candidates are already in celebration mode. These candidates have been acclaimed, meaning no opposition challenged them for the seats they are set to secure automatically on election day, slated for Oct. 26.
The significant number of acclamations has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of local governance, as expressed by Ralph Agostino, who secured an acclaimed position on the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. He noted that an excess of acclamations could pose challenges to democracy’s health.
Among the acclamations in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, Mark Valvasori retained his position for wards 1, 2, and 15. Additionally, incumbent Aldo D’Intino secured Ward 5, while Tyler Iorio claimed victory in wards 9 and 11. The remaining five seats have attracted 15 candidates.
On the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, two of the 11 seats have been clinched through acclamation. Incumbent Abby Zaitley secured Ward 4, and Chris Slye took Ward 13 after Andrea Wappel withdrew. The remaining nine English public board trustee positions have drawn interest from 26 candidates.
Acclamations also extended to the French school boards, with Nathalie Dufour Seguin winning the Catholic board trustee seat uncontested, and Sonia Macaluso securing the public board trustee position after a competitor withdrew. The total of eight acclamations across the school boards represents a fourfold increase from the previous year.
Ralph Agostino highlighted that the rise in acclamations for school board positions may indicate a lack of understanding or appreciation for the role of trustees. He emphasized that elections provide voters with the chance to compare candidates, raise queries, and select their representatives, a process that may be hindered by fewer contenders.
Abby Zaitley, who initially won a seat on the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board following a competitive by-election two years ago, expressed disappointment at the limited number of candidates stepping forward. She noted that some potential candidates hesitated due to concerns about taking on what they perceived as a precarious and underpaid role, especially amid contentious school board politics. Zaitley remains optimistic about rebuilding public trust and enhancing the relationship with the provincial government to ensure adequate funding and support for the education system.