Eileen Walker, Councillor – Ward 9

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
Yes, I live in Ward 9, the ward that I am seeking the councillor position in.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
Last used my library card in August 2026. Favourite library service – book lending. I love to read and I prefer to hold a physical book.

What is the library’s role in the community?
Library’s role in the community – Libraries provide equitable access to information, technology, and lifelong learning. The library needs to be welcoming for all residents looking for a sense of community 

What is your priority issue in your ward?
Due to Ward 9 being the fastest growing ward in Hamilton, we need new infrastructure to be in place when new premises are ready for 

What’s the largest crisis facing Hamiltonians, and how would you fix it?
Largest crisis right now – tax increases far beyond the cost of living along with irresponsible spending of the tax dollars.

Campaign site: voteeileenwalker.com

Adlan Taramov, Councillor – Ward 8

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
Yes, I live right here in Ward 8.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I used it September 18th at Central Library. My favorite service is spending time in the children’s book section with my kids.

What is the library’s role in the community?
Libraries are essential hubs for equal access, community connection, and lifelong learning—offering vital technology, educational programming, and safe spaces for all Hamiltonians.

What is your priority issue in your ward?
Safer streets near schools, smart growth with proper infrastructure, protecting green spaces, and attracting clean, tech-focused industries to keep good jobs local.

What’s the largest crisis facing Hamiltonians, and how would you fix it?
The affordability and service crisis. I will focus on core infrastructure, smart housing development, and attracting future-oriented industries to broaden our city revenue.

Campaign site: Facebook – AdlanTaramov2026

Ejaz Butt, Mayor

Do you live in Hamilton?
Yes.  I am living in Hamilton for last 45 years.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I am going to library for last three weeks and I don’t have a library card . valley park library Stoney Creek mountain.

What is the library’s role in the community?
Seek knowledge.The best environment for study for any age to read and seek knowledge

What is your priority issue in your ward?
Hamiltonians are facing all kinds of problems since the amalgamation was done in 2001. Elite class with the help of elected council and beaurcrats have 

What’s the largest crisis facing Hamiltonians, and how would you fix it?
I will fix the crisis by breaking the status quo. You elect anyone other than me will be the part of status quo and 

Meagan Shanahan, Trustee – Ward 3, English Public

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
Yes, I live in Ward 3 and my children attend a local Ward 3 elementary school.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I last used my library card on September 18, 2026! My favourite service is the place a hold – my
list is long!

What is the library’s role in the community?
Libraries are a connection; an important third space in communities where access is low-barrier
and services are built with all members needs in mind.

Ben O’Reilly, Trustee – Wards 8 and 14, English Public

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
Yes, I live in Ward 14 in the Westcliffe Neighbourhood.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I last used my library card a few days ago (we are at Terryberry all the time) – favourite service is Libby!

What is the library’s role in the community?
The library is one of our crucial “third spaces” in the community – an absolute keystone for a healthy and vibrant community.

Jemma Lambert, Councillor – Ward 4

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
I don’t, I just live a few blocks nearby in ward 3 though. I ran here to challenge slate’s datacentre Tammy is in support of.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
Just last week, when I went into my Joey Coleman interview, I visited the archives department and learned about the red hill valley struggle.

What is the library’s role in the community?
Ensuring information is freely available to the community, especially when the internet is becoming a less and less reliable source.

What is your priority issue in your ward?
Killing AI Datacentres, Ending Homelessness, Clean Air, Ending Suburban/Highrise Sprawl. There are many high priority crises nowadays.

What’s the largest crisis facing Hamiltonians, and how would you fix it?
Housing, it can only be fixed by a rapid expansion of social housing in order to effectively combat forced scarcity corporate housing providers profit from.

Campaign website: Instagram – @jemma_lambert_ward4_hamilton

Bernard Tompkins, Councillor – Ward 2

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
Yes.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I personally don’t use a library card, but my children use their cards to take out books.

What is the library’s role in the community?
I believe the library should be a place where our communities can come together and where knowledge and information are accessible to everyone.

What is your priority issue in your ward?
Public health and safety in our communities.

What’s the largest crisis facing Hamiltonians, and how would you fix it?
One of my biggest concerns is poor service at a high cost and a lack of respect for taxpayers’ money.

Campaign website: bernardforward2.ca

Juanita Maldonado, Councillor – Ward 5

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
My name is Juanita Maldonado and I am running in Ward 5 for City Councillor.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I have not used my library card recently; however, I use the library on a regular basis. My grandchild, Darius, loves the Saturday morning programming 


What is the library’s role in the community?
Growing up, the HPL was a regular Sunday go-to; it was where we studied, hung out, and where I played the piano in the fifth 

What is your priority issue in your ward?
People – we are in an affordability crisis. The City of Hamilton is over-spending, and this failure to manage finances responsibly is affectings its capacity 

What’s the largest crisis facing Hamiltonians, and how would you fix it?
Apathy. A people-centered approach would stabilize the spending at City Hall, and begin to restore public trust in City Hall. The City of Hamilton is 

Paul Mercante, Trustee – Wards 12 and 13, English Separate

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
I have lived in the ward for more than 15 years and am a proud McMaster University alumnus and active community member.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I used library services this week to record a podcast. My favourite services include 3D and vinyl printing, embroidery, music equipment and drop-in chess.

What is the library’s role in the community?
Libraries are welcoming community hubs that connect people with knowledge, technology, programs and support while promoting literacy, inclusion, opportunity and lifelong learning.

Campaign website: votemercante.com

Joanne Belanger, Trustee – Ward 6, English Separate

Do you live in the ward you are running in?
I do live in Ward 6.

When was the last time you used your library card? What is your favourite library service?
I used my card to order a book that I wanted to read for my Book Club. Favourite service – Access to multiple newspapers.

What is the library’s role in the community?
Libraries are important community spaces full of resources, meetings spaces and current community information. Libraries are the hub of our neighbourhoods!