O’Leary throws name in the ring for mayor
Add another name to the Hamilton mayoralty challenge: Angela O’Leary.
The four-term Hamilton city councillor launched her mayoral bid on social media on Tuesday night saying she’s the woman for the job.
‘‘Over the past two years policies have been dictated randomly and without consultation,’’ O’Leary said.
‘‘Hamiltonians en masse are telling me of their frustration at not being listened to or understood.’’
This month, incumbent Mayor Andrew King confirmed his intentions to stand for another term.
Cr Geoff Taylor did not rule it out but former candidate and sitting councillor Paula Southgate said she was keeping her options open.
Deputy mayor Martin Gallagher confirmed he would stand again for council while Cr James Casson posted on his Facebook page that he would also run. Neither is considering a mayoral bid.
‘‘Yes, I’m running again, three years is not enough but a limit should be placed in terms a coun- cillor can run. Two or three max would ensure fresh ideas, prevent stale thinking and encourage participation [sic],’’ Casson said. O’Leary said the city was at a crossroads.
‘‘Leadership by surprise isn’t working,’’ she said. ‘‘Three short years ago the current mayor campaigned hard on a platform of truth and transparency and it’s deeply disappointing that his actions have totally failed to deliver on this promise.
‘‘Under current leadership, residents find themselves enduring soaring rates and see their city plunging further into a debt’’.
The 2019 local body elections will be held on October 12. Nominations open on July 19.