Money. Ask any aspiring municipal candidate what the biggest obstacle to running is, and the answer will likely be campaign financing. Running a competitive campaign costs money—for advertising, literature, promotional materials, and much more. While the candidate who raises the most money does not necessarily win, mounting a credible campaign almost always requires substantial financial … Continue reading Opinion: Burlington election campaign contributions (2022). Who and how much.
Opinion – Economic Development – Comparing the Approaches
This is part II of a three part series. Part I is available here: https://www.focusburlington.ca/wherearethejobs/ The different experiences, between Burlington and Oakville, may lie not only in the amount of available land, but also in economic-development priorities. Oakville's Economic Development Department, now operating as Invest Oakville, describes its mandate as supporting and growing the local … Continue reading Opinion – Economic Development – Comparing the Approaches
Opinion – Where Are the Jobs?
Part I: The breakdown of trade talks between Canada and the United States, and the imposition of reciprocal tariffs, present a real and present danger to our economy. The potential closure of businesses and the loss of employment threatens not just households, but also the municipal tax base. So, how are those tasked with attracting … Continue reading Opinion – Where Are the Jobs?
Opinion: Does experience outweigh accomplishment? Part 2.
The municipal election is taking place on October 26th, 2026. We have many incumbents asking for our vote. Does experience outweigh accomplishment? Read part 1 here: Does experience outweigh accomplishment? Part 1 What Type of Experience Qualifies a Candidate? If I accept the argument that experience is important, that then begs the inevitable question: what … Continue reading Opinion: Does experience outweigh accomplishment? Part 2.
Opinion: Does experience outweigh accomplishment? Part 1.
The municipal election is taking place on October 26th, 2026. We have many incumbents asking for our vote. Does experience outweigh accomplishment? Like many Canadians, I am anxiously awaiting the midterm elections in the United States. The party that controls the House of Representatives and the Senate will have a decisive impact not just on … Continue reading Opinion: Does experience outweigh accomplishment? Part 1.
AI: A CHALLENGE vs. A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Where we are today. Since 2015, public sector employment in this country has grown significantly. While most of the attention has been focused on the explosion in government jobs in the federal sector, there has also been a sizable increase at the municipal level. According to the 2026 budget document, the City of Burlington employs … Continue reading AI: A CHALLENGE vs. A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Opinion – A Principled Stand
Most of us are critical of politicians. At times, they say and do things that seem illogical, irresponsible, or even downright stupid. Every so often, however, they get it right—particularly when they stand up for important principles. That's why it was refreshing to learn of Andrea Grebenc's recent decision not to apply for the role … Continue reading Opinion – A Principled Stand
Opinion – Between Sprawl and Skyscraper: The Case for the Single-Family Home
Critics of Canada's housing strategy argue that the biggest problem is the lack of housing that appeals to middle-class Canadians. Too much attention, they say, has been devoted to entry-level housing, and not enough to homes suitable for young families with children. However, the housing mix may not be the only problem with Canada's housing … Continue reading Opinion – Between Sprawl and Skyscraper: The Case for the Single-Family Home
Opinion – Is It Time To Consider Term Limits?
Should there be a limit on the number of consecutive terms a mayor or council member can serve? Of the seven elected members of Council, five have served two consecutive terms, and two — Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Councillor Paul Sharman — have served four. The mayor’s tenure includes two terms as a councillor … Continue reading Opinion – Is It Time To Consider Term Limits?
Opinion – The New “Corporate Welfare Bums”
For an industry that began the year in a financial funk, real estate developers should be ecstatic after some of the support measures announced by the federal government. Christmas has come early! First came the March 2026 GST rebate for first-time homebuyers, intended to spur an industry struggling with weak consumer demand. Then came the … Continue reading Opinion – The New “Corporate Welfare Bums”