With municipal nominations opening May 1st, candidates must weigh the risks of vote-splitting. In 2018’s Ward 5 race, Paul Sharman won with 33.99% of the vote, edging out his closest rival by only 6%. To unseat incumbents, challengers must realistically assess their funding and visibility, sometimes "taking one for the team" to avoid a split.
Opinion – Traffic, if only the province would do something!
This article was originally published in the March edition of the Burlington Independent. Councillors Kearns and Sharman are hosting a Burlington Community Traffic Forum on April 1st at 6:30 pm at the AGB. This is an election year. Was April Fools' Day an intentional choice? The current talking points from Councillor Sharman and our mayor … Continue reading Opinion – Traffic, if only the province would do something!
Opinion – Another Day, Another Metrolinx Fiasco
There are few public agencies that have attracted as much scrutiny, criticism, and outright ridicule in recent months as Metrolinx.
Opinion – Gridlock by Design?
On March 3rd, during a Committee of the Whole meeting, staff and our council had a serious discussion about building a downtown parking garage that could be easily converted to social housing once people no longer need parking downtown. Downtown businesses, struggling to survive because people can’t park to visit their stores, have asked the … Continue reading Opinion – Gridlock by Design?
OPINION – TIME TO GET READY
The 2026 municipal election is less than eight months away. In preparation, Focus Burlington recently hosted its second Town Hall event on February 26th titled “Taking the Next Big Step: Practical Tips, Advice and Guidance on How to Run a Successful Municipal Election Campaign.” The panel featured three experienced political veterans—Brad Harness, Liz Galvin, and … Continue reading OPINION – TIME TO GET READY
Opinion: Is Council dysfunction evident?
This article was originally published in the Burlington Independent, Burlington's only print newspaper. The AI-generated picture accompanying this article was added by Focus Burlington. The latest city council meetings have been odd, unusual, and even interesting, in that not much appears to be getting done. Why is that? Perhaps because it is an election year. … Continue reading Opinion: Is Council dysfunction evident?
Opinion: Attend the March 2nd Council Meeting
Elimination Of Development Charges To Be Voted On At The March 2nd Council Meeting PLEASE BE THERE ! There has been much publicity and comment about the ongoing debate at City Hall as to whether or not the City of Burlington should allow property developers a holiday from paying development charges. It is being proposed by … Continue reading Opinion: Attend the March 2nd Council Meeting
Opinion – Do They Deserve Another Term?
2026 will usher in another municipal election. It has been eight years since the mayor and councillors were first elected. https://www.focusburlington.ca/ready-set-run/ If their first term was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to deal with and limit its negative consequences, surely the second has been symbolized by higher-than-anticipated budget increases. By using terms … Continue reading Opinion – Do They Deserve Another Term?
Opinion – What on Earth Is Going On With Burlington’s Housing Strategy?
In January 2024, Burlington's council stood shoulder to shoulder with federal ministers to announce a “huge investment” in our city’s housing future: $21 million from Ottawa’s Housing Accelerator Fund. The message was clear. Burlington was cutting red tape. Zoning would be modernized. The city committed to streamlining approvals, implementing Major Transit Station Areas, introducing four … Continue reading Opinion – What on Earth Is Going On With Burlington’s Housing Strategy?
Opinion-David Barker’s Delegation to Council February 17th, 2026
David Barker spoke to council on February 17th, 2026, regarding the mayor's proposal to eliminate development charges in Burlington. There is a short survey gathering public input on this issue at the bottom of this post. This is what David said: I am amazed and extremely disappointed that City Council is willing to in effect … Continue reading Opinion-David Barker’s Delegation to Council February 17th, 2026