ABOUT MAUREEN

Maureen Wilson was re-elected in 2022 as Ward 1 Hamilton City Councillor and has stayed focused on safer streets, vibrant public spaces, affordable housing and support for local businesses.

MEET MAUREEN

Maureen holds master’s degrees in urban planning and political studies. She lives in Ward 1 with her husband Terry Cooke. Together they are parents to three children in university, along with Hazel the border terrier and Quentin the cat.

"Over the past two terms, we’ve accomplished a lot. Now we’re entering a final leg of the race with still more to do.

The challenges ahead are complex, but that has never stopped us from embracing challenges and creating real change together. I'm not afraid of hard work. Never have been.

I'm running again to serve as your councillor with the same values you've come to expect from me - honesty, determination, independence and diligence. I will remain focused on the public good, not the next headline."

"Let's keep working for Ward 1. For Hamilton. A city worth our best efforts."

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guiding principles

The following principles inform my decision-making framework. By setting them out here, my aim is to foster openness, trust and transparency:

A Growing, Vibrant and Connected City

The way cities are designed and how they function can affect their economic promise and performance, and the health and well-being of residents. I ran for public office to improve Hamilton’s outcomes across all fronts, so our city works better for more people.

Hamilton First. Building a Modern and Resilient City

Politics south of Canada’s border is proof that uncertainty can frustrate investment. Too often, local politics have upended Hamilton’s opportunities. Hamilton needs and deserves public improvement projects that will enrich and not deplete our tax base while adding long-term employment and better incomes. Hamilton’s present and future interests must always trump short-term political self-interests.

lead by example

The decorum of an elected council and how they engage with one another and with constituents can support or erode public trust and confidence. Hamilton City Hall must be a place where teachers want their students to watch, learn and listen. Hamilton City Hall should serve as a launch pad for tomorrow’s public servants.

budgeting at City hall

Hamilton's budget must change to allow residents opportunities to engage fully in deliberations - not merely as taxpayers, but as empowered and informed democratic citizens. The City budget must be clear and accessible, employing easy-to-understand language and terminology.

To uphold transparency and accountability, the budget should account for the life-cycle costs of spending decisions. For example, when we build a road, what future costs will be incurred year after year to maintain the asset and keep it safe for users? The budget should also account for how proposed investments affect the City's efforts to bolster its assessment base and ease the load on existing and future Hamiltonians. The City of Hamilton's budget is a reflection of our values, our priorities, and our aspirations. It must be a tool we can use to improve the quality of life of Hamiltonians.

financial resilency

Hamilton’s financial health needs attention to alleviate the tax burden on Hamiltonians. The makeup of our tax base is overwhelmingly residential. The City must prioritize work that enriches Hamilton’s commercial and industrial base to ease the tax burden being shouldered by property owners and renters. It makes good economic and budget sense.

Housing affordability

Access to attainable, affordability and suitable housing is critical to Hamilton’s economic future. The advancement of this goal must remain a priority.

Environmental stewardship

Cities can play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions through their land-use and transportation plans. The City’s Climate Office must be supported in its mandate to deliver Hamilton’s Climate Action Plan which was created by Hamiltonians.

public transit

Successful, competitive cities have more public transit, not less. At a time of rising costs, efficient, well connected and accessible public transit should offer a viable alternative for getting around our city and the province. Public transit is good for pocketbooks and good for our shared air quality.

Public Spaces are critical assets

Neighbourhood parks are critical to creating and sustaining community. Parks offer economic, social and environmental benefits and will remain an investment priority for me.