Hamilton to welcome first gay councillor

It’s a first for the city of Hamilton. Next week, when the newly-elected municipal council is sworn in, among its members will be the city’s first, openly gay councillor. Fighting for the rights of Hamilton’s LGBTQ community is just one goal for ward one’s Aidan Johnson.

Located in Hamilton’s west end, ward one boasts world class institutions, quaint neighbourhoods and vibrant shopping and dining districts.

It is also home to the city’s first openly gay politician, 35-year old Aidan Johnson.

“Just like my age, I think that sexual orientation is totally irrelevant to a person’s politics. As you know there are right wing gay people and there are left wing gay people. There are good gay people and there are bad gay people so I don’t think my sexual orientation is a factor at all. Do I have a gay agenda, absolutely in that I want to make pride week LGBTQ pride week in Hamilton a bigger happier shinier thing.”

A lawyer by profession, Johnson describes himself as progressive. He says he supports public transit initiatives such as the newly established bike share program and a fully funded LRT. He wants more attention paid to water purification and the environment and he wants homeowners in his ward, to get a break.

Aidan Johnson: “The province has determined that the houses in my ward are much more valuable than they were 10, 20, 30 years ago. So disproportionately ward one has felt the brunt of high increases in property tax. I am committed to keeping any tax increases that we need to an absolute minimum.”

Aidan Johnson will replace outgoing councillor Brian McHattie, when council is sworn in next week. He is one of four rookie councillors who will serve in the upcoming term.