One-on-one with Hamilton mayoral candidate Bob Bratina

Mayoral candidate Bob Bratina is a Hamilton lifer and says he wants to dedicate the rest of his political life to improving the city.

The former mayor and member of parliament’s first order of business if elected is to bolster the police force.

“We need to bring back respect for law and order. We heard too much about tasking or defunding the police when we know that we’re understaffed,” Bratina said.

Bratina adds that he’d like to see police officers return to schools, emphasizing that he supports the current pursuit of a more culturally diverse police roster.

Bratina says he understands his stance is the opposite of his fellow candidates and special interest groups who he says have gained some political influence.

If elected, Bratina would revisit the LRT and who operates and maintains it. Since he announced his candidacy, his goal is to have HSR take the wheel.

Last year, city council voted against expanding the urban boundary, citing environmental and agricultural concerns. If elected, Bratina says he already knows plots of land that are sitting unused, pointing out acres of land east of upper centennial parkway.

Speeding up housing is the driving force behind the province’s strong mayors’ legislation that’s set to take effect in Toronto and Ottawa. Bratina says if or when it comes to Hamilton, he vows to not make decisions alone.

Election day is October 24th, CHCH News will have two special programs at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Watch CHCH News’ one-on-one interviews with Hamilton mayoral candidates Andrea Horwath and Keanin Loomis.

FULL INTERVIEW with Bratina: