Reaction to Coun. Ferguson’s comments on police board diversity initiative

Yesterday during a committee meeting Ward 12 councillor Lloyd Ferguson questioned a proposed change on the selection process for the citizen seat on the Hamilton police board. “So when you advertise this, will you put down white males need not apply?” Ferguson said.

Today municipal candidates are responding including mayoral candidate Andrea Horwath who denounced the councillor’s words and received support for her plans to elevate civic inclusion.

“I’m not going to apologize, and I’m not going to withdraw it. I’m just worried about the slippery slope, when are the committees and special interest groups on influencing who goes on these respective boards?” Ferguson said.

Ferguson, who is not running for this October’s municipal election, says he was uncomfortable about the ratio of the selection committee which is proposing six community members and five councillors. Ferguson adds he would like to see an even vote.

The comments came under fire at the meeting along with city activists and municipal candidates this morning.

Hamilton diversity activist Evelyn Myrie says she is throwing her support toward mayoral candidate Andrea Horwath today. Myrie believes Horwath is the best choice to help bring more voices to the table in city-related matters.

Horwath didn’t specify where there would be inclusive action but touched on how other municipalities have made structural board changes.

Also running for mayor, Keanin Loomis says he isn’t concerned about shoring up extra support during a campaign stop at the Hamilton mosque today. Loomis also condemns Ferguson’s comments.

CHCH News did reach out to mayoral candidate Bob Bratina, and he tells us in a statement that he’ll continue to support and work with the Hamilton police service to diversify their ranks with qualified candidates from the many communities that call Hamilton home.

Yesterday’s city recommendation to change the police board selection process passed four to one and Ward 14 candidate Kojo Damptey echoes that structural change is needed there and the board of health.

CHCH News tried to reach out to councillor Lloyd Ferguson and his team today and asked if he had anything further to add or if he regrets what he said. CHCH News has yet to hear back.