Voters in Hamilton’s ward 3 can be electing a latest city councillor.
Matthew Green, councillor for Hamilton’s Ward 3, confirms that he won’t seek re-election in October’s municipal election, and is as an alternative eyeing the federal election in the autumn of 2019.
Green hopes to succeed David Christopherson because the Latest Democratic Party’s member of parliament for the riding of Hamilton Centre.
Christopherson has represented Hamilton Centre within the House of Commons since 2004, but recently announced his plan to retire from politics.
Green says it will be improper to run municipally in light of his aspirations, noting, “Once I shake someone’s hand and commit to 4 years of public service, then by principle, it’s a full 4 years of service that I should serve.”
He points to the licensing of payday loan corporations and advancements in inexpensive housing and living conditions amongst his accomplishments at City Hall since being elected in 2014.
Green adds that he’ll eventually be endorsing his preferred alternative in Ward 3, an individual with “an extended history locally” and who’s “reflective of the values that I share.”
There are currently five registered candidates in Ward 3, including the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion’s Evelyn Myrie — who submitted her nomination papers on Monday — Kristeen Sprague, Keith Beck, Tony Lemma and Laura Farr.
