Fred Eisenberger was mayor of Hamilton from 2006 to 2010. But when he ran to regain his seat, he came third, and the job of mayor went to Bob Bratina.
On Monday, four years later, Eisenberger got his job back.
Eisenberger earned 39.9 per cent of the vote. Rounding out the top three were outgoing councillors Brad Clark and Brian McHattie, who tallied 31.5 and 20.4 per cent of the vote, respectively.
We asked Eisenberger Thursday about what he's done since his victory, appointing new staff, the Pan Am Games and other plans for what he'll do now that he's won.
Have you spoken to (new Toronto mayor) John Tory?
Not yet. As you might expect, I've been dealing with local stuff, but my plan to call him in the next couple of days.
Will you serve on the police services board?
I'm not sure yet.
What are you doing this week?
Lots of media. A lot of cleaning up campaign issues. A lot of connecting with councillors and staff.
What do you think of the overall voter turnout of 34.02 per cent?
It was disappointing and as I've said, I do sense that in part, online voting will help. But I think we need to sit down with our education partners and start talking about educating kids through Grade 1 to Grade 12 that every time there's an election, they engage, they learn about the candidates and they vote. Voting is a learned behaviour and we need to teach our children to fulfill their mandate of actually exercising their right to vote.
Will you use any ideas from (mayoral campaign challengers) Brad Clark and Brian McHattie?
I will certainly look at the platforms. We weren't all that different in terms of what we said. We just said it in different ways. If there are good ideas there we can use, we'll certainly put them into effect.
What will the mayor's role be during the 2015 Pan Am Games in Hamilton?
Clearly the mayor will likely be the official opener and greeter for people that are coming in from around the world. You take a leadership role, a ceremonial role, that highlights the value of the games, and makes sure we're ready, prepared and fully engaged in terms of welcoming all those countries that will come here.
What is the mayor's role with Randle Reef?
My role has been to keep moving forward to ensure that we get that project happening. I was involved in getting the original funding for that in place during my time as mayor. During my time at the Hamilton Port Authority, we were advancing the plans to move the project forward and getting the funding. Now it's time to make sure we get the shovels in the water and get this project started.
Does it dishearten you to see how many projects from four years ago are still issues?
I'm really not going to get into that time frame. It's about what can do going forward. It's time to look at where we are and what can we do going forward, and how quickly can we do it and what the benefits are going to be for our city. That's what I really want to focus on. I don't want to spend any time looking backwards.
You passed on some files to Mayor Bob Bratina (when he took over as mayor in 2010). What happens now in terms of the transition? Will he give you files as well?
We'll have an opportunity before too long to sit down. He's been busy doing his other work in terms of acclimations on the federal side. [Bratina was just acclaimed to represent Hamilton East-Stoney Creek for the Liberals in the next federal election.] I would encourage him to give me whatever would be useful to be aware of going forward — anything that will enlighten me to make sure I know what the status of a project is. I can also get that from staff. But I think anything that isn't provided there, I would hope that he would provide.
In terms of your staff, have you started thinking about those decisions? You'll need a chief of staff as well.
Correct. Yes, I have, and we'll be able to announce something shortly.
Any other feelings on your victory since Monday?
No, they're the same. I'm excited. I'm ready to hit the ground running. I'm really looking forward to four years I think are going to be very positive for the city of Hamilton. I sense a very positive mood in the city in terms of the election and the sense that we're on the cusp of some great things. I'm excited.
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