Thread by @DefundHPS

1. Why it’s important to elect NEW Hamilton city councillors in 2022: a thread 🧵

#HamOnt #onpoli #defundpolice #elxn2022

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Many Hamilton city councillors have ties to the Hamilton Police Services Board (HPSB) that extend beyond their roles in government. The ties between power and policing are undeniable and extremely dangerous to our communities.

#HamOnt #onpoli #defundpolice #elxn2022

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Councillors should not be making decisions about policing if they have family in the force. Councillors should not be making decisions about policing if they cannot prioritize Black and Indigenous, disabled and houseless people.

#HamOnt #onpoli #defundpolice #elxn2022

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Councillor Collins’s sister, Candace Culp, is an officer in the HPS. In 2014, while Collins was on the HPSB, Candace was promoted from Constable to Sergeant. The Sunshine List says she makes $133,373/yr. This was a conflict of interest, and yet Collins stayed on the HPSB.

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Councillor Lloyd Ferguson (@clrferguson) sat on the Council's selection committee to fill the citizen seat on the HPSB in 2018. His pick for the ONLY CITIZEN SEAT on the board was former auxiliary HPS police officer Fred Bennink.

#HamOnt #onpoli #defundpolice #elxn2022

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At present, councillors sitting on the Police Services board include Fred Eisenberger (@HamiltonsMayor), Chad Collins (Ward 5) and Tom Jackson (Ward 6).

#HamOnt #onpoli #defundpolice #elxn2022

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Mayor Eisenberger is the current chair of the police board - this is extremely uncommon in Hamilton’s history. Mayors have not historically been chair of the HPSB until Eisenberger came along. He appointed himself to this role.

#HamOnt #onpoli #defundpolice #elxn2022

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If councillors can't separate their personal connections to policing from decision making, they shouldn't make policing decisions. Policing receives more money than any other municipal sector in Hamilton, and it’s no wonder why.

#HamOnt #onpoli #defundpolice #elxn2022

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