Priorities

Accountable Leadership for Hamilton

High-contrast black-and-white of Juanitas Headshot by James R. MacDonald

Juanita’s priorities are built around practical solutions, greater accountability and protecting Hamilton’s future while managing growth responsibly.

Hamilton deserves responsible leadership that listens to residents, respects taxpayers and focuses on the services and infrastructure our communities depend on.

“Through my years of advocacy, I understand how important it is to have leaders who listen, care, and make sure the voices of residents are heard. That is why I am proud to support Juanita for Ward 5.”

— Angela Pugliese

Read the Endorsement Letter

The Affordability & Responsible Spending Priority

Hamilton families are feeling the pressure of rising living costs and property taxes. City government needs to take a hard look at how money is being spent before asking residents to pay more.

Juanita will work to:

  • Cap unnecessary budget increases by conducting strict reviews across City departments and identifying non-essential administrative costs.
  • Stabilize property taxes with greater attention to the impact on residential property owners, including seniors and families.
  • Prioritize essential services and make sure taxpayer dollars are directed toward the services residents rely on most.
  • Support affordable housing partnerships by streamlining municipal approvals for mixed-income developments and encouraging partnerships with non-profit housing providers rather than relying on costly municipal bureaucracy.

Bottom line: Residents should know where their money is going and see value for the taxes they pay.

The Environmental Protection & Responsible Growth Priority

Planning for growth without compromising Hamilton’s future

Hamilton is changing, and new technologies and developments bring both opportunities and challenges. Growth needs to be managed responsibly, with careful consideration of its impact on our environment, infrastructure and residents.

Juanita will work to:

  • Strengthen oversight of AI data centres, including publicly disclosed environmental assessments and greater transparency around their electricity and water requirements.
  • Protect Hamilton’s electricity grid and water resources by encouraging high-load energy users to invest in closed-loop water recycling and off-grid renewable energy where appropriate.
  • Protect green space and air quality, including stronger protection for the Niagara Escarpment and local watersheds.
  • Maintain rigorous standards for industrial polluters and ensure environmental considerations remain part of Hamilton’s growth decisions.

Bottom line: Hamilton can embrace innovation without putting unnecessary pressure on our environment, infrastructure or residents.

The Smarter Infrastructure Priority

Fix the basics. Hold contractors accountable.

Residents shouldn’t have to wonder when a dangerous pothole will be fixed or why infrastructure projects take longer and cost more than expected. Hamilton needs to focus on maintaining what we already have and getting better value from every infrastructure dollar.

Juanita will work to:

  • Improve road maintenance response times, with a goal of addressing severe potholes on major arterial roads and transit routes within 48 hours.
  • Strengthen contractor accountability through performance-based contracts and penalties for unjustified delays and budget overruns.
  • Prioritize a state of good repair, putting essential maintenance and infrastructure ahead of unnecessary or lower-priority municipal initiatives.
  • Demand better value and clearer accountability for major infrastructure spending.

Bottom line: Fix what is broken, maintain what we have and make sure contractors deliver what taxpayers are paying for.

The Safety & Emergency Preparedness Priority

Safer communities. Better prepared. Stronger frontline services.

Residents need to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and confident that Hamilton is prepared when emergencies happen. That means properly supporting the people and services responsible for responding when residents need help.

Juanita will work to:

  • Support sustainable funding for first responders, including Hamilton Police, Fire and Paramedic Services, with a focus on frontline staffing and response times.
  • Support frontline policing and recruitment, ensuring sworn officers have the resources needed for patrol, traffic enforcement and specialized crisis response.
  • Strengthen emergency preparedness so Hamilton is better positioned to respond to major emergencies and disruptions.
  • Support integrated crisis response, bringing police and mental health professionals together for appropriate situations while allowing police to focus on crime prevention and community safety.
  • Address youth crime and community safety with a focus on practical, coordinated responses.

Bottom line: Safety depends on prepared communities, reliable infrastructure and properly supported frontline services.

A Stronger, More Accountable Hamilton

Juanita believes City Hall should be accountable to the people it serves. That means listening to residents, making responsible financial decisions, maintaining the infrastructure we already have and planning carefully for Hamilton’s future.