Spec Online

Vigilante validation?

David Chen, the Toronto grocer who was arrested after chasing down and apprehending a shoplifter last year, walked out of court a free man after charges were dropped against him Friday.

The case became a cause célèbre across the country, with many hailing Chen as a hero for taking the law into his own hands against a serial shoplifter when police wouldn’t respond. Some argue the decision supports vigilante behaviour, while others say his actions were justified even if illegal. What do you think?

Re-opening the stadium site debate

Newly-elected Hamilton mayor Bob Bratina wants to revisit stadium locations, putting Confederation Park on the table. Pan Am Games organizers say it's too late for that, and it would trigger an alternate city being considered. What do you think?

How was your voting experience?

Was it easy to vote? Was there a lineup and a wait? Was your polling station efficiently managed? Share your experience with  other voters. Who you voted for is your business, but feel free to share that, too, if you like.

Jobs, taxes, poverty

Almost four in ten Hamilton voters are focused on money, whether it’s property taxes, the economy, or jobs.

A Spectator/Nanos poll found that 37 per cent of the 1,000 voters polled picked those issues when they were asked an open-ended question about Hamilton’s challenges. Infrastructure (9.2 per cent), leadership (7.4 per cent), the Pan Am stadium (6.2 per cent), poverty (4.2 per cent) and downtown development (4.2 per cent) were also identified as top issues.

Do you agree? Why or why not?

 

All taxes, all the time

Two mayoral candidates recently issued dueling policy plans, each aimed at lowering taxes. Former mayor Larry Di Ianni says he wants to freeze property taxes for at least two years while the city examines its services to see where it can cut back. Mayor Fred Eisenberger is proposing a gradual cutback to a zero per cent increase over three years. What do you think?

Women and the election

Just 14 of 86 candidates in the upcoming election are female, even though women make up half the population. Is this a problem? What's the cause? What should happen to make it better?

How do you decide who to vote for?

How do you decide your vote? How do you pick your councilor? Municipal government has a direct impact on the life of you and your family, on your roads, recreation, water quality and so much more. How do you choose who gets to make those decisions for you? Tell us how you make your choice.