Politics of Hamilton, Ontario
Politically, Hamilton is known for producing groundbreaking, colourful and left-wing politicians. Locally, though, the big political stories have included the controversial amalgamation of Hamilton with its suburbs in 2001, the destruction of green space around the Red Hill Valley to make way for the Red Hill Creek Expressway, and plans to build a Light Rail Transit line in the city. Municipal politics The municipal politics of Hamilton, Ontario function within a framework council-manager government with considerable autonomy despite constitutionally-mandated oversight from the Government of Ontario. Hamilton's mayor is the ceremonial leader of council, with other councillors accepting the role of Deputy Mayor, and thus chair of council, on a rotating basis. The city elects members to its council independently of political parties, though many have strong ties to federal and provincial parties, as well as slates, which have historically been an important part of municipal elections. Hamilton's politics has been influenced by all major Canadian political parties and, to a certain extent, by the Communist/Labor-Progressive parties and smaller special interest groups. Presently, Hamilton, Ontario City Council is composed of 15 councillors, elected from each of the city's wards and one mayor, elected in a citywide poll. The current composition of