Are you in favour of de-amalgamating from the City of Hamilton?

David Longo: Personally, yes. At every opportunity in the past, the citizens of Dundas and their elected representatives (Town Council, Regional Council) expressed overwhelming opposition to amalgamation with the city of Hamilton. Most of the issues which are currently a concern to the people of Dundas are a direct result of amalgamation. I support a binding referendum allowing the citizens of Dundas to decide on the structure of government they prefer. As an elected representative, I would work to implement the decision of the citizens of Dundas as expressed through a referendum.

Art Samson: I strongly believe in the democratic right of the people to express their views on the government structure they prefer. I support a binding referendum. However, the province has made it clear that revisiting amalgamation is not a priority at this time. For that reason, I am committed to doing everything in my power to make our present governance structure work for us.
If allowed a referendum, I would vote to de-amalgamate.

Marty Zuliniak: Dundas managed itself as an incorporated Town for many decades. There is no evident reason to me why it cannot do this again.

Describe what you have done to oppose amalgamation and/or to promote de-amalgamation.

David Longo:

• I have written letters to elected leaders and to the local newspapers which promote the benefits of de-amalgamation and which request a binding referendum on the issue.
• I have been involved with grass roots organizations promoting local democracy and de-amalgamation. I was a founding member of the Dundas Again Campaign and the first Chair of its steering committee.
• I was a main organizer and of the petition calling for a referendum and presented it to MPP Ted McMeekin at his office.
• I have donated time and money to have T-shirts and stickers made supporting the de-amalgamation drive.

• I was actively involved with the Dundas Citizen's Referendum held in the 1990's
• I traveled to Queen's Park with other Dundas citizens to deliver our rejection of the amalgamation proposal.
• I attended initial meetings of the "Dundas Again" organization. In fact, I suggested the name "Dundas Again".

Marty Zuliniak: I instituted the "Been There Dundas" campaign in an effort to draw attention to the Town of Dundas and its plight at being lost through amalgamation with the City of Hamilton. I am working on a campaign called "Dundas's of the World" Again, in an attempt to draw world recognition to the Town of Dundas as an independent entity. My run for Council slogan is: "Dundas Votes". With all of these programs, I am working to focus peoples' attention on the distinct qualities and character of the Town of Dundas.

Describe how you will work towards de-amalgamation if you are elected.

David Longo: I support the on-going efforts to convince the Province to allow a binding referendum, perhaps along the lines of the recent Québec de-merger referenda. I will work with members of Hamilton City Council to increase their awareness of Dundas as a unique, successful community with a long, proud history. I will support all community initiatives which serve to preserve and strengthen our sense of community and identity, since without a supporting political structure, this will inevitably be eroded.

Art Samson: If elected, I will actively pursue a dialogue with our MPP, Ted McMeekin, to persuade the province to hold a binding referendum.

Marty Zuliniak: Elected or not, I will be in support of a referendum on the matter. Seems this was neglected by the Province in the first place. If there cannot be a question on the Municipal ballot because of jurisdiction then I believe there should be a question on the next Provincial ballot asking voters if they support de-amalgamation.