A city council candidate in Ward 4 is defending his election signs following criticism that they are misleading.
Peter Hamtak disagrees and says that his signs, which read “re-elect Peter Hamtak” are accurate and reflect that he has council experience that makes him the better choice.
Hamtak served on council from 2003 to 2006 as a councillor for Ward 6. He ran again for council in Ward 6 in 2006 but finished fourth.
Hamtak points to the definition of “re-elect” as “to elect for another term in office" and sees nothing wrong with it being 12 years since he was elected.
“The first sentence in my website clearly states ‘After taking a few years break to raise my children, I’m seeking re-election...’” Hamtak points out. “I think it’s all very clear.”
He believes the “re-elect” wording on his signs is fair.
“I do. Past experience on city council adds value and it also adds value to the track record of decision making, so I think the ‘re-elect as a councillor, having served before, is fair as a statement.
“Basically you’re asking the electorate to send you back to council for another term. To ‘re-elect,’ right?” he said.
These @PHamtak signs are more than a little deceiving. 'Re-elect' suggests an incumbent, not someone who last sat 12 years ago. #guelph pic.twitter.com/lGWyMILNYv
— Scott Tracey (@scottjtracey) September 24, 2018
Others running in Ward 4 feel the term “re-elect” is misleading, given the amount of time that has passed since Hamtak served on council.
“I believe it is very misleading for Peter Hamtak to have ‘Re-elect’ on his signs considering he was never elected in Ward 4. There are only two incumbents, not three,” said Ward 4 first-time candidate Eli Ridder.
“While it is not technically inaccurate, as he has been previously elected to city council, it is a form of false advertising and misleading to the residents of Ward 4,” said Mike Salisbury, one of the current Ward 4 councillors who is seeking re-election.
“I think sleight of hand election tricks like this reflect on the integrity of a candidate,” Salisbury said.
Not all see an issue though.
Matt Saunders, who is also seeking a council seat in Ward 4, said he has “no problem” with Hamtak’s signs.
"I don't see a problem with former councillors running based on their history in office,” Saunders said.
“I encourage every voter to look closely at the record, the qualifications, and the platform of every candidate before making their choice.
“It's not the first time someone made the jump from Ward 6 to Ward 4 after all.”
Hamtak said the other candidates in Ward 4 upset with his signs are possibly “grasping at straws.”
“They have their own issues to worry about and I suggest that they’re entitled to that critique if they wish, but I think it’s sour grapes that perhaps they don’t have the background that’s required to do a good job,” Hamtak said.
