Mayoral Election Hamilton, Ontario municipal election, 1950

helen anderson coulson s nomination speech,

november 23, 1950.

the city s organized labour movement convened shortly after close of nominations study issue of mayoral endorsement. rather take side of mayor jackson, conservative-minded politician or of coulson, avowed communist, city s unions pushed stronger get-out-the-vote campaign , made individual endorsements aldermanic , controller seats.

jackson endorsed number of groups, prominently taxpayers group called hamiltonians sound civic government. calling group of public-spirited citizens , hamiltonians sound civic government paid series of advertisements in hamilton spectator, supporting mayor , of sitting board of control.

coulson shut out of advertising in spectator, while jackson maintained considerable presence, actively highlighting platform points of reevaluating city s tax assessment process, constructing more public recreation facilities, including outdoor pools , skating rinks, , improving traffic in city core.

during time of election, jackson found himself embroiled in controversy on comments made concerning potential annexation of land in barton township south of city s limits @ fennell avenue. city engineers noted appropriate hamilton take control of lands far south limeridge road. controllers debated necessity of expanding farther onto mountain, urging mayor instead consider looking lands along shore of lake ontario.

on election night, jackson told spectator, cannot tell means 1 s faith, confidence, , courage know great majority of citizens behind 1 , paper editorializing win vote of confidence in mayor s leadership, , tribute vigorous administration of civic affairs.