Immigrants and the mayoralty

During the Cable 14 mayoral debate Sept. 27, Andrea Horwath stated, “What gives this person (Keanin Loomis), who has been here a couple of years (13 years), the capacity to walk in and be the mayor of the City of Hamilton? I don’t really understand where this hutzpah comes from.” If we aren’t born here, but actively choose Hamilton over anywhere else in the world, are we less committed community members? Are immigrants not worthy of the top job in the city — even after living here for five, 10, or 15 years? Are we immigrants second-class citizens who should not dare to strive for the top jobs?

Heino Døssing, Hamilton