Last week in front of more than 150 supporters at the C Hotel Ward 8 Councillor Rob Cooper kicked off his campaign to become Hamilton’s Mayor, and the first order of business was receiving the endorsement from the Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). It is a switch for LIUNA, which in the 2022 election endorsed mayoralty candidate Keanin Loomis, who is running again.

This time though, Cooper was introduced by Victoria Mancinelli, Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for LIUNA, alongside representatives from LIUNA Local 837. She told the gathering at which were a number of local business leaders and members of the development community, “Hamilton is at a point where real change is needed. Rob Cooper represents that change. He brings proactive leadership, open-mindedness, and genuine empathy. He understands the challenges our city faces and has the vision to help restore our downtown core while supporting every neighbourhood across Hamilton. We are proud to endorse Rob Cooper for Mayor.”

Joseph Mancinelli, LIUNA International Vice President and Canadian Director, also provided a written statement of support. “Hamilton needs leadership with the courage to confront challenges head on, the political will to deliver solutions, and the determination to choose action over excuses. Rob is the candidate who can bring stability and common sense back to City Hall.”

While not formally endorsing Cooper, The Hamilton Brantford Building Trades Council members individually acknowledged Cooper on social media  for his successful motion at Hamilton City Council to modernize Hamilton’s Fair Wage Policy.

Cooper’s campaign site says he “ spent decades transforming complex multibillion-dollar organizations across both the public and private sectors, including Stelco, TD, McMaster University, Manulife, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. He holds 13 degrees and professional designations, including an MBA, and has served in senior executive roles including Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Risk Officer, Chief Internal Auditor, and Vice President.”

Cooper’s campaign know they need resources to make up the gap in name recognition and say they are confident they can gain the necessary financial support. Cooper has been meeting with various ethnic communities and church organizations and his campaign workers say he is getting a “very positive response.”

Said Cooper, “Hamilton is at a turning point, and residents know something is not working at City Hall. Over the last four years, property taxes have increased by 23 percent, while too many services have declined. Residents are paying more and getting less. Hamilton is a multibillion-dollar city. Running a city of this scale requires more than good intentions.”