Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger steps down from police board to ‘boost diversity’

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Published November 16, 2021 at 4:20 pm

Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger called no boundary expansion are "where-should-we-grow option."

In an effort to potentially boost diversity on the Hamilton Police Services Board, Mayor Fred Eisenberger announced he is stepping down as chair, effective Nov. 26, 2021.

Eisenberger says exiting a full year before his intended two-year term would both create the opportunity for a new board chair and a new council representative on the board with a full year remaining during the current council term.

“Although the decision is Council’s to make, my wish would be that the opportunity be taken to increase the inclusivity and diversity of the police services board, and by ‘diversity’ I include increased gender parity,” says Eisenberger. “To my knowledge, Council has not appointed a female to the Police Services Board in the past 30 years if ever.

“That was my stated intention when I assumed the position of board Chair and I am now pleased to fulfill that commitment.”

Council will have the opportunity to pick a new board representative at its Nov. 24 meeting.

Eisenberger says he will attend his last police services board meeting on Nov. 25.

“Policing is more challenging than ever before, but Hamilton’s police service is meeting these challenges in exemplary fashion,” says Eisenberger.

“Hamiltonians are justifiably proud of their police. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve with current and past members of the board. I have never ceased to be impressed by the men and women, sworn officers and civilian members, I have had the pleasure to meet and work with and I thank them above all for all that they do to serve our community.”

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