Keanin Loomis to Run for Mayor of Hamilton

Longtime chamber of commerce president Keanin Loomis is ready to trade in his advocacy role for the top job in Hamilton, announcing his resignation effective March 4 and his intention to run for mayor in the October election. Loomis, 47, has been CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for nearly nine years and claims to be the best person to lead the city through a time of significant change.

Key Takeaways:

• Keanin Loomis, president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for nearly nine years, is resigning to run for mayor in the October election.
• Loomis will throw his hat in the ring once the nomination period opens in the spring, aiming to lead the city through significant challenges, including light rail transit construction, homelessness, and pandemic recovery.
• Loomis has championed the city's light rail transit project, successfully working with the federal government to secure $1.7 billion in construction funding.
• Former Washington, D.C. lawyer Loomis is confident he can bring about change in the community, stating that he is the best person to lead it.
• Current Mayor Fred Eisenberger has not ruled out seeking a fourth term, while George Rusich, a past candidate, is also running again, and former mayor Bob Bratina is considering another bid for the mayor's chair.
• Loomis will face opposition from those, like Bratina, who have voiced strong opposition to the light rail transit project.

Statistics:

• Loomis has been CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for nearly nine years.
• The city's light rail transit project is expected to be a major undertaking, with a price tag of $3.4 billion.
• The federal government has committed $1.7 billion in construction funding for the project.
• The election for mayor is set to be held on October 24.
• Loomis will announce his intention to run for mayor on Wednesday.

Sources:

• Matthew Van Dongen, "Keanin Loomis to run for Hamilton mayor", The Spectator, no date mentioned.