Mayoral Q&A: Books, movies, pot and cats versus dogs

As Hamilton rolls towardOct. 27 and the municipalelection, there are manyimportant political discussions taking place in our city from gasification plants to economic development to LRT.

But havent you wondered what our mayoral candidates are really like as people? You know, the basics the types of things we all ask each other when getting to know someone that help us decide how we feel about people.

• RELATED: McHattie takes aggressive stance against gasification plant
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Weve been wondering too. Thats why CBC Hamilton sent this questionnaire to all mayoral candidates and asked them to fill it out and send it back. Were posting their unedited responses here.

Mayoral cadidates Brad Clark, Mike Clancy, Ejaz Butt, Nick Iamonico and Phil Ryerson did not respond to requests for comment.

Candidate Ricky Tavares declined to answer any questions because he does not want to give away his secret, five-year plan for generating one trillion dollars for Hamilton City Hall building. He also asked that all mayoral candidates pull out of the election so that he is guaranteed to win.

• RELATED: Watch our one-on-one live streamed interviews with mayoral candidates this week

And so, without further ado:

1. What band/artists/musician are you listening to the most lately?

Fred Eisenberger: Foo fighters, Green Day, Tragically Hip, Tchaikovsky.

Crystal Lavigne: The Irish Rover's, because my youngest three love The Unicorn Song!

Michael Baldasaro: Johnny and June Carter Cash , Willy Nelson.

Brian McHattie: Harlan Pepper, Dave Brubeck, Jesse Cook, Steve Strongman, Soundtrack to Chef, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Harrison Kennedy, Young Rival, and HPO's Beethoven piano concert.

Warren Francis: Primal Fear (melodic heavy metal).

Michael Pattison: The Vaudevillian.

2. What's your all time favourite film?

Eisenberger: Little Big Man.

Lavigne: I Am Legend... Because I am :)

Baldasaro: The Taming of the Shrew, Clark Gabel and Elizabeth Taylor.

McHattie: Caddyshack.

Francis: Forrest Gump.

Pattison: Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

3. What's your all time favourite book?

Eisenberger: Shogun, Noble House.

Lavigne: This is the hardest question in the whole wide world to answer. I have read so many great books I am not sure that I can narrow it down to just one.

Baldasaro: On a Pale Horse, Piers Anthony.

McHattie: Tie between Galore by Michael Crummey and 3 Day Road by Joseph Boyden.

Francis: The Weirdstone of Brisingamen.

Pattison: Any newspaper, magazine, periodical or zine that crosses my path.

4. Would you rather read a paper book or a kindle?

Eisenberger: I do have both, but love the feel of a book still.

Lavigne: Paper book!!!!!!! The battery never needs to be re-charged. Everything about a paper book is magical. If I drop it, it doesn't break.

Baldasaro: Paper book.

McHattie: Paper book.

Francis: Paper.

Pattison: One word: LUDDITE.

5. If you were to vote for Canada's next Prime Minister right now, who would it be?

Eisenberger: I am socially liberal and fiscally conservative. I will see what the party platforms look like before I decide but I like the freshness and engagement of a new generation of leadership Justin Trudeau energizes.

Lavigne: I think I am best to leave this one blank.

Baldasaro: Justin Trudeau.

McHattie: Have to decline this one as important for a Mayor to remain non-partisan.

Francis: Me, because I care more about Canada.

Pattison: A native elder.

6. Whats your preferred social media platform?

Eisenberger: Twitter.

Lavigne: Not being a huge fan of social media to begin with, I have to go with Facebook. It's nice and easy.

Baldasaro: Facebook.

McHattie: Twitter.

Francis: In person real time.

Pattison: Face to face.

7. What's your all time favourite television show?

Eisenberger: West Wing of old, House of Cards currently.

Lavigne: I don't watch much television to be honest.However, I do on occasion enjoy a variety of shows including, Yukon Men, The Neighbours, and I do hope Jeremy Wade makes some new Monster Fish episodes.

Baldasaro: All In The Family with Archie Bunker

McHattie: The West Wing.

Francis: Mantracker.

Pattison: WKRP in Cincinnati.

8. Have you ever smoked marijuana/tried any other recreational drugs?

Eisenberger: I tried marijuana but it just made me sleep. I am not interested in mind or body altering substances other than absolutely necessary medication.

Lavigne: I think this a ridiculous question and is only been an interest since Trudeau has brought this into the spotlight.

Baldasaro: Yes, I smoke Marijuana, Medicinally. Gods Tree of Life is for the healing of the nations.. Revelation Chap. 22. Many years ago, I briefly tried other drugs, including alcohol.

McHattie: Tried marijuana once.

Francis: Yes. I encourage everyone to. There would be more harmony and peace thats for sure!

Pattison: Yes.

9. What's your all time favourite food/meal?

Eisenberger: Sushi.

Lavigne: Does ice cream count as a meal? Honestly, I've been in love with a vegetarian burrito lately from Mucho Burrito.

Baldasaro: Roast Beef with Sweet Potatoes, Mushrooms, vegetables and a salad. Desert is always good, homemade applesauce, banana and corn gluten free bread.

McHattie: Macaroni and Cheese.

Francis: Steak and kidney pie, beans, egg and chips (French fries) and gravy.

Pattison: A real clubhouse sandwich.

10. What's your favourite way to travel? Car, public transit, train, boat, bicycle, or otherwise?

Eisenberger: Bicycle.

Lavigne: On four wheels.

Baldasaro: Car and/or Motorcycle.

McHattie: Train.

Francis: Jet plane

Pattison: My feet.

11. What do you drive?

Eisenberger: Mazda Tribute.

Lavigne: I mostly drive my minivan because it can hold my entire family in it at one time!

Baldasaro: 1991 Honda Accord, Station Wagon and 2002 Black Honda VTX 1800cc.

McHattie: Toyota Prius.

Francis: Nothing due to economic depression and discrimination in this city. Planned social and wealth destruction.

Pattison: Mazda MPV.

12. Cats or dogs?

Eisenberger: Nope. Chip the chunky cat passed away 6 years ago after 16 years of gaining weight.

Lavigne: If I say I prefer my cat over my dog, my dog will be offended.If I say I prefer my dog over my cat, my cat will never want anything to do with me again and he will grab my ankles from under the bed at night time, making me scream, which in turn would probably wake up my whole house. Therefore, I think I shall go with.......?

Baldasaro: I am servant to 2 Felines. TiggRrr, a 6 yr. old Female Tabby and
The New and Improved Fluffy, a 1 yr. old caramel/white fully functioning male.

McHattie: Dogs.

Francis: Cats.

Pattison: Dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, snakes etc. All animals make us better humans.

13. Whats your favourite hobby?

Eisenberger: Woodworking, furniture building.

Lavigne: Fishing, because I am not good enough at it to classify it as a sport.

Baldasaro: Picking Guitar and Singing.

McHattie: Sea kayaking or whale watching.

Francis: Fishing.

Pattison: Hiking with my better half and our children.