Competition for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek heating up as Coun. Farr joins the race

Coun. Jason Farrhas decided to try his hand at provincial politics.

The former broadcaster has represented Hamilton's Ward 2 for 12 years, but hasannounced plans to run for the Ontario Liberals in Hamilton EastStoney Creek.

Party leader Steven Del Duca introduced Farras a candidate during a media conference onMonday.

Farr described his decision as a "return to his roots" and the next step in his evolution as an elected official.

"It's more than a homecoming for myself, it's an affirmation that my decades of public service and city-building as a local councillor," he said, adding he can't imagine not being in a position where he can give back to the community.

"It's a very, very rewarding career in public service and one that I don't take for granted."

Del Duca pointed to Farr's track record as a councillor and thanked him for bringing "all of your experience, all of your talent, all of your dedication" to the party.

The seat in Hamilton EastStoney Creek has been held by NDP MPP Paul Miller since 2007, but it may be up for grabs after the party abruptly announcedlast month that he had been kicked out.

The NDP said Miller was a member of aFacebook group Worldwide Coalition Against Islam and that he was removed following a"pattern of troubling behaviour" that indicated he may "harbour Islamophobic, homophobic and racist views."

Millerpreviouslytold CBCthat the allegations were "totally fabricated and false," saying the "truth will rise to the top and once again the NDP will be embarrassed."

He has also reportedly said he did not write his own Facebook posts, and that heplans to run as an independent.

NDP candidate says campaign about people, not profit

The NDP is set to announce Zaigham Butt as their candidate in the riding on Tuesday evening.

"The riding has been an NDP riding and we will ensure that it stays orange," the 28-year-old told CBCMonday afternoon.

The first-time candidategrew up in the riding, attending both elementary and high school in the area. He pointed to his "extensive relationships" in the community and said he's already receiving lots of support.

He was named tothe Order of Hamilton earlier this year, with thecitation stating he wasbeing recognized for his contributions to the community, including leading teams that cleaned up Wagner Beach Park and graffiti downtown as well as his work with the Pakistan Business Association, which includeddelivering food hampers to families struggling during the pandemic.

Butt said his campaign will be about "people and not profit," saying he'll focus on affordability and improving long-term care.

"As a first-generation immigrant whose family struggled at various times to make ends meet, I know the challenges with trying to grow a family in a society where too many people fall behind," he said.

Neil Lumsden, a formerCFL player, Brock University athleticdirector and manager of sports marketing agency, is running for the Ontario PC Party in the riding.

"If we've learned anything from the health care and economic challenges of past few years, it's that the world is unpredictable no single person and no political party has all the answers in a binder,"reads a quote on Lumsden's website.

"I know from my own experience that teams can accomplish things that individuals cannot and I'll bring this passion to Queen's Park for the people of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek."

The Green Party of Ontario has yet to announce who will represent it in Hamilton EastStoney Creek.

Farr will go without council pay

Farr said friends, including former mayors Bob Bratinaand Larry Di Ianni, encouraged him to run for a spot at Queen's Park.

The idea has been on the "hot burner" for months, he explained, adding he was alsoinspired while helpingfellow former council member Chad Collins and inhis successful run for the federal Liberals last year.

The main message he heard while knocking on doors during that election was a rising concern about political polarization and divisiveviews, said Farr, adding that's part of what drew him to the Liberals.

Farr said he would be forgoing his council pay during his campaign, as other councillors have done in the past.

"That said," he wrote in a text message to CBC. "I know there will be occasions where I may be needed and certainly our office is highly capable of supporting constituents during the month."