Hampstead’s municipal election on November 2 is shaping up to be much more than a routine change of leadership. It is becoming a referendum on how the town handles public money, how often its leaders travel on the taxpayer’s dime, and how accountable they are to the residents who pay the bills.
Former mayor Bill Steinberg is back, armed with spreadsheets and expense records. His campaign argues that the current administration has blurred the line between public duty and personal privilege. He points to luxury hotel stays, expensive dinners, Internet bills charged while on a cruise, foreign travel for councillors and senior staff, and a forty point five percent salary increase for councillors since the last election. Steinberg highlights council minutes approving trips to Tel Aviv for councillors Leon Elfassy and Jason Farber, as well as a report from the Commission municipale du Québec that criticized the conduct of the former director general.
Mayor Jeremy Levi and the sitting council say the problems Steinberg points to are old news and have already been fixed. After the watchdog report was released, the town announced new credit card policies, tighter approval processes, and noted that annual audits found no fraud. Finance chief and mayoral contender Jack Edery said the town has already strengthened its internal controls and improved transparency.
Levi’s term has also been marked by public controversy. In August, he posted on social media that Israel should move forward with full annexation of Gaza, drawing intense criticism. He also refused to lower an Israeli flag flying outside Town Hall despite protests that later ended in an arrest after the flag was set on fire. Earlier this year, Montreal city councillor Alex Norris filed a defamation lawsuit against Levi over a social media dispute. The case is still before the courts, but it has become another political distraction as the campaign heats up.
Among the councillors, Michael Goldwax is running on a record of stability and service. He presents himself as an experienced hand who focuses on safety and consistent delivery rather than high profile projects or travel. Leon Elfassy and Jason Farber promote their experience in public works and urban planning, citing their involvement in zoning reforms and infrastructure projects. Harvey Shaffer has kept a lower public profile but remains part of the same council whose spending has been called into question. Jack Edery is running for mayor on his financial record, telling voters he will ensure tighter oversight of spending and greater accountability.
One familiar name will not be on the ballot this year. Councillor Warren Budning, who has served on council for years, is not seeking reelection. In his place, his father, Jeffrey Budning, a certified accountant and longtime Hampstead resident, has entered the race. Jeff Budning is campaigning on fiscal restraint and what he calls a return to professionalism. He argues that the town has lost touch with its financial responsibilities and says he would bring back a culture of transparency and respect for taxpayer dollars.
The questions facing Hampstead voters are simple but serious. Were the overseas trips justified? Did the expensive meals and hotels bring value back to the town? Were the salary increases deserved? Are taxpayers getting anything in return for the conferences and perks? And what will the next council do to make sure every dollar is tracked and justified?
This election is about trust. Residents will decide whether to stick with a mayor who describes himself as bold and unafraid of controversy or to turn back to an era of quieter, more restrained governance. Every cheque signed by the town comes from local families who want safe streets, repaired sidewalks, and efficient services, not headlines about spending or another round of internal investigations.
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