Facts first.
Port Hope always.

August 28, 2026

A Clear Limit on Property Tax Increases

Port Hope residents deserve predictability—and a municipal government that treats every tax dollar with care.

General Government expenses increased by approximately 44% between 2021 and 2024, while Port Hope’s municipal tax requirement has increased by roughly 25% during the current term of Council. Meanwhile, young families, working people and older residents living on fixed incomes are struggling to keep up with property-tax increases year after year.

They deserve a Mayor and Council who will put their interests first, carefully examine where their money is going and make protecting taxpayers a top priority.

If elected Mayor, I will work with Council to:

• Hold annual increases in Port Hope’s municipal tax requirement to an average of 2.5%—no more than approximately 10% over four years
• Introduce a four-year municipal budget for 2027–2030, so residents can see where we are headed—not just one year at a time
• Find approximately $1 million in annual operating efficiencies within a municipal budget of roughly $40 million
• Protect essential services and maintain necessary capital investment in our roads, infrastructure and community facilities

A Mayor cannot set taxes alone; the budget must be approved by Council. My commitment is to provide the leadership, financial discipline and long-term planning needed to keep total property-tax increases within 10% over four years.

I do not make commitments lightly, and I do not rely on tricks or slogans. I am asking residents to judge me on my experience, my financial skills and the specific, measurable plan I am putting forward.

I have spent my career taking on difficult work, solving complex problems and helping governments make responsible financial decisions. It would be a privilege to take on this challenge for Port Hope, do the necessary work and be held accountable for the results.

You can learn more about my expertise, professional experience and education in the About section of my Facebook page and on my LinkedIn profile.

The first answer cannot always be to ask taxpayers for more.

August 27, 2026

Port Hope Residents Focus Group All-Candidates Meeting: Listening First

On Wednesday evening, August 26, I joined other candidates and residents at Welcome (New Hope) Church for the first of three election information-sharing sessions hosted by the Port Hope Residents Focus Group (PHRFG).

PHRFG is using a professionally facilitated “Fair Process.” At the August 26 and September 9 sessions, candidates hear residents’ concerns and seek clarification. Candidates return on September 17 to share their positions and explain how they would proceed if elected.

The first session addressed:

• Taxation and municipal finances
• OPG’s proposed Wesleyville facility

Although the questions concern the entire municipality, the session also provided a valuable opportunity to hear about the particular experiences and perspectives of rural Ward 2 residents.

Some of my key takeaways included:

• The need for greater transparency about Ward 2’s tax burden relative to the municipal services it receives
• The need to examine whether municipal resources and services are being allocated fairly between Ward 1 and Ward 2
• Much of the Wesleyville discussion assumed the project would proceed and focused on gathering residents’ input and negotiating the best possible outcome for Port Hope
• A concern was also raised that Port Hope could face serious financial difficulty without Wesleyville. I do not share such a bleak outlook. Wesleyville may offer important opportunities, but Port Hope’s future does not depend on one project alone.

The September 9 session will address:

• The ward-boundary review
• Port Hope’s representation at Northumberland County
• Strong Mayor powers

These are important and complex matters. I will reflect on what I heard, investigate the questions and return on Thursday, September 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the same venue to share my responses.

I hope residents from across Port Hope will consider attending and joining the conversation.

Thank you to PHRFG, resident representatives Bill Bickle, Helen Evans and Ian Angus, facilitator Pam Buttery, and everyone who participated.

David Stambrook
Candidate for Mayor of Port Hope