Bernard Steps Up!

As some of you have been following on this site lately, I've been watching the Ward 10 race, mainly because of the splash made by Juan Pablo Bustamante.  However, at the same time, I've been razzing a fellow challenging candidate, mostly for lack of visibility.  I suppose it got rather too much for Bernard Josipovic who rightfully let me know of his displeasure in my neglect.  I explained myself and asked him some questions to get to know him.  I probably know more about Bernard than I know about Pablo.  The one thing you learn when covering election campaigns is how easy it is to jump on a bandwagon and it's just as easy as getting off.  While there is no bandwagon for me to jump on in Ward 10, there seems to be some quality choices to be made and that says a lot about the candidates and hopefully the people who live there.

I would like to congratulate Bernard, with whom I've been rather harsh and neglectful, and I wish him all the best in the fall elections.  His press release follows:


Fresh Ideas, Fresh Face, Fresh Start

HAMILTON, ONTARIO, 9 July 2010—It is with great pleasure that we welcome and formally introduce Mr. Bernard Josipovic, the newest candidate running for Ward 10 Councillor in Hamilton. With his “Fresh face, fresh ideas, fresh start” campaign under way, Bernard is ready to listen, understand, and give a voice to his residents in order to address the issues that matter most.

Bernard joins the candidacy with a professional, academic and personal background in the communications field, both in journalism and public relations. Having lived in Stoney Creek for over 22 years, Bernard knows firsthand the issues that residents face, and is ready to take on the challenge of addressing and solving these problems.

The main agenda of the “Fresh face, fresh ideas, fresh start” campaign is to bring much needed change to Ward 10 through regular open dialogue and a representative that is prepared to listen to the residents and their ideas and concerns. Bernard is ready to take on that challenge with a political platform agenda including—but not limited to—solving traffic issues (Highway 8 and Fruitland Road), making sure every resident enjoys the City of Hamilton's services, cleaning up local parks, noise complaints, loitering, to name a few.

Achieving a Diploma in Journalism and Broadcasting from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, and a Post-graduate Certificate in Public Relations, Bernard brings to the table a passion to listen, communicate and tackle problems head on. Fluent in Croatian, Bernard has also travelled extensively and studied abroad in Munich, Germany to strengthen his understanding of other cultures, while also learning a new language.
Having previously worked for Stelco (U.S. Steel), Dofasco and Y108—where many in Ward 10 have and/or continue to work—has enabled Bernard to work with a wide array of hardworking men and women who want their concerns to be heard and their tax money spent responsibly. “I see myself as an 'everyday' guy who has worked in the arts and manufacturing industry, and I really want to bring that 'everyday' voice to City Hall so we, in Ward 10, can be heard,” stated Bernard Josipovic when asked why he chose to run for office. “Bi-weekly meetings are crucial, whether there are issues or not. I believe that being in contact with residents consistently enables a councillor to get a clear idea of what is going on in the hearts and minds of our residents. It is our money, our tax dollars, and we all deserve a voice.”

Bernard believes in giving back to his community, and has volunteered for several organizations, such as Canadian Blood Services and Artists at the Center. As an active volunteer with Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO), Bernard leads cultural orientation group circles, to ease newcomers to our city in both language and customs. As an immigrant himself, Bernard knows the importance of acceptance and integration at this crucial stage of resettlement, and has devoted his time to helping newcomers ease into their new country.

An active member of recreational sports in his city, Bernard is involved in both the baseball and soccer. Bernard believes that sports bring our community and families together and motivate us, and our children to be active and healthy. “Quality parks and sports centers are crucial for any community and encourage our children to be more active, and have fun in a safe environment” stated Bernard.

Bernard is in the running against Mrs. Maria Pearson and Mr. Pablo Bustamante.

For more information regarding Bernard Josipovic's campaign goals and political platform please contact: josipovicforward10@gmail.com and visit:

http://josipovicforward10.blogspot.com/