Priming the mayoral pump?

An interesting email landed in my inbox this afternoon. It's a press release from McMaster University introducing the host of a women's basketball conference in March - none other than potential mayoral candidate Teresa Cascioli.

Here are a couple paragraphs from the release:

McMaster University Athletics is excited to welcome one of Hamilton’s most dynamic personalities, Teresa Cascioli, as the Honorary Chair for the 2010 Canadian Interuniversity Sport (“CIS”) Women’s Basketball Championship.

 A native of Hamilton and graduate of McMaster University, Ms. Cascioli is best known for her forceful leadership as the CEO of Hamilton’s Lakeport Brewing. Her efforts changed the beer market in Ontario and positioned Lakeport as the largest discount brewery in Canada. Cascioli left Lakeport in 2007 after the sale of Lakeport to Labatt Breweries of Canada.

 Since then she has established the Teresa Cascioli Charitable Foundation, well respected for its many local philanthropic works, including the endowment of an academic Chair in support of Entrepreneurship Leadership at McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business. As energetic as she is business-savvy, Ms. Cascioli remains active in a variety of organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors for Canada’s Walk of Fame.

“McMaster is thrilled to have as the event’s Honorary Chair one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs and a fantastic role model for young women everywhere.” said Jeff Giles, McMaster’s Director of Athletics and Recreation.

“Hosting the eight best CIS women’s basketball teams at McMaster is a tremendous opportunity to showcase both the City of Hamilton and McMaster University to a national audience,” exclaimed Cascioli. “I am excited to be involved and look forward to a tremendous event”.

I haven't heard a peep from Cascioli since I wrote about whether she's throwing her hat into the mayoral ring. Maybe the timing of her participation in this event is simply coincidental and it has nothing to do with politics. Cascioli is a big fan of McMaster and this could be the latest in a string of supportive gestures towards her alma mater.

But...on the other hand...I have to admit that the first thing that popped into my head was that this seems like a politically savvy move. It could be the cynical journalist in me, but it's hard not to notice the fact that appearances like these are the bread and butter of the campaign trail. Either way,Cascioli said she wouldn't be making any decisions public until next month.

What do you think?

Comments

[Rick]

Not gonna happen. Trust me.

[Robbie]

Emma, Emma, Emma. I would never support Cascioli for mayor but for you to stretch this story into a political manouver is ridiculous.

[Brian Henley]

Personally, I would not connect her chairmanship of this event and any potential mayoral run. It is a high profile event I'm sure in the academic athletic circles and all, but would really not have much if any impact outside of that environment. If this person is indeed considering a run for mayor, the choice of March as the time to announce would be about right.

[TerryS]

Let's hope she is serious...we need her; Hamilton needs some 'forceful leadership'.

[Tom Robertson]

Do Ron Joyce or Ron Foxcroft have a political agenda behind their support for programs in the city? Are the Jurivinski's with their support for cancer research or the Tanenbaum family with their desire to support the Art Gallery of Hamilton secretly hiding a political scheme? I don't think so. Why should Teresa Casciola throwing her support behind a program she has a passion for then be just considered political posturing? I am sure there was no political motive behind the McMaster press release. Any good organization would release glowing comments regarding one of their benefactors.

[Markalanwhittle]

Teresa Cascioli has more irons in the fire than Jack-the-bear, she's too busy enjoing the fruits of her Philanthropy to wade into the electoral swamp Hamilton is. Got any hip waders?

[JoanneB]

I wouldn't have linked one event to the other either. She appears to just be doing her thing.
And, of course you haven't heard a peep. Being tight lipped is a good strategy when one obviously doesn't want to give fodder.