MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Harold Atkinson
I’m Harold Atkinson and I’m running for mayor of our hometown. I’m from Morpeth. Things are bad here, our roads are horrible, taxes are high, few if any jobs, our schools are in danger. Council dithers and nothing gets done. A lot of sunburned tongues. Our not so illustrious council has no idea if administration is telling them the truth about the budget.
My friends with a few simple changes we can fix a lot immediately. My plan creates à lot of real jobs and with jobs come spouses and children. Maybe enough to save some schools. My plan is for Industrial (50%), Commercial (25%), Farm and residential 10% each. Plus dividing up our 117.6 million surplus into several things such as doing our own paving/repaving (15 million) with 8 crews averaging 2ks a day. 6 months à year .We have 3,588 kms of paved roads. A College Campus Fund, I’m looking for a campus for Ridgetown, Wallaceburg and Chatham. Plus safety issues such as guard posts, fire plugs, Traffic lights. A Community Fund. Divided 20 ways, Wallaceburg could get several new facilities with my innovative plan. Folks email haratkinson@gmail.com and i will send more details. It’s detailed.
Darrin Canniff
Darrin was born and raised in Chatham and is the married father of four children. Darrin attended Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo where he completed his four-year Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Darrin then attained his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation while employed by accounting firm KPMG. Darrin is currently Director and CFO at Transform SSO. Previously held positions include Controller at Greenfield Ethanol and over twenty years’ experience at Union Gas where he held various positions including Director, Planning and Forecasting.
Darrin is best known for his lengthy history of community service. Besides co-chairing the recent IPM, Darrin is the Chair of Mainstreet Credit Union, Chair of the Prosperity Roundtable and Director of the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation, co-chair of Positivity Day in CK, past Chair of Entegrus Inc., past co-chair of the United Way Campaign and past Director of the CKHA. Darrin has initiated and led numerous events in support of local charities including the Festival of Giving, the Amazing Race Chatham-Kent, and The Children’s Concert Series. Darrin is the past recipient of the Spectra Energy Award in recognition of employees who exhibit outstanding service and visionary thinking and was recognized by the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce as the Citizen of the Year in 2006.
Randy Hope
In government results count. As Mayor I have worked hard to stimulate the economy, we achieved results in the right direction. Unemployment is 5.6%, lowest in a decade, from a peak rate of 14% when Navistar closed. A recent survey indicates employers have 650 new jobs available. We have cut debt in half; the community’s population is increasing; recently announced two projects creating 300 jobs. A successful track record indicates that my qualifications and experience will ensure the community moves forward. Our “pay as you go” strategy is working. Improvements in firehalls, arenas, trails, roads and bridges serve residents well. I want to lead Chatham-Kent to a better future over the next four years.
I have a passion to see Chatham-Kent’s future success. We have set the direction and strategy for success. My experience, leadership and past results indicate that I am the best candidate to lead the community for the next four years. I ask for your vote to continue the initiatives we are working on. We have a major development in the Bloomfield Industrial Park which will secure good jobs for the future. I would like to deliver on all of these important projects.
Robert Salvatore Powers
I am Robert Salvatore Powers, I grew up in Chatham-Kent. I love it here, I could be anywhere else but I would always be thinking of my hometown. We have so much history to be proud of in Chatham-Kent, from industry to agriculture to sports and everything in between. As Mayor I will work with Council to ensure that the People of Chatham-Kent are served by the Municipality as best as possible.
Three Universities in two countries have conferred degrees upon me. I am a professional Political Scientist. With my education comes rights and privileges but also great responsibility. I am grateful to be considered for an opportunity to serve my hometown as Mayor. I may not have political experience, but I do have plenty of expertise I bring to the table and, frankly, our Municipality needs it. There are many big issues facing our community and through this election you have a direct say over how you feel about your Municipal Government – there is much at stake this election.
You may visit MayorPowers.ca to learn more about me. Please Vote Robert Salvatore Powers for Mayor of Chatham-Kent! Remember: EVERY Vote Counts, Vote Only For The Best!
Alysson Storey
I am running for Mayor because I believe transformational change is needed to move this community forward, together. I have the experience and leadership skills to lead that transformational change. With my experience working for the Municipal, Provincial and Federal governments, I can hit the ground running. I know how to lead. I know how to listen. I know how to collaborate and build consensus. I have extensive professional networks I can call on whether it’s to lobby for an important issue or for investment and business expansion. I know how to communicate respectfully and effectively whether it’s my neighbour next door or with a Fortune 500 CEO. And I have the record of success to prove it.
What is transformational change – and why is it so important to our future? Transformational change is embracing new ideas. It’s focusing on local business, and making sure they can succeed. It’s listening to and supporting ALL residents of Chatham-Kent. And not just in words but in actions: like holding regular office hours in these communities, and ensuring roads, bridges and infrastructure are fixed on time. It’s electing someone who is not a professional politician. It’s time for transformational change. It’s our time Chatham-Kent.
Allan Traylor
(No biography submitted)
WARD 1 CANDIDATES
Mark Authier
(No biography submitted)
Jordan Dell
(No biography submitted)
Bryon Fluker
Been a councillor since amalgamation for Ward 1.Prior to that was mayor of Tilbury. Since amalgamation I have served for 19 years on the CK-PUC and also the police service board. Running again to serve West Kent and attempt to get some needed infrastructure in West Kent. Will continue to work with fellow councillors and administration to achieve these goals
Melissa Harrigan
(No biography submitted)
Mark Pastorius
(No biography submitted)
WARD 2 CANDIDATES
Tanya Bondy
(No biography submitted)
Anthony Ceccacci
I look to bring a team oriented common sense approach to Ward 2 and the councillors’ horseshoe!
I want to be grass roots councillor that helps bring accountability and better spends our money. As a 40 year Ward 2 resident I know the demographic struggles we face not only here in Ward 2 but the Municipality!
The four pillars I would like to build my foundation on are as follows, youth retention and growth, affordable housing, mental health and business retention and growth.
I aim to be accessible and approachable. For more information you can find me on Facebook at elect Anthony Ceccacci councillor Ward 2 or aceccacci.com.
Please make me one of your three Ward 2 selections!
Mary Clare Latimer
I have lived in North Harwich for most of my life and worked across Chatham-Kent and Southwestern Ontario communities for the past 34 years. As a community Occupational Therapist (O.T.) I am trained in functional analysis of actions/tasks to improve functional outcomes. ie. Problem solving using surrounding resources to meet and/or compensate for identified needs. I have several years of volunteer leadership experience with the CK Accessibility Advisory Committee, the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC); the CK-Learning Disabilities Association; the Windsor-CK Multiple Sclerosis Society and the CK-Alzheimer Society. As well, I am currently the CK Catholic Women’s League (CWL) Regional Chairperson for the London Diocese and am serving the remainder of a 2 year term as President, of my local St. Joseph’s Harwich CWL parish council. I am task oriented, a good communicator and proven team player.
I’d like to see our municipal debt be reduced and spending streamlined, accessible and affordable transportation across Chatham Kent, accessible and affordable housing across Chatham-Kent, and investment in local entrepreneurship and diversification/expansion of agricultural products/business. Accountability to “you” the taxpayer is my number one priority!
Amy Ramsden Dalton
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and my candidacy for Ward 2 of Chatham Kent. My name is Amy Ramsden Dalton and I currently reside in Charing Cross. I have been a resident of Chatham Kent my entire life and have had the privilege to live in Chatham as well as Erie Beach. I have raised my family here and one of the areas that certainly needs improvement is the lack of retention and attraction of young people and families.
Affordable housing and marketing our assets is my goal. As a resident of one of the smaller communities within Chatham Kent it is vitally important that we retain, grow and protect our rural communities. I have been a small business owner and part of a family business since 1975. I have worked with many of the organizations in the area both government and private sector and would like to see us move into a more business approach like council.
That said I have a passion for fiscal responsibility and transparency in council relations yet the compassion to listen, learn and respect the concerns and issues of our constituents.
As a team player we need a strong voice within council for Ward 2 and a stronger unified council for a loud voice to be accounted for in all levels of government. Progress and building are the keys to growth and prosperity for our community.
Art Stirling
Raised on a farm in South Kent, I have 23 years of senior agribusiness management experience, seven years leading the Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation, and eight years on CK Council, serving as budget chair my second term.
These past four years I co-chaired the fundraising campaign for a new animal shelter, which is now under construction. A strong, thoughtful and dedicated leader, I support a progressive, fiscally responsible vision for the municipality.
I will fight for new approaches and more resources for critical infrastructure; will reduce debt and stabilize taxes; help existing companies grow and refocus business attraction on Ontario and nearby US states; enhance transparency; fight for an inclusive and diverse community; improve strained relationships with senior levels of government; and address issues facing our youth.
As a father of five, I want Chatham-Kent to be a place all our children and grandchildren are proud to call home, whether they leave, stay or return.
Henry Svec
(No biography submitted)
Trevor Thompson
For four years I’ve been working on a team representing Ward 2 and developing my leadership skills in an effort to more effectively carry out the duties of a municipal councillor. As a member of the PUC we’ve taken steps to improve water quality, quality of service, and keep rates among the lowest in southwestern Ontario. At the LTVCA we’re working to improve the natural world, including tree cover, wildlife habitat and water quality improvement in our rivers and lakes.
My family and I are deeply committed to this community, and I want to make positive improvements for all the residents I represent. As my first term draws to a close I remain committed to doing what is best for the people who have put their trust in me. Doctor retention, debt repayment, resident attraction, infrastructure improvement. These are the big issues. But I’ve learned that what is equally important is bringing the everyday issues that people face to council, and advocating on your behalf to get them addressed.
Frank Vercouteren
(No biography submitted)
WARD 3 CANDIDATES
Mary Ann Hawthorne
There are several reasons I am running for the position of Councillor for Ward 3 East Kent. I have lived in East Kent my entire life and I am interested in our community and making it a place we can all be proud to live and make it so others would want to live here.
I have been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown for the past 6 years and this club has provided me a local platform as splash pad and pavilion chair making a big difference in our community. The position of councillor would allow me a bigger platform to make a difference to other areas of our ward.
I am determined to become the voice that is needed to help make East Kent a better place to live and to ensure that residents’ concerns are heard.
I am hard working, ambitious, a leader that can get things done, committed to the community and have a strong voice to address the issues of residents in East Kent.
Steve Pinsonneault
I am seeking re-election this term because there are still things I want to accomplish. I have always been a strong voice at the council table and I believe I have the mutual respect of my fellow council members which goes a long way to getting things accomplished. I am the only incumbent running in East Kent and experience is necessary when you are dealing with a 300 million dollar budget. My track record shows that I have always been fiscally responsible and I believe I have good leadership qualities. I’ve been successful in business for over 20 years and in my opinion council needs a business common sense approach to running the budget.
Infrastructure is my number one concern this term with roads being the main concern. Every community in East Kent has terrible roads and not enough money to go around to fix what needs to be done. My goal is to ensure money gets into the budget to get the necessary repairs done. I see our ambulance service as the second major concern. With an aging community we need to make sure we have the right amount of staff and ambulances to service the community as well as having them stationed in the proper locations. As always I will fight hard to keep the amenities that are very important to the communities of East Kent in place.
John Wright
(No biography submitted)
WARD 4 CANDIDATES
Jessica Brooks
I am Jessica Brooks and I am running for a seat on council to represent Ward 4. I am married to Paul who works in the greenhouse industry and have three children age 15, 18, 20. I live in the former Chatham Township and have been directly affected by the water issues in this Ward.
I want to be a voice for the people of Ward 4 when it comes to the issue of clean drinking water and finding solutions for people who do not have access to clean water on their property. I also believe that we need more affordable telecommunications (internet, phone, tv) out in the rural areas. This is a barrier for students and businesses in rural Ward 4.
For all of Chatham Kent I would champion projects around adolescent and child mental health, both preventative and treatment. Part of that plan would be to have affordable access to recreation and art programs for everyone in every town of Chatham-Kent.
I have a background in Education and am currently principal of the new school in Wallaceburg. I am a person of integrity and I would be honoured to represent the hard working people of Ward 4.
Joey Cyples
(No biography submitted)
Joe Faas
Political Experience – 36 years on Council, 21 years on the former Dresden council as councillor, Deputy Reeve, Reeve and 8 years as Mayor, and 15 years on Chatham-Kent Council, and have served on many committees such as Dresden Police Service Board, PUC commission, Planning Board, St. Clair Conservation Authority and Current Chair of the Chatham-Kent Health Board.
Why am I running for Council – I have enjoyed serving on council for the past 36 years and feel I have a great deal to offer with my knowledge, experience and past history so I can make the right decisions to move Chatham-Kent in the right direction.
What skills experience and talents you feel you have to bring to the position. – I have 36 years of council experience, served on many committees, able to work with my colleagues, administration, community groups, having and able to listen to my constituents to understand their issues and do my best to resolve them. I also know and love my community and feel I can continue to represent in an honest and positive way.
Jamie McGrail
(No biography submitted)
Dylan Robert McLay
(No biography submitted)
Steve Scott
I am Director of Technology for a Point of Sale software company with sales worldwide. I was born and raised in Chatham and live just outside of Pain Court. In my off time I enjoy spending time with my family growing and picking vegetables for our two successful Vegetable stands.
I am running for council so I can have an active role in shaping the future of the city for my children and grandchildren. I also believe that the needs of the people of Chatham-Kent, along with the infrastructure, have been completely ignored by the current council. I think that a new fresh council is the answer to the problems of Chatham-Kent; a council that will not work behind closed doors and will be open to new ideas from the citizens of Chatham-Kent.
Things I would like to accomplish while in office include; ensuring everyone in Chatham-Kent has access to clean drinking water, reducing the size and pay of council, reallocating police resources to reduce crime, repairing our crumbling infrastructure and putting an end to wasteful spending.
For more information on my platform visit my web page at https://www.chathamkentelection.com or Facebook page StevenScottWard4.
Patricia Sylvain
I am business-minded, having managed multiple teams to achieve positive results. I have created and managed multi-million dollar budgets and projects, and am proud to say I have always been able to meet my budget. I know difficult decisions must be made, and I have the ability to prioritize to ensure bottom-line results. I am accountable, hard-working, and because I now work part-time, have time to commit to the demands of being a councillor.
I’m a life-long resident of Chatham-Kent and have lived in Ward 4 for over 40 years. I’m married to a farmer; therefore, I understand the importance of infrastructure within the rural communities – we need to keep our roads and bridges in good shape. Pumping schemes and drainage are topics about which I am familiar. Much of my work experience has been in Healthcare – Hospital, Retirement Homes and LTC. I have served as President on both National and Provincial non-profit Boards, where I honed my leadership skills. My knowledge of budgets and my determination to press for answers are what this municipality needs. I’m a good listener with a broad range of business experience and knowledge to get the job done. Visit patriciasylvain.ca for more information.
Mary Anne Udvari
(No biography submitted)
WARD 5 CANDIDATES
Nick Cadotte
Wallaceburg needs a strong voice that knows the issues of our community before they bubble to the surface. I’m here to see change from the ground up.
We have a beautiful town that deserves a voice that is going to speak for the entire community – not just one population. I have continually advocated for community projects through volunteer involvement. I have been an active member of the Wallaceburg United Way, Wallaceburg’ s Family Fireworks Committee, Wallaceburg Lions, Wallaceburg BIA, Wallaceburg Chamber, recent DI campaign for the hospital, Wambo, Easter egg hunt/ Christmas parade fundraising, Wallaceburg Arts Community Summer Concert Series.
I have worked as an ambassador for people with disabilities and many other programs and countless other teams and events. I thought this was a natural transition to make a larger impact in our community.
I think it’s time for change, and as someone that is passionate about Wallaceburg I would love the opportunity to be that voice.
Aaron Hall
I was born at the Sydenham Campus, grew up in Wallaceburg and am now raising my family in my hometown. I have two beautiful and smart daughters: Ava, 13 and Daylia, 11.
Together with the love of my life Dana, we run our business, the Sydenham Current online newspaper, out of our Wallaceburg home.
Having been a journalist in Wallaceburg for 12-plus years, I’m now seeking a spot in Ward 5 to ensure Wallaceburg has continued and effective representation and leadership on Chatham-Kent Council.
Council has an important responsibility to govern our community, set direction and look for ways to improve and maximize the potential of all of our communities – in the short-term and in the long-term. There are many areas/departments that will require our attention on a continual basis.
I will always take the following approach to making decisions on behalf of Wallaceburg and addressing issues that arise: family-first, open-minded and balanced, professional, educated/informed, respectful, positive and utilizing a team mentality. I will work hard, do my research, listen to our residents and always do what is right for Wallaceburg.
Anyone with questions can call/text me anytime at 519-365-1079 or email me at aaronwilliamhall@gmail.com.
Carmen McGregor
Carmen McGregor is an incumbent candidate seeking re-election to Ward 5 Wallaceburg.
Raised in Wallaceburg Carmen has been actively involved within her community for many years.
Her career path, political experience and community involvement has given her a diverse understanding of the needs within Wallaceburg and the communities of Chatham-Kent.
She is married to Tom, they have 4 children and 8 grandchildren.
Carmen’s priorities for the next term of Council are to work with the St. Clair Conservation Authority to change the water level criteria to activate the floodway operation. Work to better to educate our youth to the great jobs that exist locally so that they want to reside close to home after they have completed their education.
Carmen is the Closed Session Chair and sits on many municipal committees including Chairing the Infrastructure and Innovation committee. She is hoping to be re-elected as she wants to continue her work to improve the infrastructure locally. As a Board of Health member, she wants to improve opportunities to provide options for citizens to achieve healthier lifestyles. For more information go to carmenmcgregor.ca or find her on Facebook @ Re-Elect Carmen McGregor, Ward 5, Wallaceburg
Randy McNeil
(No biography submitted)
WARD 6 CANDIDATES
Les Banks
For several years I have watched jobs continue to leave CK, I have witnessed bad management (infrastructure) and poor decisions like the Industrial Park, the bridges, Capitol Theatre, the Railroad, and turning a beautiful Tecumseh park into a flat field.
Upon investigating the operations of CK I found more and more mismanagement and bad decision making. I could no longer in good conscience just sit by and complain without trying to do something to change it.
I want to bring back common sense decision making, transparency, oversight, proper planning. I want to end waste, bring back jobs and make sure taxpayers get value for their money.
CK is a great community that is very giving and comes together for great causes. I believe our community is just such a great cause. I believe it is time for a change, and that the people need to be heard, and we should value that input and help. Together we can make this community the success it once was.
Michael Bondy
My name is Michael Bondy and I am running for re-election in Ward 6, Chatham. I hope to continue on Council so that I can protect our citizen’s tax dollars from bad decision, from both Council and Administration.
Over the last eight years I believe I have made decisions that have been in the interest of the taxpayer. I voted against such ideas as the railway purchase and supported providing funding for the Hospice. As I have limited space, these are just two examples but I believe show my voting habits. I have always tried, with little success, to shrink the size of our local government and not raise our already very high taxes.
Thank-you for your consideration on October 22.
Marjorie Crew
Community involvement is something I have always valued deeply. It is very important to me that to continue to have a positive and responsible role in strengthening and moving Chatham-Kent forward. Chatham-Kent must have a diverse group of representatives to make important decisions that affect all of our citizens.
I want to work to build a progressive, vibrant and safe community that will be welcoming to everyone, as well as retain our future generations.
Whatever the challenge or direction, Chatham-Kent 2018 council will need to work together and communicate with one another in a positive, meaningful way to produce outcomes that benefits us all as a whole.
I have always used my life experience, integrity and honesty when making decisions on behalf of our citizens and I will continue to do this for you as your Ward 6 Councillor in Chatham-Kent.
Penelope Duchesne
I am 45 years old, business owner and bilingual. 23 years ago I came to Chatham and I liked it so much I made it my home. Today I live with my husband Craig Gutteridge a local business owner.
One of my priorities is to keep tax and water bills in check and to stop these ever sky-rocketing increases. In the last 10 years if you look at your water bill alone you are looking at a 55 % increase! These increases are shocking and unacceptable.
Many residents are struggling with the ever- rising costs. I have spoken to people who pay $7000 in taxes a year and retirees on fixed pensions who cannot afford these constant hikes from council and assessments.
Lately we talk a lot about affordable housing Keeping Tax and utility bills affordable is part of that discussion. Our municipality is one of the biggest employers in C.K. It is very well staffed. Therefore, I would like to see more results in our efforts in job creations, business attraction and innovations. Let’s open Chatham for business and cut the zealous red tape!
Also on my list youth retention, tourism, drug epidemic and B&E.
For my full platform www.penelopeduchesne.com
Amy Finn
I was born and raised in Chatham-Kent. I am a divorced, single mother of 4 boys Gerrit, Gregory, Dean, Bryce and an adopted son Justin. I recently retired from Chatham Kent Police.
I have volunteered for numerous organizations and events. Big Sisters, Goodfellows, Neighborhood Association, Cops for Cancer, Shop with a Cop, Childrens Safety Village, Parent Counçil and have been a board member for some.
I know the struggles some families face and will strive to work as part of a team to help this community. To make it the great area that people are proud to say they live.
Infrastructure, affordable housing, taxes, employment, high speed internet available for all areas, economic growth and job development, Mental Health and Addiction, and community involvement are areas I am passionate about.
I am running as I believe I can be a voice of the people. To be a part of a team that works together for the betterment of the entire community. To show the outside communities that Chatham-Kent is a unique and wonderful place to live and for the residents to be proud to say they are from Chatham-Kent.
Don Fuoco
While this is the first time running for political office, I have served for 16 years on local Provincial and Federal Political Riding Associations in the following capacities: Chief Financial Officer, Membership Chair, Director and Fundraising Chair, and I have served on two municipally appointed roles, that of the Chatham Kent Police Service Board and the Committee of Adjustments.
I have 23 years of experience in the Banking Industry, not only serving as a Banking Centre Leader, but also in the capacities of Financial Advisor for Personal and Business Clients, with all of those years, working in the Chatham-Kent area.
I understand finance and can bring a strong sense of fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers. I have put this into action in the past few years by presenting to the budget committee during the public consultations, areas in which I felt we could save tax dollars. I will ensure that your money is dealt with in a prudent and cost effective manner with the best return on any investment made. If we do this effectively, people and business will notice. Those who already live and invest in this community will stay and those outside of the community will come. We have a huge opportunity to make Chatham-Kent the envy of Ontario.
Kirk Hooker
(No biography submitted)
Ryan Jackson
(No biography submitted)
Chris June
I bring experienced leadership with a new vision.
It isn’t enough to “love where you are from.” Loving your community is just the price of admission. Being involved in this community should be a prerequisite to serving it.
Over the past 15 years I have represented our community through my involvement as Chair of the Board CK Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair of the CK Workforce Planning Board, Co-Chair of the CK Communities Leaders Cabinet, Co-Chair of the CK Canadian Leaning Bond Committee, and volunteering with the CK United Way Campaign Cabinet and CK United Way funding and distribution committee.
I have built a strong vision for what I believe is possible. I have led discussions in collaboration with local municipal government and administration, Economic Development, St. Clair College, Ridgetown College, and CK Employment and Social Services to work on strategies that would help CK regain its swagger. A proud place to call home.
I am asking for your support by voting for me as your candidate in Ward 6 because what I bring is proven leadership experience, I’ve earned the trust, respect and the confidence of others by remaining Genuine and Honest.
Karen Kirkwood-Whyte
Having served in all three sectors of the community – business, government and non-profit – I bring a unique perspective to Municipal Council. I have extensive leadership experience in bringing diverse groups of people together to address community issues. I have managed very tight budgets and I have contributed thousands of volunteer hours to chairing numerous community boards and committees. As a recent retiree, I can now commit the necessary time to the important role of municipal governance.
I have devoted the majority of my working career to helping people and I’d like to continue to do that. In addition to key responsibilities in the area of infrastructure, unencumbered support for local business and quality of life for all residents, I’d like to focus on three key issues during the upcoming term of office – all of which can be addressed by working “better together”.
- Valuing all three sectors of the community
- Valuing all generations
- Valuing all communities within Chatham-Kent
If you’d like a little more information about me, I invite you to visit my website, noONEleftBEHIND.ca – also my personal vision for Chatham-Kent.
Your VOTE counts! I’d welcome your support on – or before – October 22! Thank you.
Don “Sparky” Leonard
(No biography submitted)
Brock McGregor
Over the past four years, it has been a privilege to represent residents of Ward 6. I see tremendous opportunity in our community, and believe we require innovative, open-minded, and transparent government in order to move our municipality forward.
I grew up in Chatham-Kent, and left to pursue academic opportunities in Guelph and Toronto. After moving back to open a Naturopathic Medical practice and raise a family, I committed to work within the community I love to pursue positive change.
Having a young family, running a small business, and being involved in a number of community initiatives has provided me with a unique perspective with which to view our municipality. That perspective is required on council in order to attract and retain young families, and facilitate small business growth.
I care deeply about the success of our community, and firmly believe I have the skill set to be an important part of municipal leadership capable of seizing opportunity, facing challenges, and responding to the needs of our community.
Drew Simpson
Why are you running for council? Firstly Chatham needs a General Dynamics satellite manufacturing plant and I am seeking to generate economic potential from having built bought and sold from the municipality to the province and on to the feds at discount.
What skills, experience, talents, etc., do you feel you will bring to the position? Drew means skillful in essence the job of councillor may be a fashionable position to seek a one term high efficiency municipality.
Doug Sulman
I have served Chatham-Kent as a school board trustee, an alderman, and a municipal councillor. I have been president of the Kent Law Association and have also served the community as President of the Rotary Club, and on the board of several charities.
I believe experience is essential to be effective on council. You have to understand the municipal finances, know who to contact, and ask tough questions in order to get things done for taxpayers. Rarely a meeting goes by where my experience hasn’t saved taxpayers’ money or helped avoid a costly mistake.
I consistently opposed unnecessary spending on things like owning a railroad, and I brought the motion at budget which reduced the tax increase.
I also brought a motion before council to let the people vote on how many councillors there should be. Unfortunately, too many councillors did not want to give you that vote. If elected, I’ll be bringing the same motion – after all, it’s people who should have their say.
In this election there are seven vacant council seats (that’s 1/3 of council) and perhaps a rookie Mayor. More than at any time, Chatham needs my experience, knowledge, and common sense approach.
Gordon Thomas
(No biography submitted)
James Thompson
(No biography submitted)
Larry Vellinga
I’m Larry Vellinga and I’m a candidate for Council in Ward 6.
I entered this race to facilitate and encourage job creation for the youth of Chatham-Kent. It’s essential we stop the youth exodus and give them valid opportunities to succeed. They represent our future.
Secondly, maintaining a laser focus on how our tax dollars are being spent and voting against frivolous spending, e.g. THE railroad, China excursions. With every budget placed in front of Council, we should always ask “What is the value for the citizens of CK and are we receiving favourable value for their hard-earned tax dollars?”
Third, supporting our local businesses to help them grow. This is where our job growth will occur. The big manufacturing plants are part of Chatham-Kent’s history, our local businesses and entrepreneurs are our future.
From a bios perspective, I have achieved an MBA majoring in eCommerce and Technology. I’m employed at Ford Motor Company in Windsor as the Facilities Maintenance Manager. I believe my business experience as a Manager at Ford Motor Company, combined with my education and common-sense approach provide me the tools necessary to make meaningful, fiscally responsible decisions for the citizens of Chatham Kent.
This election, VOTE VELLINGA.