The municipal election in Chatham-Kent is starting to heat up with a second name being added to the ballot for the mayor’s seat.
CK resident Andy Fisher has filed nomination papers to run in the 2022 municipal election against incumbent mayor Darrin Canniff.
Fisher said he decided to run because he feels there are several issues within the municipality that are not being addressed.
“It just seems to me like the city is mismanaged most of the time. They don’t cut the grass until it’s super high… we ran out of salt in the winter,” he said. “There’s just a lot of things that I feel are not being taken care of properly.”
While he acknowledged that the crisis surrounding affordable housing is not limited to Chatham-Kent, Fisher said one of his main goals, if elected as mayor, would be to try and tackle the issue locally.
“My main plan is to try to work with the provincial government to see if it would be possible to bring in more funding to Chatham-Kent to create more affordable housing,” said Fisher.
Fisher was born in London and lived in Highgate until he was 17 when he moved to Chatham. It was at this point in his life when Fisher said he became homeless for a period of time.
“I know what it’s like to not have food. Or to choose between food and medication, or medication and keeping the lights on,” he said. “It’s definitely an inspiration as to why I want to help other people.”
Fisher, who works as a truck driver, admitted his political experience is limited. However, he believes that is an asset.
“I’ve worked 60-plus hours a week for four years now. I may not know 100 per cent how city hall works, but I’m willing to learn and willing to roll up my sleeves and work hard for the people of Chatham-Kent,” said Fisher. “I’m not a politician, I’m a truck driver. Politicians don’t tend to listen to people… I would be open and listen to people and try to give the people of Chatham-Kent what they actually want.”
The deadline for nominations for the 2022 municipal election is August 19 with the election scheduled for October 24.
Darrin Canniff, who is seeking a second term, is currently the only other candidate running for the mayor’s seat.
