Ward 7 (North East Chatham) – 2 councillor positions
Steve Adkins
(No biography submitted)
Marjorie Crew
(No biography submitted)
Penelope Duchesne
53 years old
Artist, muralist and art instructor
She worked with youth as an art instructor and supply teacher on project with Crime Stoppers, La Providence French schools and the Art Council of Ontario. She painted over 100 of murals in residential, commercial, and industrial. She is a landlord and has experience in managing apartments. Her artwork is in private collection across Canada and the United States. She is extremely creative, bilingual and a critical thinker. She enjoy gardening and doing renovation.
I am running because although Chatham-Kent is a beautiful place, I find that we stop progressing and we are stagnant, While Windsor and London are booming. I find that the municipality has an overspending habit and treats the taxpayers like cash cows while ignoring our voice .Our tax and water bill are heavily hiked every year..(Property tax has increased 44% in 8 year) I found the municipal spending is out of control. While we have one family in four living with food insecurity.
I believe that Chatham Kent could do much better and I would like to be part of the solution and make our communities better and more affordable.
Michael Fife
Dr. Michael Fife is a dedicated community advocate, veterinarian, business professional, and lifelong resident committed to building a stronger future for Ward 7 and Chatham-Kent.
With a career built on service, leadership, and accountability, Michael has spent decades working closely with local families, businesses, farmers, and community members through his veterinary practice and community involvement. His professional experience has given him firsthand insight into the challenges facing residents — from affordability pressures and infrastructure concerns to supporting local businesses and strengthening neighbourhoods.
Michael’s commitment to leadership and public service began early during his time at University of Guelph and the Ontario Veterinary College. While attending university, he served in student government leadership roles, including positions on both Senate and Council, helping represent student interests and participate in university governance and policy discussions.
He also served two terms as President of the Central Veterinary Students’ Association, where he worked collaboratively with students, faculty, and administration to advocate for veterinary students and strengthen professional engagement within the veterinary community.
Michael believes effective leadership starts with listening. His campaign is focused on practical solutions, responsible spending, strong infrastructure, support for families and youth, and ensuring residents have a councillor who is accessible, accountable, and engaged in the community.
A strong supporter of youth sports, recreation, and community initiatives, Michael understands the importance of investing in opportunities that keep families connected and help young people succeed.
Michael is running for Ward 7 councillor because he believes municipal government should be transparent, responsive, and focused on delivering real results for residents.
Amy Finn
(No biography submitted)
Dustin Gawne
(No biography submitted)
Michael Gibbons
My name is Michael Gibbons, and I am running in Ward 7, Northeast Chatham. I am a lifelong resident of Chatham. My wife Tracy and I raised our 3 boys here. I have worked in Customer Service the bulk of my working life. For the last 16 years, I have been a Realtor, helping people with one of the biggest decisions/risks of their lives. I served on the Real Estate Board and PAC Committee, among others. I am a member of the CK Kiwanis Service Club, serving as a Director with their Board and as chair of our well-known Music Festival, which just celebrated its 80th year. I believe in the work of Community Service, and the feeling I get knowing our contributions directly improve the lives of others in our Community.
Why am I running? I have seen the changes here through the years; the prosperity, the lean times, Amalgamation, and regrowth. We are still in that growth stage, and I want to support that. There are an incredible number of candidates running because they are angry about a specific item or think they have better answers, but don’t understand how governance works, or sometimes doesn’t work. I want to work with a functioning council, not a group that is constantly at odds. That builds public distrust. Disagreement and being uncooperative can look the same, they are not. I won’t be there to be a Social Media star. I’ve been to Queen’s Park and Ottawa to advocate for issues with MP’s and MPP’s.. I want to see a Chatham-Kent that is vibrant, inviting and, along with soybeans and seed corn, grows a new generation of people, young and old, that can appreciate what we have. We are ALL Chatham-Kent.
Rick Hottot
(No biography submitted)
Larry Hutchins
I am a 67 year old retired front line healthcare worker. I have worked in CK’s hospitals for my entire career. With a Bachelor of Arts degree, several certificates, and numerous workplace education programs I sat on several workplace committees including co-chairing one.
As a member of the Board of Directors of Chatham-Kent Big Brothers I was the Chair of the Bowl for Big Brothers committee, Youth Activity Director, a member of the Fundraising committee, and was a Big Brother. I am a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 and have helped numerous other charities.
I have had a lifelong interest in politics and after watching municipal council meetings regularly, as well as giving multiple deputations I believe that I am ready to take the next step by running for a seat on council. This way I can continue to help people by dealing with local issues that matter most to them.
Steve Kenney
I was born and raised in Chatham and attended local schools here. I graduated from Seneca College’s Law Enforcement program, and later attended the University of Windsor, playing for the Windsor Lancer’s Football Team.
After working in several communities across Southern Ontario, my wife, Rosemary, and I chose to return home to Ward 7 in retirement. Our two kids, Matt and Melissa, are now building their own careers across Ontario.
I bring over 30 years of experience as a negotiator and Pay Equity and Job Evaluation Specialist and I have served as a coach, youth leader, board member, and President of sports organizations.
I was honoured to be part of a team inducted into the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame, and currently a volunteer with the Selection Committee for over 10 years. I also serve on the Dream Field Baseball Committee and as a General Manager of the Chatham Senior Diamonds Baseball Club.
Why Am I Running?
I am running for Council because changes are needed. I would like to work with Council to address taxation, expenditures, and improve our local economy. I believe that a strong effective Council has a diverse mix of experienced representatives and new voices. I can bring a new voice, skills and experience, and a new vision to help rebuild trust in our local government. I am committed to building a better future for Chatham-Kent as a strong advocate for Ward.
Marc King
My name is Marc King I am 59 years old, born and raised in Chatham Kent. I grew up in Pain Court with a solid farm family background, deep bilingual roots and strong work ethic.
A graduate of Chatham Kent Secondary School class of 85′ and honoured to be a member of the CKPS Citizens Police Academy.
My primary reason for running is that we as a municipality are in need of change. I’ve seen our communities go through highs and lows and feel strongly that we are on an upswing to better times. This will require strong leadership with a financially stable vision that can sustain growth for the future, and making decisions that directly affect all areas of the municipality as well as impacting our hard working people. We can no longer bear the financial strains of rising taxes and be asked to understand what’s going on when complicated language is used that just frustrates people.
I feel blessed for the opportunity and I’m ready for the challenges that await.
Jonathan Meriano
(No biography submitted)
Jason Reynolds
I was born and raised here in CHATHAM-KENT, I have lived here all of my life & actually grew up in WARD 7 it has special meaning to me and if elected this will be more than just a job to me as that area I will forever hold dear to my heart.
I am the son of Bob & Gloria Reynolds who have also spent their whole lives here. One of my very first jobs growing up was cutting the lawn of former councilman Mr. Mel Crew who was larger than life to me yet so easily accessible, such a great man & leader.
My love for giving back came at a young age being a member of the former PURPLE HEARTS group who did work in the community & also as an AMBASSADOR for John McGregor High school & for UNITED WAY representing CHATHAM-KENT in my teenage years. I spent more than a decade working at the former NAVISTAR factory like my grandfather & uncle who were also employees there.
I have spent the better part of 30 plus years running flag football leagues here in CHATHAM for both adults & kids & trying to give back to this city & community that I love in my own way through trying to bring people together through sport.
I am running for council in WARD #7 because I feel a shift of new faces & energy that are looking to be a part of our next city council & it’s a change that I really want to be a part of, one I think I could make an incredible difference in & at the end of the day I want to be able to say that I did all I could to leave our city & community in a better place than I found it.
I am not experienced in politics & I will have a lot to learn moving forward in this journey but I am not afraid to put in the work & I am a people person & I know that TOGETHER we can make CHATHAM a better, safer place for all of us.
Doug Robbins
Local entrepreneur and longtime community advocate Doug Robbins has officially announced his campaign for a seat on Chatham-Kent Municipal Council in the upcoming 2026 election, Ward 7. Running on a platform of common-sense reform, fiscal accountability, and restoring local respect, Robbins brings a unique combination of internal municipal experience and grassroots grit to the race.
Having previously served within the municipality as an Economic Development Officer and Small Business Officer, Robbins has a first-hand understanding of municipal administration. Now working daily on the road within the community, he offers a direct, relatable perspective rooted in the everyday realities of Chatham-Kent residents.
“I am just like everyone else in this community—I live here, I work here, and I listen to my neighbors around the kitchen table,” says Robbins. “People are tired of seeing tax dollars wasted, and they are tired of seeing how certain voices in our community are treated. I am fully aware of the closed-door politics, the pressure tactics, and the culture of intimidation that try to silence everyday people here. I will not stand for it. We need a council that focuses on real results, protects the taxpayer, and ensures that no resident is ever made to feel small or pushed aside by the system. I am running to be that unshakeable voice.”
Robbins is launching a strict “no-waste” grassroots campaign, choosing to skip traditional plastic lawn signs in favor of direct communication and sustainable outreach. His platform rests on three core pillars: Real. Rooted. Resolute.
Real: An approachable, everyman entrepreneur who understands the needs of local workers and families.
Rooted: A proud community leader with a deep commitment to preserving and promoting local history and culture.
Resolute: A proven professional who stands firm against municipal waste and is completely unshakeable when standing up against political intimidation.
Residents, business owners, and media partners are invited to connect directly with the campaign to discuss the future of the municipality.
Karen Robinet
I was born in England, but moved to Cambridge, ON with my family as a child. In the middle of Grade 10, we moved to Chatham and two of my sisters and I attended the former Chatham Collegiate Institute. Our youngest sister, who had Down Syndrome, went to CKSS instead.
After graduation, I headed to Kitchener for the photojournalism program at Conestoga College.
While I’ve spent the majority of my life as a journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to work in some completely unrelated fields along the way, and ended my full-time working career in marketing with Maizex Seeds.
I’ve been involved with Theatre Kent since its inception; directing, producing and appearing in shows, and I’ve written a few which we’ve produced as well. I also founded the Kent Writers Guild back in the 1980s.
My husband Don and I raised our two sons in Chatham and are fortunate enough to have one still living in CK with his family, and the other one not too far away.
In recent years, I had been writing a weekly column for the now defunct Chatham This Week (CTW) newspaper, which gave me a chance to opine about a number of things, including municipal politics.
As someone who’s lived and worked in a number of different communities, I’ve covered a variety of municipal councils, and worked with representatives of both provincial and federal governments. During my full-time stint at CTW, I covered CK council as well.
Now that I’m no longer writing a newspaper column, it seemed like the right time to venture into the actual business of municipal politics as I believe I have something to bring to the table.
The next four years are going to be critical ones for our municipality, and I would like to be one of the people helping navigate our way through them.
We have a lot of challenges in front of us, but we have opportunities as well.
I am always willing to do the homework necessary to inform my decision-making, and I’m used to working with people whose experiences and opinions may differ from my own.
Many members of the public have lost faith in council over the years, for various reasons, but municipal government is with us to stay, and I’d like to do my bit to help try and restore a little bit of trust in the process.
Dustin Ryan
(No biography submitted)
Dale VanDusen
Age 55
Ward 7
Time for a change is needed, now more than ever. I just want to say to the people of Wheatley, Tilbury, Wallaceburg, Dresden, Blenheim, Ridgetown and any other small community in Chatham Kent, now is your time. Every councilor chosen affects your community!!! Spread the word.
I would like to get everyone’s vote, but I know that’s not realistic. To the people that don’t vote, you can make the difference. “Vote for a change”. I believe together we can make it happen. If you have given up……don’t. We can do it !!!!!!
Issues to be addressed.
Doing more with minimal tax increases.
Making city hall more efficient and cutting where costs where needed.
Making sure large projects are better managed to not have overages.
Lowest cost is not always the best.
I bring a different perspective. Practical, realistic and willing to say what others are reluctant to say. A view that knows that we can’t keep going in this direction.