6 councillors to be elected
Conor Allin
- Tell us about yourself.
Hi CK, My name is Conor Michael Allin. Along with my wife and family, I have decided to give back to our community and run for council this fall in Ward 6.
My grandfather, Doug Allin, was a council member for many years and served as Chatham’s mayor for six years. My father, David Allin, was a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor and will always be remembered for his innumerable contributions and innovation to youth sports.
Passion and commitment to community service are in my blood. Along with the community, my family and I have raised money for The ALS Society of Windsor-Essex County over several years through a youth basketball tournament. Which has also helped create a bursary for students at St. Clair College.
I look forward to continuing volunteering and fundraising for our community.
For the past ten years, I have run the family corn detasseling business, employing hundreds of our youth in the summer. I am also deeply invested in the revitalization of downtown Chatham as I have worked at Chilled Cork & Retro Suites Hotel for the past decade and have seen first-hand the impacts of a thriving downtown core on the region as a whole.
I have a huge heart and am personable, with a strong work ethic instilled in me at a young age. Always willing to go the extra mile for anyone and anything I put my mind to, I want to make a difference in this community and grow with Chatham-Kent.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
Family, Legacy and Heart.
Why you might ask? Simply put, I love Chatham. I’m raising two beautiful daughters here with my wife Erin and we couldn’t be more excited about the potential for our municipality. Coming from a large family with deep roots in this community, I feel it is my time to give back to Chatham-Kent. I’ve been considering running for a couple of years and now I have the maturity and direction needed to make a difference.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Affordable homes is consistent throughout Ontario and the last two years have really amplified it locally. As a result homelessness has become more prevalent. Making affordable housing will assist in creating a better quality of life for CK.
Preparation for growth, with manufacturing returning to CK due to the nearing complete Gordie Howe bridge, CK and Ontario’s South West will see more jobs coming to the area. We need to be prepared with careful and strategic planning to make our area prosperous. There are many moving parts and council is important to this process.
Youth retention and family attraction. Too often we lose our young adults to bigger centres and they don’t create roots here. We must explore options and ways to be attractive to keep our friends and family here. With a larger population we will create a larger tax basin which will decrease the burden we currently face.
CK pride, often times we forget the great things about our community like our access to water, charming boutique shops, rich Canadian history, and that we are safe community that looks after each other, among so much more.
Let’s grow together CK in many shapes and forms.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Agriculture and the bodies of water that surround Chatham-Kent. Seasonally we are blessed with some of the best fruits and vegetables in Canada. Locally produced year round is something Chatham and it’s farmers take great pride in.
Rondeau, Erieau and Mitchell’s Bay are fantastic in their own right. Privileged to enjoy them for all four seasons; whether it’s enjoying a hot sunny day at the beach or trying to catch some fish during the winter months ice fishing.
(182) YourVote CK: Conor Allin (Ward 6- Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Michael Bondy
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Michael Bondy and I am running for re-election in Ward 6, city of Chatham. I am born and raised in Chatham and am about half way through raising five children here with my wife Joanne. I was in business in Chatham for about 25 years and now work as a realtor.
- Why are you running in this election?I am running for re-election to continue to actively represent the citizens of Chatham. I have for years done my best to help citizens when dealing with their local government which can be sometimes frustrating and confusing. Over the years I have done my best to ensure that our tax dollars are spent efficiently. I ask hard questions and make bold statements that sometimes do not make me a popular guy at city hall, but that is my job. I hope to continue helping our city to grow and be a great place to live. It has been a very gratifying experience.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
I think there are two major challenges facing our community at this time. One, managing the new growth we are experiencing. This is great for our city and we have to deal with new servicing needs in a well thought out manner. A second challenge is poverty and homelessness. This problem has grown to a level not seen before in Chatham-Kent. I do not have the solution but I am committed to continue to work with all members of our community to do what we can to manage the issue and create solutions to get people into permanent housing.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Our greatest asset is our people. We may not be perfect but when people need help, this place stands up. I think we are unique in that way. It sounds cheesy but we really do have each other’s back.
(182) YourVote CK: Michael Bondy (Ward 6- Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Marjorie Crew
- Tell us about yourself.
I have been married for 35 years to Greg and together we have a family of 6 children and 10 grandkids and Clancy, our dog.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
Community involvement is something I have always valued deeply and it’s important to me to continue to have a positive and responsible role in strengthening and moving Chatham-Kent forward
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
This past term of council has been the most challenging I have experienced to say the least. Shoreline issues, the Wheatley explosion, Covid-19, our environment, and growing issues surrounding housing and homelessness are some of the top issues we face as a council and a community
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Our biggest asset is our people. The overall kindness and welcoming nature are second to none. When we are faced with any challenge as a community, there are always people who rally around. It always makes me feel good when a community group approaches council to share in a project. Just an example are some of the splash pads in CK. We always need to nurture and encourage CK/ Community partnerships. This gives ownership and pride all around.
(182) YourVote CK: Marjorie Crew(Ward 6- Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Andrew Elliott
- Tell us about yourself.
I’ve lived in south western Ontario my whole life, and Chatham-Kent for the past 11 years. I’m 39 which makes me an “elder” millennial. In 2002, I went to St. Clair College for computer science, and I’m currently attending for human resources. I put myself through school working at Burger King and in greenhouses.
Since then I’ve worked for not for profits, for libraries, I’ve been self-employed, and I’m currently working in human resources. I’m getting married in October.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
I’ve always had an interest in local politics, and feel I’ve got a unique perspective to offer. I was raised to “think globally and act locally”.
I have issues that I’m passionate about, and hoping to bring that passion to council.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Affordable housing. When I moved to Chatham in 2011, my first two bedroom apartment was $735. Now, you’d be lucky to find a two bedroom for $1,600. Houses are even worse, with housing prices having nearly tripled.
Millennials and Zoomers may never own a home.
Town council should take steps to stop corporations from buying single dwelling residential units, and to limit the number of homes that one individual can own.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
As cliche as it might sound – the people. Business will come and go, contracts will come and go, but our community, with their kind hearts, will always be here. Thank you to all of Chatham-Kent for welcoming me into this community over the past 11 years.
(182) YourVote CK: Andrew Elliott, Ward 6 (Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Amy Finn
(No response)
Michael Gibbons
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Michael Gibbons and I am running for Ward 6 in Chatham-Kent. I am a life-long resident, went to school, worked many jobs, got married and raised a family all right here in Chatham-Kent. I have been a Realtor for over a decade, and in 2020 was President of the Chatham-Kent Association of Realtors. I know first-hand the difficulties of being a leader in a rapidly-changing and sometimes hostile environment. I am an analytical thinker, and a strong believer that more can be solved with diplomacy than argument.
- Why are you running in this election?
I would like the opportunity to represent the people I see on the street, out shopping or working day-to-day across Chatham-Kent. The Ward system gives the impression we are somehow separated, but in my view, every one of us represents all of Chatham-Kent. This is the first Council to be free of pre-Amalgamation Councilors, which is quite historic. The ghosts of Amalgamation still haunt a lot of people, it would be wonderful to finally step out from that shadow, show people that we can move on to the future. I think it’s also important to get the Council thinking more for itself. Less outside consultants, less influence from Administration, less fear of taking an issue, analyzing, finding options, considering facts and making decisions. Remind the public what good governance looks like.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Depends on where you live. In Chatham, I don’t hear much about Bothwell’s Homeless issues. I’m sure the people in Wheatley aren’t losing sleep over a bridge in Wallaceburg. The Clearcutting debate covers more of the Municipality in general. My campaign slogan is “A New Perspective” Looking at this issue, I question whether we should be looking at some type of Agreement with the farm community rather than a “Bylaw”, as this action definitely applies specifically to one group. If I clearcut my property, I would lose 2 nice trees. Is the environmental community going to picket my front yard? Probably not. Family farms needed woodlots 100 years ago. Modern Agribusiness does not. It requires more land. We need more robust planting programs, maybe consider zoning restrictions on properties at risk, or find incentives for people to maintain woodlots.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset is its people. We have a great pool of entrepreneurs. People are endlessly finding areas to market to, whether it be large Agribusiness, factories, or your local bakery. Great restaurants and attractions. We took Boardwalk in Monopoly, and we host one hell of a plowing match. We harvest fresh fish from the Great Lakes, we have our own Micro Breweries, and, of course, We Grow The World. None of those things would happen without the people of Chatham-Kent. Hard-Working, resilient, determined and a group I would be honoured to represent at the Council table.
(182) YourVote CK: Michael Gibbons, Ward 6 (Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Karen Kirkwood-Whyte
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Karen Kirkwood-Whyte and I am running for re-election in Ward Six. I was born and educated in Windsor, Ontario and graduated from Windsor Business College. I moved to Thunder Bay in 1970 where I worked for Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Parks and Recreation Department and the District Health Council. I returned to Southwestern Ontario in 1979 and worked for the Kent County Board of Education and the Canadian Mental Health Association. I was elected to Tilbury Town Council in 1982, several months before I was hired as Executive Director/CEO of United Way of Chatham-Kent. After 36 years in that position, as well as co-owning a First Choice Haircutters franchise for 15 of those years, I retired in August of 2018, decided to re-enter municipal politics and was elected to Municipal Council that fall. In addition to my role as a local Municipal Councillor, I continue to serve the community in numerous volunteer roles with the Opportunity Villages Community Land Trust, Indwell, Ursulines, Rotary Club, United Way’s Women UNITED, and Gregory Drive Alliance and St. Andrew’s United Churches. I am married to Rob, am mother to Wendy and grandmother to Trent and Kennedy. My hobbies include card-making, knitting, crocheting, reading and golfing! Should constituents wish to learn more, I would encourage them to visit my website at nooneleftbehind.ca.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
I am running for re-election because this current term of Council was significantly impacted by the COVID pandemic and I want to continue to work together – with my fellow Councillors and municipal staff – on many issues that need to be addressed. As civic engagement is key in building a strong and prosperous community, this pandemic prevented me from interacting – and meeting face to face – with local constituents who expect their voices to be heard. As a first-term Councillor, it has taken me these past four years to learn the various acronyms, who – on the Municipal Team – is responsible for what services … and the various aspects of single-tier municipal governance. I would welcome the opportunity to continue in my current role as a Councillor in Ward Six and to see several important projects and initiatives come to fruition.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
It is difficult to identify one specific challenge facing Chatham-Kent. From a physical infrastructure perspective, we are facing issues related to maintenance – or replacement – of our municipal assets. These assets include facilities, equipment, roads and bridges. And we have only half of the funds needed to do this. While efforts are ongoing to ensure that we receive our fair share of upper level government support, we also need to explore creative ways to decrease expenditures and increase revenues.
Having worked in the social and nonprofit sector for over 40 years – with both the Canadian Mental Health Association and United Way of Chatham-Kent – our Municipality’s social infrastructure needs focused attention. Like many communities, our municipality is facing issues related to poverty, homelessness, mental health and addictions, and child and partner violence. Colleagues in the third or voluntary sector – who work tirelessly to address these critically important issues – will confess that each of these issues has, unfortunately, been greatly intensified by the pandemic.
Those who know me know that I have a passion for issues related to housing and homelessness and there are two projects that I would like to see completed in this next term of Council. The first is the Opportunity Villages’ small home development currently underway on Taylor Avenue and the second is Indwell’s renovation of St. Agnes Elementary School. When these two projects are completed, our community will have provided affordable and attainable housing for a minimum of 120 individuals and families.
The supply of affordable housing has not kept pace with demand. Housing prices and rents have increased substantially faster than incomes. And those populations most affected by the gap between income and housing costs include first-time homebuyers, older adults, Indigenous peoples, those immigrating from other countries and individuals experiencing challenges related to mental health and addictions.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
As an advocate for the voluntary sector, I would have to say that our biggest asset is our people … and the numerous gifts of time, talent and treasure they share with others. I am particularly proud of the recent initiatives we have undertaken as a Municipality – and within the business and voluntary sectors of our community – to embrace diversity … and to focus on equity, inclusion and justice. As one who has experienced numerous life stages thus far, I can relate to many of the challenges facing our constituents and now represent the over 20% of our citizens who fall within the 65+ age demographic.
(182) YourVote CK: Karen Kirkwood Whyte, Ward 6 (Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Sheila M. Martin
- Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Chatham and I’ve spent most of my adult life, living and working in the municipality. I’m an accountant, a CPA. I’ve worked in accounting for over 20 years at local industries including Union Gas, Crown Cork & Seal, and Navistar. My financial experience will benefit council. I am also a teacher at two colleges, and I have volunteered for many years in the community.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
I’m running for Municipal Council because I want what is best for our community. It’s important that Council represents the interests of its citizens. There needs to be more transparency and financial details provided to the residents. I want to be part of the decision-making process on Council and ensure good representation of the people. I want to hear your concerns, please follow me on Facebook – Sheila M. Martin.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
The biggest challenge facing the municipality is bringing industry and good paying jobs to Chatham-Kent. The municipality should take advantage of the 401 corridor. I believe in fiscal responsibility and keeping tax increases to a minimum. Ward 6 residential property tax rate is 1.92% in 2022, higher than Windsor and other municipalities in Ontario. I am opposed to increases in residential tax rates.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Chatham-Kent has the opportunity to grow and be a prosperous community. Its greatest asset is its central location between three large cities – Windsor, London and Sarnia. This location is ideal to set up industrial operations and draw workers from Chatham-Kent and other cities within an hour’s drive. The housing costs in Chatham-Kent are lower compared to other southwestern Ontario municipalities, making it an ideal location to settle and purchase a home. The close proximity to beautiful waterways, parks and recreation provide the opportunity to be a tourist destination.
(182) YourVote CK: Sheila Martin (Ward 6- Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Brock McGregor
- Tell us about yourself.
I grew up on a farm in Chatham-Kent, and after going away for school returned to open my naturopathic practice in Chatham. My partner Whitney and I have four kids, and as a family we like to spend our free time in parks, arenas, and exploring any activity Chatham-Kent has to offer. I am a two-term municipal councillor, including serving as the budget chair since 2018, the Vice chair of the Board of Health, and a member of the audit committee. I am involved in helping with youth sports, and am the Board President for Rise House International.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
Our community has tremendous potential. We need progressive, transparent, and innovative leadership to meet our current challenges, to improve livability, and to address affordability. With young children, parents in retirement, and owning a small business I understand a successful community needs to work for all generations and demographics. I want to continue the hard work of growing and improving our municipality.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Our municipality faces several challenges, and opportunities. Climate change is challenging our infrastructure, inequitable funding from the provincial government is impacting our ability to pay for community assets, and inflation is making it tougher to invest in the things that make our municipality more livable. Homelessness is increasing, and housing is becoming less attainable for many. All these issues intersect and impact each other. Our biggest challenge is finding the political will to make decisions that will benefit Chatham-Kent in the long run. We need to be innovative, responsible, and willing to make real changes to the way we do things in Chatham-Kent.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
We might talk about relative affordability, our reputation as the banana belt of Ontario, our agricultural strength, or our access to outdoor recreation as our greatest strengths. While all those strengths are important, it is “community” that is our biggest asset. The people in our community make Chatham-Kent great. Every service club, non-profit organization, and volunteer group knows how giving and caring Chatham-Kent can be. Our collective ability to do good is unmatched. Together we can continue to move Chatham-Kent forward.
(182) YourVote CK: Brock McGregor , Ward 6 (Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Lynn O’Brien
- Tell us about yourself.
I am a proud Chathamite who has worked throughout Ontario but always kept my home here. I managed shopping centres in London, Toronto and both North Maple Mall and Downtown Chatham Centre for approximately 25 years. I also successfully managed the Heart and Stroke offices in Chatham-Kent and Windsor Essex.
Being elected to three terms as a Trustee of the former Kent County Board of Education gives me the experience, skill and understanding of working in a county system long before the amalgamation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. It didn’t matter what part of the county you were from….it was the children and taxpayer that mattered whether in Highgate, Wheatley or Chatham.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
Because I am dedicated to our community! To open, honest and clear communication and messaging. Nothing should be hidden or swept under the rug. I have seen and been to a lot of meetings with lots of talk in my years being involved in most departments of the municipality. Well…words are, just that, words and mean nothing without ACTION.
I have been a long-time advocate of the building of an access to the 401 at Queen St. It is long overdue and should be discussed at a provincial level for funding. It is an item that I, if elected, would push to have happen. It is the one thing that will make Chatham’s downtown flourish and prosper.
Another issue is that of closing our only downtown park for an entire season of festivals. I am completely opposed to such a thing happening. We just came off years of COVID and the 3rd street Bridge being closed. Find a way to complete the work in stages and not close our only venue for events in downtown.
I want us to prosper and continue to grow. We have many new citizens which brings with it diversity. We need to be able to know and bring businesses that will enhance those cultural and diverse changes happening.
My loyalty is to the taxpayer and citizens I would represent!!!
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
The elephant is the room is the “urban/rural” divide of council. I believe with respect, honesty and open communication we can bridge the gaps that amalgamation has caused. We did it with the Kent County Board of Education with a focus on what matter most….the Students. We need to focus of what’s best for all of us to bring prosperity and growth to all our communities.
We have the same issue as many large communities in Ontario….homelessness. Many of our homeless have mental health and drug addictions. I believe it is an issue that has taken police away from the job they were hired to do….fight crime. The province closed all the mental health hospitals throughout Ontario….not a smart move obviously. Many of those who are homeless would benefit from same. Our police officers are not social workers and the frustration the citizens feel is real. Empathy and compassion can go so far until nothing seems to be working…which appears to be the case of late.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
The fact that we are one the largest agri/urban communities in Ontario!
I have said for years….Chatham-Kent is the best place in southern Ontario with proximity to Sarnia/Windsor and London. We are the HUB and we should be booming with business and industry. I will do all I can to make that happen! We have come in 2nd more than once on getting industry to come to CK. I want to know “Why” that is and find a solution to ensure we are number 1!!!!!
I would be proud to call myself Chatham’s representative on council.
(182) YourVote CK: Lynn O’ Brien Ward 6 (Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Bonny Pigeon
- Tell us about yourself.
My name is Bonny Pigeon. Born in 1959, I was raised on a farm in Northwestern Alberta and spent my teen years in Ft. McMurray. In 1986, my husband, my children and I moved to the Ottawa Valley and to Chatham a year later where I continue to be an actively involved community member.
My education, paid and unpaid work experience, has given me a diverse understanding of the needs and strengths of Communities of Chatham-Kent. I have a BA, Social Development Studies and certificates in Social Work, Social Welfare and Business Administration. My career focused mainly on helping individuals find and retain employment. In 2020, I retired from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as a Supervisor, Ontario Works and started a contract with the Canadian Red Cross.
Some of my committee and board experience include CK and Southwest Region Employment Groups, Local Immigration Partnership, CK Drug Awareness Council, CK Chamber of Commerce, Adult Language and Literacy and Rotary as President and Assistant District Governor.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
I am running for Municipal Council because I want Chatham-Kent to continue to be a great place to live, raise a family and age gracefully.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Chatham-Kent has many challenges right now. Top of mind is homelessness. This has been made extra evident with the pandemic and the increased mental health, addictions and skyrocketing raising housing prices. Attention needs to be paid to quickly increasing affordable housing units and finding suitable short term housing that helps the vulnerable while informing and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.
Other priorities are the deforestation. I grew up on a farm and I am a home owner. Over many years we have seen a reduction in rural residences with house lots being converted to farm land. Tree coverage dropping in Chatham-Kent is one result. Consultation and long term planning with stakeholders is needed.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Chatham-Kent is situated in one of the best areas of Canada. It is has a small community feel while having all of the amenities of larger centres. The weather is great. We really don’t see winter until January and it is on its way to spring by the end of February. Chatham-Kent has a thriving arts and culture community. If you are looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, there are stands all over the municipality with home grown produce.
Voters should choose me as the voice of the ordinary citizen. My career has been in service to those most vulnerable. I’m a wife, mother and grandmother. I’m not a business owner, sales person or politician. I am just a concerned and impassioned citizen.
Derek Robertson
- Tell us about yourself.
I am Derek Robertson and I have lived in Chatham (Ward 6) most of my 50 years. I have been a committed member of this community having served on numerous Community Boards including the YMCA, CK Community Living and Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, I was humbled to have been elected to represent Ward 6 for two terms between 2010-2018 having fulfilling both the offices of Audit Chair (2010-14) and Budget Chair (2014-2018). I am currently the Vice Chair of the Lambton Kent District School Board. In my professional life, I serve as the Vice President of TransForm Shared Service Organization with responsibility to oversee the Supply Chain activity of the 5 hospitals located in the Erie St. Clair region. While I have enjoyed to my professional, political and volunteer life in Chatham-Kent. I am most proud of my beautiful family; wife, Kelley and children Grace and Jayson.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
I have been a dedicated member of this community and I am committed to building a Chatham-Kent that is vibrant yet sustainable. The policy decisions made by the next Council have the potential to alter our community permanently and we need to ensure a voice on Council that will make all decisions with information that is transparent to the public. This principle is at the core of all good decision making and establishing trust within the community. In the 8 years I spent on Council I was always a strong voice to build a Chatham-Kent that will provide opportunities for generations and I focused on always being a Councillor that the public could trust to analyze, understand and convey the decision making process honestly to the public.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Without question, the cosmetic makeup of the rural/urban economy plays a significant role in driving the Ontario and Canadian economies however, they do so while facing significant challenges. Similar to other like communities, Chatham-Kent is no different and one of the biggest challenges facing our community, is the scarcity of financial resources vs. priority. This is universally true, in both the lives of our citizens and the governance of the municipality. We must continue to strive to provide a community of choice to live while, effectively managing the cost to live. This balance is crucial for our long term success and as your elected representative I will never lose sight of this critical element of governing our municipality.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
While it may seem cliché, the greatest asset that Chatham-Kent possesses is its people. Our citizens stand up for one another, take pride in their community, operate small businesses, work hard and expect honesty and transparency from their Municipal Council. I will make decisions objectively when I know that the people I represent have the same information at their disposal as I am privy. Honesty and transparency are exactly what I plan to deliver each and every day that I am elected to serve and represent some of the finest people in Ontario and Canada.
(182) YourVote CK: Derek Robertson (Ward 6- Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Dava Robichaud
- Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Chatham. My father was a Captain of the Chatham Fire Department for 39 years, my mother raising 9 children. They gave me a strong work ethic and taught me the value of giving back to my community. I am married to my husband Yvon, and together we have 10 children, 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandson. Yvon and I volunteer together in our community through many avenues.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
For over 35 years I have enjoyed the benefits of this community and have given back in turn. It’s time to take the knowledge and expertise that I have gained over this time to council and join the team that continues to make Chatham Kent all that this community can be. Learn more about why I’m running and my vision at dava4council.com.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
The single most important focus for Chatham-Kent should be growth.
The residents and businesses in the community of Chatham-Kent have been shouldering the tax burden for too long. We need to grow aggressively in our business and residential sectors to help share the tax load throughout the entire community. We need to work strategically as a team to bring in businesses and residents and foster a collaborative approach to our development goals.
What’s the ripple effect of growth? Increased user fees, boosted economy, lower taxes and job creation.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset is its citizens. I’m continuously inspired by the depths of kindness and compassion that this community has and have experienced the constant willingness to help in world record proportions, literally!
(182) YourVote CK: Dava Robichaud (Ward 6- Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Alysson Storey
- Tell us about yourself.
Growing up in Chatham, I’ve spent the majority of my career in the communications and cultural sector, both in Canada and abroad. Graduating with Upper Class Honours from Queen’s University with a double major in History and Art History, I’ve worked for the federal government overseas, the provincial government in Toronto, and Manager of Culture of Special Events for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. At the Municipality I was responsible for managing multiple facilities, a large team of staff and volunteers and a multi-million dollar budget. As a result I’m familiar and knowledgeable about municipal and Council operations.
In 2014 I launched my small business providing communications services to a wide range of clients. I help them effectively communicate their services through social media management, website and content development, media relations, public speaking and more. It’s incredibly rewarding to help other small businesses succeed and why the success of small business in Chatham-Kent is so important to me. One of my most meaningful professional roles was working at the Chatham-Kent Hospice as Donor and Community Relations Coordinator helping families and their loved ones at their end of life journeys. As Past President of the Rotary Club of Chatham, I love working with community groups in CK and around the world to improve literacy, youth mental health, provide clean water, eradicate polio, respond to humanitarian crises and natural disasters. Being a Rotarian inspires me every day and helps me be a better person.
I also founded Build the Barrier to advocate for building a concrete median barrier on Highway 401 between Tilbury and London. I gathered over 5000 signatures, organized rallies at Queen’s Park and met with multiple government Ministers and high-level staff. To see this barrier now being constructed in Chatham-Kent and knowing lives will be saved is one of my proudest achievements.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
Almost every day, for the past several months, I see a young person in their 20s or early 30s, sitting on a curb dividing the lanes on one of the busiest streets in Chatham. I wonder what has happened in their life. Where is their family? Where will they sleep tonight? What happens when winter arrives.
Most days I see more and more people struggling like this. I’m worried there are more and more people in our community experiencing homelessness, suffering from addictions, or struggling with their mental health.
Why am I running for Council? This is one of three big reasons why.
I don’t want to be on the sidelines anymore, wringing my hands and wondering what to do. I want to help solve these issues and make our community healthier, safer and more successful for everyone.
Which leads to my next two reasons for running. If we address these issues, it will benefit us all. First: how we run public consultations in Chatham-Kent, and the second – how the downtown Chatham redevelopment proposal will impact our entire community.
Regarding the downtown proposal – I fully support these private developers and their efforts to revitalize their downtown properties. I commend and thank them for their past and continued investment in our community. I’m grateful for their commitment to Chatham.
My concern, and concerns I’m hearing from residents across CK, is the lack of information about this proposal, and can we afford it? Especially with so many other pressing needs in CK. Can we find a reasonable alternative? Or will this increase our taxes for generations to come?
Last but not least, the Municipality has struggled with implementing a genuine and thorough public consultation process for years. There is no excuse, in 2022, to have an incomplete, or non-existent, public input opportunities.
If elected, I will ensure that we have reasonable and accessible ways for citizens to share feedback on issues that are important to them.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Our biggest challenge is two-fold: our relatively small tax base, and our very large geographic area. While there is exciting growth happening in some areas of CK, others are struggling.
We’re not alone in facing many of these challenges: aging infrastructure, affordable housing and homelessness, investing in our economy and maintaining our municipal facilities and services. But where we differ from many communities is our small population spread out over a very large geographic area. We have more kilometres of drains, shoreline, roads, bridges and related infrastructure than many other Ontario municipalities combined. We face a sobering reality in that barely 50% of our infrastructure assets are funded for maintenance and repair. Bridges, roads and drains are not “exciting” topics, but they are critical to our economy and our safety. If our roads and drains aren’t maintained, farmers and other businesses can’t get their products to market. If our bridges aren’t maintained (or repairs are delayed) what happens to emergency services when every minute counts?
Of course, infrastructure is not the only area of municipal operations that needs a healthy tax base. Community amenities like libraries, arenas, cemeteries, municipal centres and service desks (among many other items) are assets we cannot afford to ignore or neglect.
Our current tax base simply cannot support all of the expenses that a municipality of our geographic size requires. Changing this for the better doesn’t happen overnight. But we must start now and take steps to grow our tax base. Attracting and retaining young professionals to our community, for example. We are an aging community. Welcoming young professionals, not just from Ontario but around the world, will help grow our tax base and our economy. They will start and grow their families here, build their businesses here, and of course, pay their taxes here.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Our biggest asset? Our citizens. Hands down.
We have a very caring community. As a longtime Rotarian and organizer of the Holiday Jam for Hunger (a long-running fundraiser for local food banks), I have seen first-hand how our friends, neighbours and often total strangers will come together. Whether it’s a family needing a wheelchair lift, knitting blankets for newborns and hats for those undergoing cancer treatments, dropping off supplies at local food banks or gently used coats and boots for kids, building a hospice facility in just a few years, and so much more. Our citizens come together when it counts.
I’ve seen our fellow citizens contribute to an orphanage in Haiti, raise much-needed funds for access to education in Central America, or provide shelter to refugees in Ukraine. Our Terry Fox runs across CK are some of the most successful in Canada and our service clubs still show up every week to help others. I have organized many fundraisers for organizations in Chatham-Kent: for flood-damaged downtown businesses, for food banks, for artists, and more. And every time the community comes together to help.
We show up when it matters. And it’s something we should all be very proud of. This compassion and empathy for others is even more important as we enter this “new normal” pandemic and post-pandemic era. More of us than ever are struggling – with our mental health, finding affordable housing, dealing with addictions, or finding meaningful work. It’s never been more critical to demonstrate the spirit of generosity and kindness to each and every one of us in Chatham-Kent. We’ll all be better for it.
(182) YourVote CK: Alysson Storey, Ward 6 (Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Larry Vellinga
- Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in Chatham Kent and have lived here my entire life. My wife Susan and I decided to stay in Chatham Kent even though my employment is in Windsor. Chatham Kent is our home. It’s where our roots are, where our friends and family live and where we wanted to raise our children. I’m presently employed at Ford Motor Company as a Manager. I have held a number of managerial roles with Ford allowing me to fill my toolbox with skills and technical experience. I previously worked at Motor Wheel and Navistar in Chatham. As to education, I have attained a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration all while working full time.
- Why are you running in the municipal election?
I’m running for Council because I really care about this municipality and truly feel we need new ideas and new direction to spur growth and prosperity for our citizens. What distinguishes one candidate from another? Qualifications. A councilor’s job is to govern, and governance requires leadership skills and experience. I’m confident I possess the education, leadership skills and business experience necessary to intelligently participate on council, rendering the value-added decisions necessary to move Chatham-Kent forward. I know with my can do, find a way attitude; I can make a positive difference in this community. I’m dedicated to stop wasteful spending, invest in the future of Chatham Kent and spur the growth necessary to create opportunities for the citizens of CK. We need to grow to realize new tax revenue sources and hold the line on our residential tax rates. With inflation devastating family budgets, we can no longer afford escalating taxes. When you cast your ballot October 24th, Vote Vellinga. Thank You.
- What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
The biggest challenge facing Chatham Kent is the lack of growth over the last 30 years. Our population is aging with over 45% of our citizens now over 50 years of age. It’s apparent there are few opportunities for our youth. Many have left the area permanently over the years. Others have fallen to the depth and despair of homelessness and drug abuse. So how does growth help? It provides opportunity for meaningful employment. Employment can potentially provide the funds necessary to afford the security of an apartment or at some point, a home of their own. It bestows hope to escape the chains of drug abuse. Many will continue to need the support of our social services to deal with drug abuse and mental illness. For those we have several departments and nonprofit agencies to help. Continually push the federal and provincial governments for monies to support these agencies and establish new affordable housing construction.
- What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
The biggest asset of Chatham Kent is location. We have two lakes on our borders to utilize for tourism. Exploit them by highlighting activities like fishing, swimming and boating to pull in tourism dollars. We are smack in the middle of the breadbasket in Canada. No one can compare to crops grown in Chatham Kent. Highlight our Farmers Markets, Orchards and roadside stands as destinations. We reside along one of the busiest commerce corridors in North America, Highway 401. With a new EV Battery plant being built in Windsor and Amazon and other investments in London, we truly need to get Chatham Kent on everyone’s map contemplating investments in Ontario. In previous election campaigns, I talked to our MPP and MP about an interchange at Queen Street and 401 to allow straight line access to the downtown Chatham core. If we truly want to become a destination, it starts in the downtown area. Now some may argue that Chatham gets everything. The wheel can only turn if it has a strong hub. We are a community of resilient people in Chatham Kent. All we ask is to give us the opportunity and we’ll take it from there.
(182) YourVote CK: Larry Vellinga (Ward 6- Chatham) Candidate – YouTube
Carson Warrener
1. Tell us about yourself.
I was born in a town of 300 in Southern Saskatchewan in 1981, the home base for a pipeline project my parents were working on at the time. I call Chatham my home because they chose to move here from Manitoba after falling in love with the historic buildings and homes, and the people! I attended Queen E II, CCI, the Pines and University of Windsor. My passion is real estate and property redevelopment. I firmly believe that we must always remember that we are just temporary custodians of the land, buildings and systems we work with and must consider our impact on them at all times. I am the father of two boys, 5 and 10, and live with my fiancé Sarah and her children in an amazing blended family.
2. Why are you running in the municipal election?
I want to change the relationship between council and the public, with an upfront and
proactive exchange of information and direct engagement with the community. I want
our residents to have a restored trust in their councillor and hopefully council as a
whole, through effective fulfillment of the “Role of Council” as laid out in Section 224 of
the Municipal Act 2001. This may seem overly precise, but this is so important, this is
the Provincial law that says, our Council is the governing authority of the Municipality of
Chatham-Kent. I want to bring active and responsible representation to the constituents of my ward.
3. What is the biggest challenge facing Chatham-Kent?
Taxes and spending, Chatham-Kent has a ballooning $363 Million 2022 budget, which had a projected gross deficit of $11,282,266 as of May 2022. Our population is 104,316 and has had a net increase of only 689 people since 2012. In 2020, $103,250,699 was levied from residential properties, an increase of 15% or $13,599,332 from 2015. Council needs to proactively ensure that public funds are used efficiently in delivering the services council has determined the municipality shall provide. We continually get less for more, at a great cost to the taxpayer, who is already strained with the exploding costs of living in Canada. The challenge is dealing with the areas of the budget that have grown exponentially in the last council term.
The general public feels there is a lack of transparency and accountability, and you cannot have one without the other. It is the role of a council “to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of the senior management of the municipality,” it is essential that council takes a serious and active role in ensuring the fulfillment of this provincially legislated duty. It is essential to present the highest level of detail at the earliest possible opportunity, when dealing with complex and controversial issues. The municipality ought to be forthcoming with documentation and council ought to ensure that the way information is presented to the public is complete, clear and concise. One simple example of this can be found on the C-K website, in the place of “2022 Approved Budget” is a one-and-a-half-page document, representing $363 Million in spending, an unfortunate oversimplification placed where anyone would expect a detailed document. Complex data can be distilled but should not be “dumbed down.”
4. What do you consider to be Chatham-Kent’s biggest asset?
Our geographic location and our people. We are in the ultimate sweet spot, nearly the southernmost point of Canada, within an hour of a massive US economy. Access to: hundreds of KM’s of lake coastline, rivers, productive farmland, major highway corridors, natural gas for cost-effective heating, the list goes on. Our people are exceptional, we have a diverse mix of multi-generation farmers and tradespeople, who helped build our community and the products our region is known for. We are resilient and hard working, we pop up all over the world and are known for our contributions in every discipline and sports. We don’t all see eye to eye, but we do stick together and know how to get things done!
