There will officially be an election race in Wallaceburg.
Sheldon Parsons has filed his papers and will be seeking re-election in Ward 5.
Parsons said his job is not done.
“Wallaceburg was hit hard throughout the downturn in the economy and we still haven’t recovered,” he said. “We’ve still got lots of people out of work and we’ve to work to continue more economic development. We’ve got to stop the closure of services and facilities. We’ve got to get more activities here in the ‘Burg for the families of the community. That is my task for this next coming term.”
Parsons said jobs is the most important aspect to focus on.
“Economic development is key… getting more industrial development in, get more job opportunities for the people that live in the community. Too many of our people have to drive out of town to get to their employment and that is not good for them, it’s not good for the families, it’s not good for the community. We’ve to to work on that.”
Parsons added: “We’ve got empty industrial buildings, we’ve got lots of service land that people could be building on. We’ve got to push that. I know there is a development out into North Kent that hopefully will materialize and bring some jobs to the community. That depends upon the railway and some international investment. Things don’t move very fast on those type of projects. We’re hoping that one will materialize in the near future.”
Parsons said he hope to continue building on and improving Wallacebur’s parks.
“We’ve got decent parks,” he said. “We don’t have some of the main-liner parks like Kingston Park. We’re working on getting a few more splash pads throughout the community, smaller and more efficient and cost effective operations. That is something I hope will materialize in the coming term.”
Parsons said he brings a wealth of experience to the table.
“I’ve been around the council table now for eight years,” he said. “I’ve been around the council table as a staff member for 25 years prior to that. I’ve lived in this community, it’s my life. It’s time for me to give back. That is what I’ve been doing for the last right years and I hope to do it for at least another four.”
Parsons added: “I would hope people would see my experience with service clubs, my experience with various groups and organizations within the community that make the community strong. That my experience can be put to work and my skills and talents that I bring to the table can useful to help this community.”
Parsons joins fellow incumbent Jeff Wesley and newcomer Carmen McGregor as the three candidates so far.
Election day is Oct. 27.
