Randy Hope is officially seeking a third term.
The incumbent mayor has filed his papers and will be looking to keep his seat as Chatham-Kent’s mayor.
Here is a press release sent out by Hope:
Mayor Randy Hope is announcing his candidacy for re-election today for the position of Mayor of Chatham-Kent. He states “I have a passion to see our community rise to its fullest potential. There is important work yet to be completed in attracting major new investments to the community; to improve the quality of life for residents; to ensure that our critical infrastructure needs are met by the Provincial and Federal Governments; to control taxes and spending and to ensure we continue key community partnerships that will ensure our future success. The complexity of the Mayoralty role does not afford time “for on-the-job” training. I ask for your vote on October 27th.
Progress is not the sum of one person’s efforts that moves a community forward, it is the sum of all residents’ efforts, it is the role of leadership to steer the course. It is my intention to continue to work with the new Council to build on the collaborative partnerships and efforts of business and residents to ensure that economic growth is attained in all sectors and all points of our great community.
With Experience, Passion and Relationships I am a leader who is not afraid of citizen engagement, a leader with a track record of working with Council for the betterment of the community. “
Randy Hope’s platform for the next term of office will continue to focus upon diversifying and attracting new investment to Chatham-Kent, while maintaining a focus on assisting existing businesses to grow and expand.
“To achieve tax relief we cannot just address the matter at budget sessions. The new Council must keep the target in sight week in and week out throughout the year. New investment along with controlling expenditures is the only way to alleviate the tax burden on residents. Economic growth is a key ingredient in controlling taxes. During my tenure there have been a number of new commercial and industrial investments that have offset the losses in employment in the community.
Last year we attracted or assisted eleven new companies to establish in the community. These companies decided to grow and call Chatham-Kent home and now employ over 500 people. This track record is unequalled by other communities in the region. Windsor, for example, reported attracting four companies creating 84 jobs over the same time period.
Companies such as Lambton Conveyor; Cross Country Manufacturing; Truly Green; Krinner and others are among our more recent successes. Many of our past company announcements with 5 to 7 jobs are now employing 20 to 25 employees. These are the ongoing successes which go unnoticed but highlight steady growth which brings economic sustainability for our community and our residents.
The success of Foreign Direct Investment initiatives can offset the need for any tax increase.
Currently, we have active files being negotiated which could see new investment of $1.6 billion dollars, both China and North American based, a level unequalled by any Ontario community.
On the international front we have moved Chatham-Kent from an unknown investment option to a formidable rival in Ontario for investment.
I will continue to develop partnerships with community councillors to address residents’ needs to enhance the quality of life in our communities. We have worked to preserve the Wallaceburg Stonehouse Walking Bridge and Hospital; in Blenheim and other communities with water parks – residents came together to build infrastructure assets which the Municipality will support with annual operating costs. We will also continue to work diligently to preserve our horse racing industry.
Resident engagement has been a hallmark of both Council’s and my tenure in office. Through the establishment of the “Leadership Cabinet” we have engaged community leaders in Business, Education, Healthcare and Industry to seek expert advice on our initiatives. We have established the Seniors’ Advisory Council and the Workforce Planning Board to assist addressing specific key areas of concern. In Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture we have formed advisory councils to ensure we are meeting the needs of the community and employers in these sectors.
We have developed effective partnerships and collaborations with First Nations for ongoing prosperity for all who live in Chatham-Kent. Through our partnerships with the CK Agriculture Community “We Grow 4 the World” a Chatham-Kent brand has been developed and is being implemented to increase awareness of Chatham-Kent produce to ensure economic growth through national and international export markets.
We will continue to engage leaders in the Arts, Culture and Tourism to ensure all of our communities can boast a resurgence that sustains our quality of life. All of our communities have a rich cultural history and assets which many communities only dream about. The challenge of “Green” renewable energy decisions were controversial but the community leadership in this area has set Chatham-Kent apart as a frontrunner recognizing the need for responsible and purposeful land, air and water stewardship. That leadership has provided an increase in tax revenues for many years ahead reducing the burden on taxpayers.
On October 27th vote for a proven leader who can deliver results for the future!
We’ll work on getting an interview with Hope.
Hope is the seventh candidate to file for mayor. Here is the complete list:
– Steve Brent
– Jeff Bultje
– Marjorie Crew
– Randy R. Hope
– Reno Lachapelle
– Ian McLarty
– John C. Willatt
Election day is Oct. 27.
