Mitchell’s Bay resident Jamie McGrail has filed her papers and is running for Council in Ward 4 – North Kent.
McGrail, 42, who is currently the Integrated Solutions Manager for McGrail Farm Equipment,
“I pledge my time, skills, attention and integrity to working with my fellow citizens and Chatham-Kent Council,” McGrail said in a media release.
“Together, we will ensure that North Kent is a vibrant and prosperous place to live, work and build for the future.
McGrail said she has a lifetime’s experience of living, learning, working and playing in Chatham-Kent.
“I wish to contribute even more to my community,” she said.
“As the Integrated Solutions Manager of McGrail Farm Equipment, a successful dealership within the John Deere family of companies, I have developed the skills needed to create and grow a successful product line. For over fourteen years, I have gained experience with establishing new business ideas, problem-solving and finding creative solutions for positive results. I have worked to create partnerships with business and government, and I strive to be a prompt, knowledgeable customer support resource.
McGrail said agriculture is a way of life that has engrained in her the values of integrity and hard work.
“I have long volunteered within Chatham-Kent and farther afield,” she said.
“Participating in municipal boards, notably as Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, has helped me to understand the politics within our municipality. I have also learned much about the human needs of our community’s families and individuals in my role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chatham-Kent United Way. In business, have served as President of the John Deere Users Group of North America and was fortunate to be selected to be part of Class 12 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program of Ontario. I am a strong believer in the people and businesses of Chatham-Kent.”
McGrail said she believes in the following:
1. Economic Development – “Chatham-Kent needs a “Welcome − how can we help you?” attitude toward new business. For Chatham-Kent to excel, we need to continue developing the skills of our people, especially youth, so that we can meet the needs of new and established businesses. We need to be creative in both attracting and integrating new businesses into our local economy.”
2. Community – “Without the individuals that make up North Kent and Chatham-Kent as a whole, we have nothing. We need to take care of the people of our community, ensuring their needs are heard and addressed while also delivering sustainable, efficient municipal services. I support viable realistic solutions.”
3. Infrastructure – “Reliable roads, bridges and communications technology, among other infrastructure, are essential to the prosperity of all our Chatham-Kent communities. Creative ideas must be explored to develop and maintain infrastructure that supports our business opportunities and community life.”
McGrail joins Jessica Brooks, Joey Cyples, incumbent Joe Faas, Dylan Robert McLay, Steven Scott and Patricia Sylvain, who are all hoping to earn one of two spots representing North Kent.
Current Coun. Leon Leclair has stated he will not be seeking re-election.
Election day is October 22, 2018.
