Veteran radio personality Greg Hetherington has announced he is seeking the Federal Progressive Conservative candidacy in Lambton–Kent–Middlesex.
“Today I’m announcing my candidacy to represent the Conservative party of Canada for the next federal election in 2019 with Bev Shipley’s impending retirement ahead of the next election, I want to continue his great work in the community,” Hetherington said in a media release.
“I love my home. I love this community. I want to see it continue to prosper. Starting a business in 2009 (CKXS Radio), I know firsthand the help that small business needs to continue to succeed. I’ve dedicated the past 30 years to help the community, to try to make it a better place to live. I have assisted in fundraising, charity, service groups, and promoting the community to our on air listeners. The people I’ve met, and with the work in the community, I’ve had a chance to understand what we need from government.”
Hetherington said running as the representative of the PC’s is the next step for him to help the community.
“We need a strong voice for L-K-M in Ottawa,” Hetherington said.
“Bev Shipley has left big shoes to fill, and we need to continue his work for the community with someone who has a strong voice for the people… I want to be that person. My first step is to win the nomination for the Conservative Party.
Hetherington said he is a strong believer in the PC Party platform.
“I want to support their continued drive to be fiscally responsible,” he said.
“The Canadian deficit is growing to almost $1-trillion. We need to cut spending. That needs to be the first step for our government. Living in a farming community and being raised on a farm, we need to do more to help our agriculture sector, including providing funding for agriculture research, and a free trade agreement with the U.S. that protects our farmers.”
Hetherington added: “With the PC Party representing the province of Ontario, as a Federal Conservative, I want to work closely with the current government on matters concerning our riding, including cutting the carbon tax and making sure we stop building wind turbines.”
Hetherington’s background:
– Living in Wallaceburg (Since 2009)
– Working in Wallaceburg (CKXS Radio since 2009)
– Married to Kelly, and have two children. Madison 20 (Western University) Maxx 14 (CKSS High school)
Education:
– Ridgetown High school 1981- 86
– Fanshawe College London: 1986-88
Work Experience:
– CFCO Radio – Part time broadcaster 1986-88
– CKSY Radio – Morning show host 1989-2009
– CKXS Radio – Morning Show host/G.M Manager/Owner 2009-present
Community work:
Hetherington says he has assisted over 50 service groups and charities in the area, including: CK Hospice, Big Brothers/Sisters, CKHA Foundation, Sertoma Club of Thamesville, Kiwanis Club of Ridgetown, Salvation Army, Outreach for Hunger, Wallaceburg U-Turn ministries, WAMBO, Terry Fox Run, Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Children’s Treatment Centre, Rotary Club of Wallaceburg, Knights of Pythias Wallaceburg, Knights of Columbus Wallaceburg, and Wallaceburg Kinsmen.
– Volunteer / Organizer for over 1,500 charity events in CK since 1988.
– Chair of the United Way 1998.
– Chair for Relay for Life 2005-2007
– Wallaceburg Chamber Board member: 2009-2013
– Board member Children’s Treatment Centre 2007-present
– Co-Chair for Festival of Giving 2013-15
– Co-Chair of 2017-18 Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Renewal Campaign, $7-million raised.
Bruce Lamb, Peter Cuddy, Matthew Kok and Peter Aarssen are also vying for Shipley’s spot.
An exact voting date for the candidacy has yet to be confirmed.
