Scott Kilbride is one of eight candidates running for one of two spots on Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council, representing Ward 4 – North Kent.
Kilbride, 62, told the Sydenham Current he’s a lifelong resident of Wallaceburg and Chatham-Kent.
“After attending the University of Guelph to earn my Bachelor Science degree in agriculture, I returned home to farm full-time in 1983,” Kilbride said.
“As a fourth generation farmer, I have since dedicated my life to my family and the farm. My wife Sylke and I have been married for 39 years now. She and I met at U of G; she received her BSc. degree in Resource Management and later became a teacher with the LKDSB. Our son and daughter round out the family, both grown and actively involved in the family business.”
Kilbride said he began working with his father in construction, building custom homes and farm buildings in the area.
He has been on the board of directors of various companies, including:
– 19 years with North Kent Mutual (now known as the Maple Mutual) – six years as chairperson
– 10 years with a London based software company MCCG – one as chairperson
– Three years with the Kent Federation of Agriculture
– Seven years with the AgRevision Farm Network – as Chairperson
– C-K Economic Development Advisory Committee for a number of years.
“These positions have provided me with valuable experience and extensive governance training that I would bring to the council table,” Kilbride said.
“Running for council will allow me to hopefully have an effective role in the community and to provide a voice for agriculture at the C-K Council table. I have stepped away from all my board positions and my family is supportive by stepping up and taking over some of the current farm obligations if I am elected.”
Kilbride added: “As with most C-K residents, I have many questions on how the municipality spends our tax dollars and look forward to exploring the political side of things with straight forward, open thinking.”
Kilbride said he has an interest in, and questions about, what is ahead for the municipality and council.
“Roads and bridges, the new municipal offices and the woodlot bylaw are but three of the many issues to be addressed,” he said.
“What voters can count on is that I will work to make sure ‘their’ tax dollars are used in a sensible, constructive way to achieve realistic goals and with consideration for all areas of C-K. We are one municipality with many distinct and diverse areas, often with different needs and wants. Treating everyone the ‘same’ does not make sense and isn’t very realistic. Treating everyone fairly does.”
Kilbride added: “Looking at what the people in an area consider important and vital may be the way to an equitable system of expenditure across C-K. You cannot please everyone all the time, but an honest attempt is what I hope to bring if elected. I would appreciate the opportunity to try and achieve this goal.”
Election Day is October 24, 2022.
Election details from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent can be found, here.
