Jamie McGrail is one of eight candidates running for one of two spots on Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council, representing Ward 4 – North Kent.
McGrail told the Sydenham Current she is a long time resident of Chatham-Kent, with roots beginning in Chatham Township, and now resides in Mitchell’s Bay.
“I strongly believe that movements start at home,” McGrail said.
“Everyone within Chatham-Kent should take some kind of action in making Chatham-Kent a prosperous and vibrant community.”
McGrail added: “The reasoning behind my running for a second election term is that after an eventful first term and learning the ins and outs of being an elected official, I am more then prepared to handle the realities of municipal politics on any given day. I believe North Kent needs experienced representation while a new elected counterpart is welcomed into our ward. North Kent needs strong representation in all corners and I believe that I have a firm understand in regards to the unique and diverse communities that call North Kent their home.”
A graduate of class 12 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership program, McGrail worked for 21 years in the family John Deere business – McGrail Farm Equipment L.P.
McGrail said she is an active participant within the agriculture and Chatham-Kent communities, sitting on boards including:
– John Deere Users Group of North America – President
– United Way Board of Directors
– Community Strategic Planning Committee – past chair
– Chatham-Kent Soil and Crop Improvement Association – Director
– Kent Ag Development Committee – Vice-Chair
– The Ridgetown Agri-Food Foundation board.
“Chatham-Kent and the communities within each have their own key specific issues,” McGrail said.
“I have witnessed first hand in the last four years the struggles, the coming together of a community and creative solutions on many occasions. Family, friends and neighbors know how to get it done. However, there are issues effecting each and every community that need to be addressed by the Municipality, Ontario and Canada.”
McGrail said mental health and addictions have risen and the need to address has to be a cooperation between all levels of government.
Rural infrastructure and how to maintain the many roads and bridges is a constant topic and struggle, she added.
“Chatham-Kent needs to be recognized in way of funding for what we really are,” she said.
“A vast Municipality with its own set of unique challenges.”
Federal and Provincial mandates and downloading also need to be addressed, McGrail said.
“We are continually juggling the ever-changing mandates brought to us by the Province and Canada,” she said.
“It is a balancing act to find new ways to continue services that no longer is funded outside the Municipality but mandated by governments other than the Municipality.”
Mcgrail said this past term has taught her to realize the unknown.
“Be flexible in dealing and relating to new issues,” she said.
“Listen to the issue, ask questions, reach out to my community and proceed with knowledge.”
Rural internet is also something she intends to focus on.
“We are not there yet, but have taken strides,” McGrail added.
“To continue to be Chatham-Kent’s voice and push for reliable, affordable internet.”
The 2022-2026 election term will be an interesting one for North Kent, McGrail said.
“Municipality of Chatham-Kent will have to address important projects such as the Hydro One project(s), continued expansion of rural internet coverage, possible loss of Dresden’s service centre and then divestment of their town hall to name a few,” she said.
“With this in mind, I hope to be the voice of persuasion, understanding and reasoning with all parties involved. I will listen, understand and fight for North Kent.”
Election Day is October 24, 2022.
Election details from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent can be found, here.
