Aaron Neaves is one of eight candidates running for one of two spots on Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council, representing Ward 4 – North Kent.
Neaves told the Sydenham Current he has been married to Sandra for 29 years and has lived on the family farm since 1993.
Together they have two adult daughters, Bailey and Mackenzie, and they have two beautiful grand daughters, Zoey and Mila.
Neaves said he graduated from St. Clair College in 1994 as an Industrial Electrician and has been employed at Rockwell/ MSSC for 29 years.
Neaves said he has served on various boards:
– United Way of CK
– Kinsmen Club of Dresden
– Helped create the MSSC Toy drive campaign for the Goodfellows of CK since 1997
– Other boards and committees of council etc.
“I was first elected in the labour movement in 1996, and served various positions: President of CAW Local 127 from 2008 to 2012 and was later appointed as a National Representative of CAW/Unifor from 2012 until May 2020,” Neaves said.
“During that time, I gained a lot of knowledge and experience of representing people, on how to find a resolution to complex issues. I was able to balance a multi million dollar budget for four consecutive years. I understand difficult budget processes. I have experience in dealing with high level, stressful situations and have a proven track record of not only bringing together like minded people, but also finding resolutions with parties who have opposite opinions on multiple levels.”
Neaves said he is running for council for a third time, 2006 and 2010.
“I believe that I have gained an enormous amount of experience in the private sector and feel that I am ready to go to work on day one for the constituents of Ward 4,” he said.
“I believe that the next council has an incredible amount of important decisions to be made with repercussions that may not be felt for in years to come.”
Neaves said his campaign resolves around a few issues.
“The report that was tabled earlier this year in regards to the consolidation or closure and sale of the Service Centre… let me be clear, this can not happen,” Neaves said.
“I will pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of all Ward 4 constituents along side of the other duly elected councillor of our Ward. I think of the seniors in our community, the less fortunate who rely on that centre for a multiple services, for the workers (agricultural, industrial and the business community) who have for generations have relied on local services.”
Neaves added: “I will commit to fight for the ‘hub of this community’ to remain open to all. This is where I believe that on day one, I can work with the other elected councillor along with the other councillors to keep this facility open. I do not agree with administration in Chatham who has no idea of what negative outcome this bad decision will have to many in our community. In short, it makes no sense to make tax payers in Ward 4 drive to Chatham for services that need to be regulated in Dresden.”
Neaves said he commits to openly and honestly ask and challenge the clear cut bylaw.
“Living on a farm I witness what this has done,” he said.
“I believe that living on a farm, and being married into a farming family, brings a unique set of qualifications that a councillor needs to properly represent the agriculture community. I believe, that as it is written and proposed has an over reach sense to it. Farmers, by common sense are the best stewards of their land. If properly asserted, this bylaw ought to recognize the number of trees planted in wind rows, account for the tree coverage in Rondeau Park, Moriaviantown and other locations.”
Neaves added: If elected, I commit on day one, to work with the other councillors across all wards to try to express concerns brought on by this motion.”
Neaves said he also commits to work across all Wards to help promote the rural identity that has been lost, to promote and lead discussions around the lack of infrastructure: road maintenance, bridges, culverts etc.
“I believe that my experience in dealing with complex budgets and experience in putting issues front and centre is an asset,” he said.
“I believe in fighting for the right cause, I believe in representing people the way that I would want to be. I believe that it is the right time to question administration. I believe that I have the right amount of experience in real and urban issues, that I have the proper experience in dealing with complex issues, I believe in accountability and accessibility. I am ready to go to work on day one.”
Election Day is October 24, 2022.
Election details from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent can be found, here.
