Steven Scott is one of eight candidates running for one of two spots on Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council, representing Ward 4 – North Kent.
Scott told the Sydenham Current he is Director of Technology for a Point-of-Sale software company with sales worldwide, as well as a part-time vegetable farmer.
“I was born and raised in Chatham and live just outside of Pain Court,” Scott said.
“I married my wife Colleen Chambers in 2009 which is when I was introduced to farming. I was taught just how much hard work goes into being a farmer by my late mother-in-law Vivian and father-in-law Rob.”
Scott said his interest in running for Council started at a young age.
“I went to my first council meeting at the age of 12 to try to save our local basketball court,” he said.
“Although I was unsuccessful, it started my interest in local government. Over time the interest only became stronger as did my passion to fight for people like my younger self. Although I am not a career politician, I believe I can do it. And I’ll say this: I believe that politics and public service is more than a job to me. I believe it’s my vocation.”
Scott said some of the issues he would would like to tackle, if elected, include: affordable housing, increased police presence in rural Chatham-Kent, lower taxes and tackle homelessness.
“Real estate prices in Chatham-Kent have grown at a record pace over the past several years,” Scott said.
“The increases have priced many young hopeful homeowners out of the market. To help keep prices in check, we need to call on the Ontario government to introduce a speculation tax on the sale of homes that are not principal residences. I believe this would deter speculators and make housing more affordable.”
Scott said with crime, speeding and reckless driving on the rise in Chatham-Kent, increasing the number of police patrolling rural Chatham Kent is needed.
“I believe we need to increase the number of officers in the Chatham-Kent traffic services unit, and have them target different areas in the township daily,” he said.
“This would cut down on reckless driving and drastically decrease the number of fatal accidents. This approach has served the Waterloo region well and these teams have been responsible for over 2,700 charges regionwide in a single year.”
Scott said Chatham-Kent has one of the highest tax rates in all of Canada.
“We need to create a rewards system to incentivize our amazing staff to come forward with ideas to reduce costs, without affecting services,” he said.
“We need to prioritize spending, reduce salaries (including council) and tender more services. I believe if Chatham-Kent council puts in the work and effort, we can cut the fat and reduce wasteful spending.”
Scott said homelessness in Chatham-Kent is very complex and difficult to resolve.
“I’ll work with the expert volunteers at our amazing non-profit partners such as Rock Missions and Hope Haven to find the best ways to reduce homelessness in our community,” he said.
“We need to seek advice from the volunteers that have boots on the ground and work with the provincial and federal governments in order to find a permanent solution to this crisis.”
Scott added: “If constituents have any questions, they can text me anytime at 519-350-4412 or email at stevenscottward4@gmail.com. I believe city counsellors need to make themselves available for their constituents and be open and honest.”
Election Day is October 24, 2022.
Election details from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent can be found, here.
