A former pay equity and job evaluation specialist is running to be one of six Chatham-based councillors on Chatham-Kent's (CK) municipal council.
Steve Kenney is running for Ward 7, one of three newly formed Wards covering Chatham. Each Ward will have two representatives, keeping Chatham's overall representation on council the same.
Kenney told CK News Today his main priority as a councillor would be to drive more economic development across the municipality.
"We've lost a lot of industry, a lot of revenue that comes in through major factories, so I'd like to look into trying to improve the economic development," he said.
Kenney explained that improving CK's overall economic impact, specifically by bringing in more businesses, would help stop taxes from continually being increased.
"[Right now] residents and small businesses are carrying the load," he added.
While he doesn't have any political experience, Kenney argued that he would be far from a rookie if lucky enough to be elected.
"I bring 30 years of experience dealing with administrations and municipalities, solving problems. I'm the type of person who can bring people into a room and try to get things done for the residents," he said.
CK's election will be on October 26, 2026.
