CK VOTES: Jim Blake running for council in Ward 5 Wallaceburg

Name: Jim Blake Age: 70 Ward: Ward 5 Why are you running for council? Municipal government needs to show leadership, vision and accountability and I believe I can help contribute in all three areas. Too many in our community are hurting due to economic uncertainty, lack of opportunity and a belief they are being left [...]

Article content Name: Jim Blake Age: 70 Ward: Ward 5 Why are you running for council? Recommended Videos Municipal government needs to show leadership, vision and accountability

and I believe I can help contribute in all three areas. Too many in our community are hurting due to economic uncertainty, lack of opportunity and a belief they are being left out of the process. I believe we need to use the abilities and talents of everyone to help move our community forward.

What are some important issues you plan to address if elected? · The most visible issue in our community is homelessness and the petty crime and drug addiction that goes along with it. We need a multi-disciplined approach where we target the root causes not just the symptoms of poverty and addiction.

At the same time, we also need to address the concerns of property owners near encampments. · We need to grow our economic base in the face of international uncertainty.

That means investing in infrastructure so we are ready for opportunities as they arise. We need to invest in skills training so we have a workforce ready for those opportunities.

· We need to continue to pursue the most cost-efficient ways to deliver the services our residents expect. What skills, experience and talents will you bring to council that will benefit residents of Chatham-Kent?

I’ve been fortunate to have worked with talented people who have helped me achieve success in the corporate world and as part of ownership of a local business. Realizing that we work best when we work together, I am committed to being part of a council that measures success collectively, not individually. I have spent decades building relationships, not fences.

During the nomination period, the Chatham Daily News will run questionnaires completed by council candidates in the upcoming municipal election. For the most up-to-date list on those running, visit https://www.chatham-kent.ca/localgovernment/elections/Pages/Candidates.aspx We make every effort to reach declared candidates with the contact information they’ve provided. If we’ve been unable to connect with you, and you wish us to do so, please reach out to eshreve@postmedia.com and tterfloth@postmedia.com