It turns out there is a very political reason East Kent Coun. David VanDamme pulled his name from this fall’s municipal election: he’s seeking to replace Dave Van Kesteren at the federal level.
VanDamme announced recently he is running to be the Conservative candidate for Chatham-Kent Leamington in the next federal election.
He joins Mike Graill, Toyin Crandell and Dave Epp as people who want to replace Van Kesteren, a four-term MP for the region.
VanDamme said he’s been bitten by the political bug.
“It’s a funny thing. Four years ago, I knew I wanted to get into politics. It was June and we were in the middle of a provincial election. It was too late at that level. I opted for the municipal route,” he explained.
VanDamme said he “loved” his time representing the people of East Kent on municipal council, but is following a dream he’s had for years.
“I’m always one to challenge myself. I always wanted to do federal ever since I was 20 years old,” he said.
He acknowledged with four people running for the Conservative candidacy, “it’s getting a little busy out there.” He admitted he could have run in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, but believed the Conservatives are further along in the selection process in that riding. Bev Shipley, PC MP for LKM, is also retiring from politics.
VanDamme said agriculture, infrastructure and immigration are key issues in his mind.
He pointed to the fact a couple from New Zealand moved to East Kent a number of years ago to work, but ultimately had to return home because they lost their visas.
“I approached the closest-sitting Liberal MP. He said there was nothing they can do,” VanDamme said. “They loved it here and we had to send them back home. I want to have the conversation more broadly and work on immigration policies.”
