Why are you running?
I am running in this election because I believe our communities need positive “can-do” councillors to help them achieve their goals. I am unapologetically optimistic by nature, and am ready to roll up my sleeves and continue to support the individuals and community organizations looking to see improvements in their corners of C-K.
For more information on my “why,” check out melissaharrigan.com.
What are the two biggest issues for the next term of council?
Underground infrastructure and housing. Both of these are key areas of our asset management plan that need specific attention. As a council, we will have to prioritize maintenance of existing infrastructure, while building for growth. We also have to provide housing solutions for everyone in our community, including the most vulnerable.
What do you hope to achieve if elected?
Key priorities for communities in Ward 1 include Tilbury’s Stormwater Master Plan, Talbot Trail’s realignment, and the Wheatley recovery strategy. There is also a gravel road pilot program happening in Tilbury that I look forward to seeing the results of. I would like to see improvements on the general health and wellbeing of our communities, using tangible indicators like the size of our by-names list (unhoused individuals) and access to primary care to measure success. I also would like to see the implementation of the mobility master plan, which looks at how we approach all aspects of transportation and road safety.
What skills and experience do you bring?
I bring eight years of experience as a councillor, over a decade of volunteer board experience, and am active in my community, having run soccer since 2018 with a small, dedicated group of volunteers. I work in health care and currently hold a leadership position with CMHA Lambton Kent. I have a record of defending rural and small-town infrastructure. Finally, I was raised in small town C-K, have agricultural roots, and am a proud hockey, swim, and soccer mom.
Are you a fan of Donald Trump? No.
