Name: Marjorie Crew
Age: 62
Residence: Chatham
Employment: Family Service Kent
Political Experience: 12 years representing Ward 6 on Chatham-Kent Council.

My Family: Married to Greg for 35 years and together we have 6 kids and 10 grandkids and our dog, Clancy.

This past term of council has been the most challenging I have experienced to say the least. Shoreline issues, the Wheatley explosion, Covid-19, growing issues of housing and homelessness with the ongoing growing problem of addictions and mental health has provided challenges that we have never experienced in councils of the past. As we go forward with recovery and rebuilding, this opportunity for learning and growing will be a path we will take together.

Community involvement is something I have always valued deeply and it’s important to me to continue to have a positive and responsible role in strengthening and moving Chatham-Kent forward. I believe that Chatham-Kent Council must have a diverse group of representatives to make important decisions that affect all citizens.

Whatever the new challenges or direction, the new Chatham-Kent 2022 council will need to work together and communicate with one another in a positive, meaningful way to produce outcomes that benefit us all. I have always used my life experience, integrity and honesty when making decisions on behalf of our citizens. I will continue to represent the residents of Ward 6 and Chatham- Kent. I will voice to your concerns as your Ward 6 Councillor.

Below are some high-level statements that outline my platform. If you would like to discuss anything further, please contact me at [email protected]

Transportation: The transportation needs in Chatham-Kent are as unique and complex as our community is. Our large rural area is dotted with small towns as well as larger urban areas; between them are rural areas that can create social isolation. We need to keep our transportation system affordable and accessible. Continued community partnerships with the municipality is the best method to enhance and connect citizens to the services and to allow social inclusion of all ages. Technology and methods to communicate to riders must also be efficient and kept up to date.

Infrastructure: Our infrastructure has always been a challenge. Not only does this include roads and bridges but the having access to reliable high-speed internet is a critical part of rural infrastructure. Relying completely on the municipal tax payer is not sustainable for these big ticket items and the increasing costs. We must continue to lobby all levels of government to support fair funding for these necessary projects.

Community Safety: Community safety is the responsibility of all departments and the community. I believe that collaboration with community partners to address root causes on key safety issues will provide sustainable change in our municipality. I take community safety very seriously and will support setting levels of service that will reflect the needs of our citizens and the safety of the service providers as Chatham-Kent grows.

Recreation: Our parks and recreation are a clear reflection of our community. Often families will consider relocation to a community based on the available recreation facilities as well as the condition of those facilities. I do believe that these facilities can be an economic driver for communities. Community partnerships are a way to improve amenities and bring pride in ownership to a neighbourhood or community.

Tourism: Tourism in Chatham-Kent is a business. By supporting our tourism, festivals, events and the citizens involved, we encourage people to visit to our community. Visitors come and they spend money which fuels economic movement in Chatham-Kent. Tourism needs to be supported through a vibrant marketing campaign and adequate funding to encourage creative growth and engagement. Supporting our tourism as we recover from the pandemic is important to all of our community as we move forward

Economic Development: Chatham-Kent needs to ensure that we are investing at home as well as investing in new business attraction. The issues that I mentioned above will help create and support a community that will be inviting and encouraging for new business and growth of population. Creative and competitive methods must be supported to encourage local and international business to locate or stay in Chatham-Kent.