CK Councilor, David Vandamme, announces he will be running for the conservative candidate in the Chatham-Kent-Leamington riding. Aug. 16, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)CK Councilor, David Vandamme, announces he will be running for the conservative candidate in the Chatham-Kent-Leamington riding. Aug. 16, 2018. (Photo by Greg Higgins)
Chatham

CK Councillor VanDamme Announces Federal Government Candidacy

After just four years on municipal council, David VanDamme is making the jump to federal politics.

The Ward 3 Chatham-Kent councillor made the announcement in front of family, friends and colleagues at the Civic Centre in Chatham Thursday afternoon, that he will be running for the Conservative Party of Canada nomination in the Chatham-Kent-Leamington riding.

When asked if just four years serving on a municipal council qualified him to run at the federal level, VanDamme said it felt natural to him.

"Politics either comes to you or it doesn't," VanDamme said. "I really enjoy these deep down discussions we have with trying to find solutions within our own government and I look forward to having these discussions on a grander level."

VanDamme added working in his ward has taught him the issues local residents face on a day-to-day basis. He hopes to move to the federal level so he can discuss the challenges of the riding directly with the government.

'There's certainly issues with shoreline erosion, for example, Rose Beach Line and Erie Shore Dr.," VanDamme said. "There's issues with cap and trade. There's issues with greenhouse seasonal agricultural workers programs that I know are near and dear to the greenhouse sector. And of course, farm safety nets for all of our farmers."

VanDamme said he has been talking about getting into federal politics since he was 20 years old and felt like now was the time.

Two other local residents have announced their intentions to run for the Conservative nomination -- Tim Hortons franchise owner Mike Grail and business owner Toyin Crandell.  Current MP Dave Van Kesteren announced he will be retiring at the end of his term.

The next federal election is in October of 2019.

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