Sarnia Councillor George Vandenberg helps present a 2019 Accessibility Award to Lynne Betteridge. October 28, 2019. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)Sarnia Councillor George Vandenberg helps present a 2019 Accessibility Award to Lynne Betteridge. October 28, 2019. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

City councillor considers run at federal politics

A Sarnia city councillor is expressing interest in seeking the Liberal Party of Canada nomination.

George Vandenberg said the desire to get involved in federal politics stems from a positive experience in municipal politics and the experience he gained in helping his son during his election campaign.

"I think my son got me involved when he ran in 2015 in the [Humber River-Black Creek] riding in Toronto, so I got a good taste of it then," he said. "Unfortunately, he didn't win but we got good experience."

Vandenberg's son, Kerry Vandenberg, ran as a Conservative candidate but lost to Liberal incumbent Judy Sgro.

If Vandenberg were to throw his hat into the ring, he would seek the local Liberal nomination.

"Just some fundamental changes that I've seen so that's why I'm leaning more towards the Liberal Party."

Vandenberg did not want to expand on what those "fundamental changes" are at this time as he is still weighing his options on whether or not to proceed with next steps.

"It's under active consideration, it's something that I am interested in and would like to pursue a little further," he said. "I've been talking to people and hopefully, we'll move forward."

Vandenberg said one factor he is taking into consideration that may deter him from taking the next step is the time he'll miss with family if successful in gaining the nomination.

"I've got three grandchildren here in Brights Grove and I do like to see them, and my children are here in town so that's a big thing," he said. "It's a big factor. It's something I have to look at."

Vandenberg's current term on Sarnia City Council ends in 2022. He said he will likely make a decision on if he'll proceed in applying for the Liberal nomination this summer.

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