Darcy Meville enters council race in Ward 6 – Chatham

Darcy Meville, 36 has filed his nomination papers for Ward 6 – Chatham Monday August 9, 2010.

When asked why he has decided to run Meville commented. “I have lived at various locations across Canada and have been especially inspired by Glen Murray, Mayor of Winnipeg who was behind the revitalization of that city including the MTS centre after many years of neglect.” Murray illustrated how a keen sense of involvement in one’s community can effect positive change and he would like to be able to contribute in the same way here in Chatham-Kent.

Melville came back to Chatham-Kent in 2002. He is a family man with 4 children and is active in coaching both at public school level and with Cougars football as well as girls soccer. Meville indicated that being involved in the community is very important and noted “Chatham-Kent has the highest volunteer rate per capita in the country”

He said he believes strongly in investing in the community and mentioned his own purchase of a 24 suite apartment here as well as being one of the founders of Rockstock.

When asked about the issues, Melville responded “I am 100% focused on bringing jobs to Chatham-Kent starting with Navistar. Chatham has been on a downward trend for 20 years having 11 major manufacturers in the area at one time and now only 2 – I will do whatever I can to encourage and create jobs”.

He believes his experience as a businessman and entrepreneur will allow him to bring a new approach and outside the box thinking to council.

With respect to municipal spending and taxes Meville stated “I have bought and sold 20 properties and am very familiar with zoning issues. I feel the existing council is slow and wastes money using consulting for zoning issues.” He went on to say “I am a frugal person and feel people in Chatham Kent are not getting wage increases and can’t afford any more tax increases, my goal would be to freeze taxes”.

With respect to existing council Meville was very direct with his support of Mayor Hope saying “it would be a big step backward if Mayor Hope does not continue in office”. He also stressed the importance of electing a council that can work as a team and as an example stated “even though he is my competition I believe candidate Derek Robertson would bring financial experience and new approach needed on Council”.

In closing Meville wanted to mention “It is an honour to have the opportunity to run for council” and that “my campaign will officially kick off the beginning of next week”.