8 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Chatham-Kent Leamington candidates weigh in
DAVE EPP – Incumbent Progressive Conservative Dave Epp is a third-generation Leamington farmer on the First Concession. He is married with four grown daughters, who have all spread their wings and went out into society. He’s been on many committees and organizations prior to his political career, including the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, Agricorp, Leamington’s Committee of Adjustment, Board of Directors for UMEI, Leamington Flyers Hockey Club and much more. In addition, Dave served five years with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. His brother and nephew now handle the majority of the work on the Epp farm, as he delved into politics. “I became more partisan in the last 10 years, as I hoped to affect change,” he said. For Dave, with his expertise in the farming and agri-food processing field, he is confident he can continue to work hard for all of his constituents. “This is home,” he said. “Yes, I’m from Leamington, but I feel like I can call the entire riding my home.” He’s spent a lot of time leading teams and committees and sees one of his strengths as being able to work with colleagues on the same side and across the aisle. As for main issues, Epp sees COVID as being front and centre, but cautions that we have to take care of the health of the community but also look to financial recovery after COVID. “We have to look ahead and secure the future,” he said.
He wishes to go on record to say he and his family are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I support any Canadian who is medically able to get vaccinated,” he said. He also understands that there are those who choose not to get vaccinated and says he supports regular testing if they choose that route. He feels that an election in the middle of the fourth wave of the pandemic is an election that nobody wants. “We should be concentrating on recovery and getting out of the pandemic,” he said, “not campaigning.” Epp says that economic growth rates were at 1.6 per cent prior to COVID, which left the Canadian economy in a precarious position. “We have to get our growth rates up over three per cent,” he said.
GREG HETHERINGTON Liberal Candidate Greg Hetherington was born in Orford Township on a farm just outside Thamesville and spent 20 years farming with his family. He graduated from Fanshawe College in Broadcasting/Media. He currently owns a small business (media company) — Five Amigos Broadcasting — that owns four radio stations and a marketing company. CKXS Radio, which Hetherington started 12 years ago, serves Chatham-Kent. He’s helped chair, fundraise and organize almost 1000 events in his riding, including the CKHA Foundation. “I’ve been on the hospital board for 20 years and most recently, chair of the
foundation,” he said. “I helped co-chair our biggest fundraising initiative three years ago, where we raised over $7,000,000 for new equipment at the hospital.” Hetherington also sits on the board of directors for the Children’s Treatment Centre and helped raise over $1,000,000 and assisted over 4,000 families in Chatham-Kent. “I love people, I love helping and I love to work hard,” he said. “I know what it’s like to be a small business owner, and the hours and commitment it takes to be successful.” His connection to the community through his service work has given him a solid background on what people need and how he can service them. “Our riding needs
someone with a strong understanding of what our middle class needs, and how we can better service them, and help move forward through the pandemic,” he said. He says that getting the economy moving forward is one of the top issues of this election, along with helping families get back to work and assist small business. “Our 10-dollar childcare will help get families back to work,” he said. Hetherington also sees housing as a local issue that needs addressing. The homeless and affordable housing are one issue with two key problems. “I’m a hands-on person and like to get involved,” he said.
He and his wife have committed to working with The Bridge in Leamington to assist with homelessness, jobs, addiction and education. He says the Liberals will double the Home Buyers Tax Credit and also build, repair or preserve 1.4 million homes in four years. As for COVID, Hetherington says that our health and vaccines are paramount. “Canada is one of the leaders in the world on getting vaccines available and in the arms of Canadians,” he said. “We need to continue that approach to keep each other safe, and continue to open up the country.”
Happy 103rd Birthday To the Best Mom! ~ September 6, 2021 ~
The family is so happy and thankful to spend your day with you. We hold you tightly within our hearts. Loving You, Norm, Carol & Fran and families IN MEMORIAM
Snook, Mary E. In loving memory of a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who passed away September 2, 1998. God saw you getting tired When a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you And whispered “Come to Me.” You suffered much in silence Your spirit did not bend, You faced your pain with courage, Right to the very end. You tried so hard to stay with us, Your fight was all in vain; God took you in His loving arms, And freed you from your pain. Our hearts all ache with sadness Our silent tears still flow For what it meant to lose you, No one will ever know,
Love, Mary-Maureen and Jay
IN MEMORIAM
Maria Vincenza ToTaro-MasTronardi August 22, 1925 - January 4, 2014
Gino
MasTronardi
March 19, 1951 - September 3, 1961
alberino MasTronardi
December 4, 1925 - January 15, 2015
60 Years Have Passed Sept. 3
Fond are the ties that are broken, Dear is the one that is gone. In memory we shall keep him, As long as the years roll on. As we loved him, so we miss him, In our memory he is dear. Loved, remembered, longed for always, Bringing many a silent tear. “In silence we remember.” Love, your family
