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Why Run for Municipal Council?
I have a strong belief that communities are built by people who care deeply about where they live and the people they share it with. Family, hard work, and earning creditability from others have always been a focal point of my life.
I’ve spent years listening to neighbors, getting involved locally, and hearing firsthand about the challenges our community faces. I want to help make our Township fiscally stronger, and better prepared for the future through practical solutions, strong leadership to a planned strategy, and a commitment to putting residents first.
These are the basis for me wanting to run for Township Council.
Rice Lake - Summer Sunset
My Background
1960
Roots
I was born and raised in the Township of Hamilton where I attended CDCI East.
My parents, Gerald & Reta Chatten both worked for the School Board. This daily exposure provided my understanding for the hard work of the people in our education system provide everyday.
My grandfather, Basil Samons, operated a small trucking firm and bred standardbred race horses on Ontario Street. So much of my youth was spent there and at Pratt's Mill (now the Mill restaurant). This is my cornerstone for my support of small rural farming families, similar to the many in our Township.
1983
Retired, Manufacturing Engineering
Management
Focused primarily in the automotive sector, having various management positions in managing up to 250 employees. Established growth plan strategies for $35+MM revenue companies through strategic planning and annual budget planning resulting in successful implementation.
2017
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Teaching the lean philosophies to a vast levels of employees that focused on the collection & use of data to ensure continuous improvement resulting in additional revenue.
2023
CSC - Specification Writing
The creation and validation of technical building construction documentation provides me with an intrinsic ability to understand the details of building & property drawings in the assessment of municipal by-law variances and amendment requests.
Personal Life
Growing up, my family was the primary lens through which I viewed the world, instilling in me a foundational value system that remains my greatest personal motivator. My parents' unwavering work ethic—often working multiple jobs or sacrificing their own comforts—taught me that success is not handed out but earned through my own credibility and trust with others. This upbringing has profoundly influenced my current desire to run for municipal office in several ways:
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A respect for others security: Seeing my parents navigate financial or professional hurdles inspired me to pursue higher education to enable a future of emotional and physical security. In the current era of economic uncertainty I completely understand the trials of young families making ends meet; I feel their frustrations and serve as the basis for my campaign platform.
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Resilience and Future Perspective: My family's support during tough times taught me that failure is a learning tool rather than a final state, fueling my desire to take risks and challenge myself academically and professionally. Now, as I take on a political career; I want to broaden my improvement process to the Township's strategic plans for the future.
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A Sense of Community: My upbringing, which provided emphasis on helping others, has shaped a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to my community, viewing my personal achievements as a way to honor their sacrifices and represent our family name with integrity, trust & value.
Ultimately, my family serves as both my safety net and my inspiration, giving me the confidence to chase ambitious goals of a political office. Knowing I have a foundation of unconditional love. I have two amazing grandsons, a supportive wife, two wonderful daughters, a step daughter & a step son who are all the essence of every breath I take.
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