The ballot for one of Chatham-Kent's rural wards continues to get bigger.
Denise Maynard is the latest to put her name into the hat in Ward 2, hoping to be one of two councillors representing people in Blenheim, Ridgetown, Erieau, and other communities.
She told CK News Today that she decided to run due to her ongoing frustration with the decisions being made by the current council and municipality. She specifically mentioned how tough it's become to live when property taxes are constantly rising.
"Since the pandemic, it's been quite hard for anyone on a fixed income anywhere in Chatham-Kent, honestly," explained Maynard.
If elected, Maynard's main priority would be to try to find ways to lower taxes. She would also like the municipality to consider alternative methods to curb the drug crisis.
"As someone who had a drug problem 20 years ago, I know that some of the things we do are unacceptable and are enabling them, and that's not the way to help them," said Maynard.
When asked why people should vote for her, Maynard explained that she plans to be a voice for everyone in her ward.
"I'm not afraid to talk to anyone. Whether they're homeless, whether they're a drug addict, whether they're low income, or whether they're wearing a business suit," she added.
CK's election will be on October 26, 2026.
