Council Candidate Derek Robertson Talks Chatham-Kent Sports

CKSN asked all candidates running for Chatham-Kent council and mayor, to give us their backgrounds in sports and recreation, and describe their goals and views for not only sports and recreation in Chatham-Kent, but making Chatham-Kent a healthier, and more active place to live.

The Chatham-Kent Municipal election day is October 27, 2014.

Here are council candidate Derek Robertson’s responses. Robertson is running for council in Ward 6 – Chatham.

1. Background in sports and recreation:

As a young person I was actively involved in many Chatham minor sports including baseball, soccer and hockey. For two years prior to leaving Chatham-Kent for University I coached Chatham Minor Baseball and enjoyed working with the 12-13 year old youth. For many years I served on the executive and board of the Chatham Kent YMCA. I was pleased to serve as the Chair of the Board during the formative year of the building of the “new” YMCA. For the past four years I have been the proud “travelling” parent of a Chatham Kent Wildcat watching my daughter grow in both skill and leadership in sport.

2. What specific ideas or goals do you have for Chatham-Kent, to improve or maintain recreational programs and facilities, and support our athletes and sports organizations? Or to help build opportunities for future growth in these areas?

What specific ideas or goals do you have for Chatham-Kent, to improve or maintain recreational programs and facilities, and support our athletes and sports organizations? Or to help build opportunities for future growth in these areas?

As a Councillor I have been a vocal supporter of Chatham-Kent’s need for a new multi purpose arena to serve both the recreational and economic needs of our community. I recognize the significant cost yet remain committed to exploring every funding avenue including the leveraging of available senior government funds and private partnerships to ensure the realization of this initiative.

During this term of council I was pleased to support the 14 year old boys team from Chatham-Kent as they competed on the world stage at the International Children’s Games held in Windsor. It was a privilige to recognize the young men officially for their efforts and accomplishment in the Council Chambers.

3. How will you work to make Chatham-Kent a healthier, more active place to live?

The next Council must re-populate and support the Active Communites Steering Committee recognizing the good work of this volunteer base. While I was pleased with the efforts of council to budget and support sidewalk construction in Chatham-Kent under the new Local Improvement Policy I was very dissappointed with the Council decision to not support cost effective bike lanes designed to both connect existing lanes over time and provide a safe venue for cyclists.

If elected I will continue to support healthy inititives in Chatham-Kent including sidewalk construction, bike lanes, arena expansion, trails, park enhancements and no smoking policies in public places unless specifically designated.

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

Throughout my life I have always been an active participant; engaged and supportive of sport, recreation and access to facilities for all members of Chatham-Kent. I am confident my record as an elected official has been consistent in this regard and I commit to working in a similar manner should I be entrusted by the public to serve as a Councillor for a second term.

What did you think of Council Candidate Derek Robertson’s responses? Let us know in the comments below!