Council Candidate Lynn O’Brien Talks Chatham-Kent Sports
Chatham-Kent Civic Centre
The Chatham-Kent Municipal election day is October 27, 2014.
Here are council candidate Lynn O’Brien’s responses. O’Brien is running for council in Ward 6 – Chatham.
1. Background in sports and recreation:
As the former Chair of the Active Communities Steering Committee, a committee of Municipal Council, I am a firm believer that we have a definite need for increasing the opportunities for all ages to have access to recreational opportunities. The entire committee resigned when it became apparent there was little support by council to move ahead with the mission and vision of a more active community. An active community is a healthy vibrant community.
Personally, I have been a coach, convener and member of the board of Chatham Youth Soccer when my oldest son played competitively. Kaylee, my oldest granddaughter now plays travel soccer and volleyball for Cambridge. Emma, my second oldest is a member of the Sharks competitive cheerleading team. I am sure that Mackenzie and Matthew, the younger two, will follow in their footsteps.
I was in track and field throughout my school years and a cheerleader in high school.
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?
If federal and provincial funds became available, I would like to see a multi-purpose recreational centre built. It seems smaller communities in southwestern Ontario have been successful in getting it done. Why can’t we?
3. How will you work to make Chatham-Kent a healthier, more active place to live?
In my previous job as Area Manager for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Chatham-Kent Chapter and Windsor Essex Chapter, I spent 15 years promoting heart health throughout Chatham-Kent and Windsor Essex. Although I was responsible for fundraising ,my favourite part of the job was health promotion! I spoke to many of the schools, organizations and businesses about the importance of leading a heart healthy lifestyle. Almost every citizen of Chatham-Kent knows that CK has the highest mortality rate in the province of Ontario. I’d like to think I had something to do with that fact.
We’ve made some progress, however, we have a long way to go!!
What did you think of Council Candidate Lynn O’Brien’s responses? Let us know in the comments below!