Ryan Jackson: CK Election & Sports Interview
Below is Ryan Jackson, Ward 6 Council Candidate’s answers to our CK Election and Sports Survey. Remember to vote on October 22.
Name: Ryan Jackson
Hometown and Ward: Chatham, ON Ward 6
What’s your sports/recreation background?
Growing up I was able to enjoy many sports being offered in Chatham including baseball, soccer, basketball and volleyball. I now have my own kids who are able to enjoy the wide selection of sports and recreational programs offered in our municipality. Presently I run a Ball Hockey Club for adults of all skill levels. We play in various tournaments but often have to travel as far as London to find opportunities to play. On the recreation side I was involved in the music industry when I was between the ages of 17 and 21. I found success in organizing a concert at the nightclub Twisters the night before Halloween one year. With a partner we booked the bands, promoted the event and sold out of tickets. Some of my favorite memories was playing in a high school band with some of my best friends.
What are your thoughts, or what value do you place in sports and recreation for the citizens of Chatham-Kent overall, and/or when showcasing Chatham-Kent to newcomers?
Sports and Recreation holds a strong value overall to the success of any municipality. Not only do the youth in our city need it to grow, learn and enjoy themselves, everybody needs these activities to participate in a healthy lifestyle.
One of the hot topics leading up to the election, and over the past decade has been a new twin pad arena for Chatham-Kent. Where do you stand on this? What thoughts do you have?
The new twin pad arena is an exciting idea and so many factors play into this decision which is ultimately the next elected councils decision. The options are a 4200 seat event center or a 2200 seat community facility. The twin pad arena is also said to save about 20% to 30% in operating expenses. With the casino being built, the growth of Chatham-Kent and the potential this city has, one thing I would be in favor of is a new Twin Pad Arena.
Do you have any other ideas or plans that would impact health, wellness, sports, or recreation in Chatham-Kent, and specifically in your Ward?
My idea to help bring our downtown back to life includes investing into Tecumseh Park. This includes improvements for easy access to the rivers edge for fishing off the docks, utilizing the open field for sport and a small expansion to the park so more children can play. These ideas I believe would have a positive impact on heath, wellness, sports and recreation in Ward 6.
Anything else you’d like to tell our readers and voters?
Diversity in government is an important thing to consider when you vote for your next council. Everyone has strengths, weaknesses, new ideas and different opinions. A real strong leadership team consists of being able to recognize what abilities each member brings to the table. I bring to the table the ability to work with people to find solutions to the problem. My strength is being able to research, study information and make good decisions based of the data I gather. I bring the voice of the youth and the voice for you. Follow my campaign and platform releases at www.facebook.com/newvoice4ck and consider voting Ryan Jackson for Ward 6.