Kirk Walstedt – candidate Lakeshore deputy mayor

Why should constituents consider voting for you?

I believe I have the experience and knowledge needed to see Lakeshore through the next four years as your Deputy Mayor.

As the Ward 5 Councillor for the past 4 years, I have proven myself to be a team player and have worked hard to ensure the best decisions have been made on important issues for all Lakeshore residents.

My 25 years’ experience as a municipal lawyer and 16 years as a member of the former Maidstone Township Council, nine of which were as its Reeve (Mayor), greatly assists me in understanding and helping my fellow Lakeshore council members to resolve the important issues before us. In these positions I also gained valuable experience as a member of Essex County Council where I served as Chair of various Committees including Roads and Personnel. I also bring my experience and the knowledge I’ve gained as a Vice Chair and Chair of Ontario’s Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal. I held this position for 15 years while practicing municipal law. This judicial setting provided me with valuable experience in listening to farmers and land owners who appeared before us on important issues and making the best decisions possible for all those involved.

I currently serve on Lakeshore’s:

Accessibility Committee

Police Services Board – Vice Chair

Lakeshore Tecumseh Inter Municipal Committee – Joint Chair

Union Water System as Lakeshore’s Representative

Top three concerns across the municipality: 

Long term well managed planning is vitally important. This includes renewed and improved infrastructure hard services in all Lakeshore communities. With the recent approved expansion of the Belle River Waste Water System, council will also need to focus on the upgrading and expansion of the waste water treatment facilities in Comber and Stoney Pointe.

A strong commitment to better urban and rural roads and a commitment to seek additional funding from the upper levels of government. Walking and bike paths are also important. These are partially funded through the County of Essex CWATS program. More of these paths and trails need to be provided along more of Lakeshore’s populated County roads.

Greenhouses. A detailed plan needs to be in place as soon as possible. If the province will not permit us to prohibit greenhouses in Lakeshore then council must ensure we have every Bylaw and Policy in place to control any adverse effects including night lighting, odour, noise, etc. that they will create. Our roads, water and energy supply must also be safe guarded.

Tell us about yourself

I am a 4^th generation Lakeshore resident, born and raised on the family farm. My wife, Cindy, is a retired elementary school teacher.  We have two sons, Nathan and Shawn. Nathan is a teacher at Belle River High School and Shawn works in the automotive industry.

I have degrees in Anthropology/Archaeology and Law from the University of Windsor. In addition to my legal career, I have worked on various archaeological sites throughout the Tri County area as well as in the Middle East early in my career. I have a keen interest in Lakeshore and Essex County history and have lectured on various historical topics. I am also an author having published 2 books on historical topics and continue to research and write.

As your Deputy Mayor, I will continue to be a strong voice for you and will ensure every tax dollar is wisely spent.  Let my 20 years of municipal experience strengthen Lakeshore’s position on Essex County Council by letting me continue to work for you!

kwalstedt@xplornet.com 
519-723-2261