By Pat Bailey
Ken Schmidt knows there will be big shoes to fill should he get the nod as the Liberal provincial candidate for the Essex riding.
Schmidt, former general manager of the Essex Region Conservation Authority, made the announcement Thursday morning at the Pelee Island Winery in Kingsville that he will seek the Liberal nomination for the October 6 election.
He will square off against Kingsville’s Julia Burgess, who announced recently that she intends to seek the Liberal nomination as well.
Schmidt expects the nomination meeting will be held some time after the federal election, possibly in the latter part of May.
Whoever does get the nomination though, Schmidt said, will be following in the footsteps of a political icon — Bruce Crozier.
“He’s done so much for this region,” said Schmidt, of the retiring MPP, “and set the bar so high.”
But Schmidt said he is ready to tackle that challenge.
Recently retired as the general manager of the Essex Region Conservation Authority, where he had worked for 35 years, Schmidt said he has worked for the people of Essex County his whole life and would like to continue to work and ensure the future of the area for generations to come.
“My family has enjoyed many benefits of living and working in Essex County and we must ensure future generations can as well,” said Schmidt. “”We must build a strong economy that not only attracts the best jobs but also enriches our communities, protects our industries and gives local businesses the tools they need to compete and grow.”
“We must invest in agriculture, tourism and our rich natural heritage,” he added. “We need to continue to enhance our community in a sustainable fashion — not only for current residents, but for our children and grandchildren as well.”
Schmidt said he believes his experience dealing with all levels of government would serve him well, as well as area residents, if he became the new MPP.
“My track record is clear and strong,” said Schmidt. “I am a person who can get things done in partnership with all levels of government and with private organizations and individuals.”
He said his approach will be three-pronged — with a focus on the area’s human health, economic health and environmental health.
The prospective candidate said he knows changes can be made to improve the health care system and make it more sustainable.
As far as the economy, Schmidt said he believes this area is coming out of a depression and he will look to continue that progression.
When it comes to the environment, Schmidt is passionate about his commitment to a sustainable future. He said there is tremendous pressure and responsibilities in this area, especially with the Great Lakes, and we “must continue to show leadership in terms of action”.
As far as his stance on the construction of wind turbines in Lake Erie, Schmidt said, that he has never seen it proven scientifically that they area safe.
Therefore, Schmidt said he would listen to what he has heard and “science and the people of the region are clearly against it…”
“And if I have any say,” added Schmidt, “it won’t happen.”
Schmidt is hoping is track record speaks for itself.
“The best indicator of what a person will do in the future,” said Schmidt, “is what they have done in the past.”
In addition to his work with ERCA, he has also been involved as a trustee for the Essex County Board of Education, as well as work with local community organizations, neighborhood groups, agencies, businesses and his church.
Schmidt has been married for 39 years to Anita and they have two daughters, Juliette and Jana and a son-in-law Brad.
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