A retiree living in Tilbury is looking for a new career, this time as a councillor on Chatham-Kent's (CK) next municipal council.
Karen Montgomery is running in Ward 6, one of three wards representing Chatham. Despite not living in the ward, Montgomery is quite familiar with it, as she grew up in the area before recently moving to Tilbury.
She told CK News Today she's always had a passion for municipal politics, spending hundreds of hours at different meetings over the years.
"I got to know a lot about municipal governance, and I actually got excited thinking I could help," said Montgomery.
To her, the number one issue the next council needs to address is proper representation. Montgomery believes the public's thoughts aren't being considered, especially those from outside of Chatham.
"We had amalgamation back in 1998, so it's going to be 30 years in 2028, and people are still upset and saying that Chatham gets everything," she argued.
Montgomery explained that the municipality needs to hold more town meetings and provide opportunities for the public to share their thoughts. If elected, she plans to discuss all opinions openly, ensuring everyone has a say.
"I will be the one who'll have integrity, transparency, and accountability," she added.
Residents will head to the polls on October 26, 2026.
