A Chatham-Kent councilor and Thamesville businessperson is seeking the provincial Progressive Conservative nomination in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
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Steve Pinsonneault admits former labor minister Monte McNaughton, who left politics in October for the private sector, left a big hole with his departure. But he hopes to continue to pursue their shared priorities.
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“It definitely is a big set of shoes to fill,” he said Monday. “I’m in the trades, so I totally understand the trades. He took that to a whole new level. That’s kind of the background I can bring to it, too.”
Pinsonneault, 60, East Kent councilor for 17 years, said the timing worked out personally and professionally to take a run at provincial politics.
He owns Pinsonneault Enterprises and Steve’s Sign Shop. As a councillor, he has served on the public utilities commission, library board and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority board.
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He’s also been a volunteer firefighter for 32 years and served on multiple community groups and boards.
“The opportunity is right. My kids are all grown,” Pinsonneault said. “They’re actually excited about it.
“(And) I have good guys in the shop here.”
Noting he’s up to the task, calling himself a “fast study,” he admitted there will be a learning curve similar to any new challenge and different level of government.
Pinsonneault said Lambton-Kent-Middlesex is similar to Chatham-Kent, given the amount of rural area, with urban areas scattered throughout.
“There’s pretty much the same concerns all the way through,” he said. “It doesn’t matter which community you go to. They have their infrastructure needs. We’re all in the same boat.
“Housing needs and affordability definitely need to be addressed. . . . At the Ontario level, I think that’s where it has to happen. They are in the process of doing that.”
The nomination meeting is set for Jan. 27, with further details still to be determined. To vote, you must be a party member.
A list of other candidates seeking the nomination wasn’t immediately available Monday.
The provincial PCs have held the riding since 2011, when McNaughton defeated Liberal MPP Maria Van Bommel.
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