Andy Fisher, a newcomer to municipal politics, is following through on his passion for politics by running for mayor.
The 31-year-old truck driver from Chatham, who grew up in Highgate, said he’s been interested in politics from a young age. He added that running as a candidate is “something I’ve been thinking about for a long time.”
Noting he’s received a lot of encouragement from friends to run, “because they feel I have a lot of good values,” Fisher said when he saw current mayor Darrin Canniff was so far running unopposed, “I decided to go for it.”
Although he recently came close to being a local candidate for a political party “that I won’t name,” Fisher said this is his first time running as an official political candidate.
When asked why not start with seeking a seat on council, Fisher said he spoke with some people who are involved in politics and “they basically suggested that I run for mayor instead of council, because there’s more exposure.”
Fisher acknowledges getting his message out and name known in the community will be huge task. However, he believes the media attention he’s received by announcing his candidacy has helped.
“I guess the only thing I can do is keep getting my face out there, keep getting my name out there,” he said. “It is going to be a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m willing to face for sure.”
When asked what skills he will bring to the job, Fisher said, “Honestly, just hard work.
“I’m a very quick learner, I work very hard,” he added. “Everything I have I’ve earned through hard work and sacrifice.”
Fisher said he is looking forward to getting out on the campaign trail to meet people.
“I’m a very open-minded person and I want to listen to the people of Chatham-Kent.”
Affordable housing is an issue Fisher feels strong about, adding he was temporarily homeless before “so it’s something that’s close to my heart.”
Fisher said he has friends with children who are struggling to find an affordable place to live.
He also has friends who have been evicted from their apartments then the landlord renovated the unit and raised the rent.
Fisher said affordable housing is an issue across the province and country, “but I know everything starts at the municipal level.
“I figured I would try to help with that the best I can,” he added.
Local residents will go to the polls on Oct. 24 to vote in the municipal election.