A former Kingsville town councillor is trying his hand at provincial politics. Chris Lewis has been chosen as the PC candidate in the riding of Essex.
Lewis plans to campaign on a number of issues including taxes and the environment but says his top concern is the widening of Highway 3 from Essex to Leamington.
"Unfortunately, or fortunately, I spent 7.5 years on the fire department and saw first-hand the carnage and the devastation that not having it widened caused for families. That's really top of mind right now — to get those funds to Essex and see that through."
The husband and father of three says he decided to run after consulting with his family. Lewis believes voters are fed up and are ready for a change.
"This province is a wonderful place to live but it's been going backwards. Families are really struggling to make ends meet, let alone businesses. Essex has so much potential but we need a voice at the table, a voice that's going to put us on the map."
Another one of Lewis' key concerns is the environment. He says residents are tired of not being able to go to the beach because of blue-green algae.
"That's very important and, of course, the major flooding issues that we've experience the last few years. We need a plan where people don't have to worry about flooded basements and that they can actually get insurance."
Lewis takes on the riding incumbent, New Democrat Taras Natyshak. Election day is June 7.
— with files from AM800's Rusty Thompson