HAY WEST — The race for the Hay West Ward will be contested in the Bluewater municipal election this fall, with two candidates already having declared themselves for the position currently held by Coun. Bill MacDougall.

One of those contesting the Hay West election is Jillian Clarke, who declared herself for the position June 11 and said she has spent her entire life living along the lake.
Clarke said her continuing studies of economics and political science at the University of Western Ontario will be invaluable in dealing with the issues she will face in her term representing Hay West and the Municipality of Bluewater.

"I grew up in Port Franks and moved to St. Joseph two and a half years ago. I decided to run in this upcoming election because I feel the people in Hay West deserve to have their voice heard and views accurately represented.

"Five years ago, I began a career working for an organization that represents small and medium sized independently owned businesses. I represented a good portion of the businesses in Huron County. I have a proven track record of effectively having the voice of over 400 business owners’ concerns heard before municipal, provincial, and federal governments.

"I feel there are many issues facing Hay West and the municipality as a whole. A few of the most important issues are property tax levels, water
quality, potential sewer and wind power generation projects and the need for responsible spending. I feel a strategic plan needs to be developed and implemented to increase our quality of services for taxes paid. As our taxes are continuing to increase many residents are wondering what added value they receiving for their addition al tax dollars.

"I am a young, dynamic, dedicated, and passionate shoreline resident.  I am action orientated and results driven and would like to use my positive energy and political experience to help strengthen our community.

"Most importantly I feel what has been forgotten is what a ‘community’ represents.

"As a resident of the amalgamated municipality, I feel all areas including the lakeshore, inland, rural, and urban need to come together to strengthen Bluewater as a whole. Until this happens, the real interests of our municipality are being put on the back burner. I feel it is time to have an efficient municipal council, one that will work proactively together focusing on the best interests of our community. I, for one, will be accountable and transparent to the ratepayers who I represent. I will remain available, at all times, to answer any questions or concerns.

"Over the next few months, I will be spending my time meeting all the residents of Hay West. My platform is based on what Hay West's needs are. I am not here to sell an agenda; I am here to represent the needs of Hay West and the Municipality of Bluewater's best interests.

"I am looking forward to working proactively with all the residents in my riding and interest groups such as the Bluewater Shoreline Residents Association."

The municipal election is Oct. 25, with the deadline for nominations Sept. 10. Along with Clarke, St. Joseph resident John Gillespie has also declared himself a candidate in Hay West and will be profiled in an upcoming edition of the Times-Advocate.