A long-time resident of Chatham says he's ready to "give people the power".
Robert Salvatore Powers filed his nomination papers Wednesday to run in the upcoming municipal election as a mayoral candidate.
"I want to make some positive changes," he says. "I think Chatham-Kent can do a lot better, we can make things better, and I want to do that."
In terms of what he envisions for Chatham-Kent, Powers says he wants the mayor and councillors to be held accountable to every ward within the municipality.
"The number one thing I want to do for the people of Chatham-Kent is fix the problems with amalgamation," says Powers.
He also says local residents should have the right to "recall" elected members of council, essentially removing them from their position.
"The number one thing I want to do really is give the people recall rights," he says. "If we get enough signatures on a piece of paper, you should be able to have a vote on whether or not to recall the mayor or any other member of council. Give people the power."
Powers currently works as a slot technician at Gateway Casinos in Dresden but adds he has an extensive educational background.
"I have a Masters in public policy with distinction from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, a Master of Arts and Political Science from the University of Windsor, Honours Specialization Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario, I have previous work experience in the federal government at Canada Post and Canada Border Services Agency, I also have experience with the provincial government serving with the Ontario Trillium Foundation."
Despite his background, Powers says he believes there are other aspects that sets him apart from the mayoral candidates currently running.
"I think that the biggest thing that I have over other people running for mayor is not necessarily my experience but my desire. What I want to do comes from the heart," he says. "I want to stand up for the people in my community and empower them."
There are now four people vying for the position of mayor. Besides Powers, those candidates include current Mayor Randy Hope, Councillor Darrin Canniff, and local advocate Alysson Storey. Residents have until July 27 to file their nomination papers in this fall's municipal election.
