Chatham-Kent's CAO is laying out his priorities for the municipality going forward.
Thomas Kelly, the successful candidate to replace Don Shropshire, says he is looking to make a difference in the community through good management and administration.
"The top priority is the Wheatley situation," he said. "We continue to be in a state of emergency and we have 125 residents who are out of their homes. It's our goal to get those residents back in their homes as soon as possible."
On a social level, Kelly says his second priority is navigating homelessness, mental health, and addiction services in the community.
"With COVID-19, there's been quite an increase in some of these issues," he said. "It is our goal to make a positive impact and reduce some of those challenges."
Another of his high priorities is keeping the municipality inflation rate as low as possible, while still providing services that are essential to the community.
"Our inflation rate is 3.5 per cent, it's the highest it has been in the past," he said. "It has had quite an impact in our municipality."
As the current general manager of infrastructure and engineering, Kelly says there are many strategic decisions that still need to be made including the Erie Shore Drive emergency, Talbot Trail closures, and stormwater management in Tilbury.
"We have more problems than we can handle right now, so we are working with the province to see if they can help us out there," he said. "It's a big challenge for us to maintain going forward."
Kelly will be assuming his new duties over the coming weeks, coinciding with the retirement of Don Shropshire, the current CAO.
"I am really grateful for this opportunity," he said. "I am very motivated to do a great job for Chatham-Kent and I am looking forward to moving the community forward."
