A cancer survivor is hoping to use a second chance at life to help others, specifically by joining Chatham-Kent's (CK) next council.
Kirk Hooker, a business owner out of Oungah, is running to be Ward 4's councillor. This ward includes Dresden, Mitchell's Bay, and other smaller communities between Chatham and Wallaceburg.
Hooker was recently diagnosed with cancer, but was told last year that he had a clean bill of health.
He told CK News Today he wants to do his part to improve others' lives, and he believes being a strong voice for everyone living in rural communities could help.
"I feel that the rural communities have been overlooked regarding the services we pay for through our taxes," said Hooker.
Overall, he believes the municipality is spending too much money. Hooker also argued that most of the money is going towards shiny projects in and around Chatham.
"We have to slow down on the spending. Sooner or later, our taxes are going to go through the roof," he explained.
If elected, Hooker said the one thing he can for sure promise is that he'll always be transparent.
"My phone will always be on, I will return calls, and I'll have answers. If they want to come talk to me, they can come talk to me. I'm going to have an open-door policy at my house," he explained.
CK's election will be on October 26, 2026.
