A realtor in Ridgetown is looking to be one of the area's representatives on Chatham-Kent's (CK) next municipal council.
Matthew Giffin is officially running in Ward 2, which represents Ridgetown, Blenheim, Highgate, Erieau, and other nearby communities.
Ridgetown is currently in Ward 3, but will be included in Ward 2 after CK's council approved changes to its Ward boundaries.
Giffin told CK News Today he decided to put his name forward after noticing what he believes is missed potential in communities like Ridgetown.
"Things like empty storefronts really speak volumes to me, especially in a town that has a university," he explained.
Ridgetown is home to a University of Guelph campus. Instead of waiting for the election to try to bring change to the area, Giffin decided to make his own videos to better promote the area. This was an easy task for him due to his extensive background in media creation, including working as an Art Director at CBC.
"I found that it has worked; we now have some development happening here," said Giffin.
He hopes he can translate this success on council, helping other communities across the municipality see some new development.
Though he doesn't have any experience in municipal politics, Giffin explained that he has extensive knowledge in other areas that'll help him serve on council.
"I've started many businesses, I had a joint venture in China, and I've been on trade missions," he said.
CK voters will hit the polls on October 26, 2026.
