By KATIE DAWSON
The Sachem
(March 09, 2007)
Caledonia resident Ken Hewitt says he is excited about putting his name in to the running for the Liberal member of parliament position in Haldimand-Norfolk. Hewitt has been in the spotlight this past year because of his role with the Caledonia Citizens Alliance, as well as starting up the Haldimand Girls Hockey Association. It was around Christmas time of 2006 that Hewitt really felt the political game calling him. Hewitt is humble, stressing that he has only entered his name at this point in the process, and has to now work on getting supporters to back him. It has been through talking with people in Haldimand and Norfolk that Hewitt has felt enough encouragement to take this step in his life. He spent this time talking with people to get a sense of where his support was at, and he now is filing an application to the Liberal Party of Canada. "It is something I never thought about until people mentioned it," says Hewitt.
Politics has always been appealing to him. It was his first choice of study in university before switching to economics. "To be involved in things around you and to be part of the process is attractive to me, it's rewarding." Hewitt says that when you see the outcomes and benefits that come from changes and creating different opportunities for different people, the feeling is incredible. Take for instance the girls hockey league he has worked hard on over the past few years. Just this past weekend the league hosted the first Haldimand Girls Hockey Tournament, which brought 36 teams into the arena and over 1,000 visitors from places like Windsor and Ottawa. Hewitt grew up in Caledonia and has a passion for the community.
His strengths as a leader were apparent when he took centre stage at a rally organized by the Caledonia Citizen's Alliance. Because the Caledonia Citizens Alliance came together as a non-political group, when he decided to pursue politics he advised the members that he wouldn't be able to continue his work with them. "I didn't want to take away from their efforts." His family has been supportive, says Hewitt, but of course there is trepidation. Already having been in the spotlight during the height of the native occupation in Caledonia, Hewitt has seen and heard his share of rumours and criticisms about himself.
"There will always be criticism, and I can handle that." According to Hewitt, 2007 is a very exciting time for the Liberal Party. "It is the first time in many years where a nomination meeting will be held to decide on who will run for the position of Haldimand-Norfolk MP." Hewitt says he looks forward to the friendly competition. There are currently a number of serious issues that must be dealt with in Haldimand and Norfolk. Of course, the native land claims are big on the list, as well as the tobacco farming exit strategies and nuclear power. Hewitt says because of these serious issues, there is a much deeper awareness in this riding.
"What used to be pretty passive voting by most has become pretty active. Regardless of whether I get the nomination or not, I think seeing people out there voting is wonderful." He adds that if he is bestowed the honour of being chosen as the candidate for the Liberal party, the opportunity to learn so much about this area is a reward in itself. "I am honest, and I have integrity. That is something that is very important to today's voters." He says that representing the riding and working for the riding are considerably different and he is ready to get to work should he be chosen as the candidate. At this point, 100 per cent of his energies are focused on gaining support. He is hoping to have 1000 people at the meeting to decide which candidate will be chosen to run in this riding. "I am hoping the announcement will come soon to advise when the meeting will be and where."
For more information he can be reached at (905)765-5222.