Councillor Kirby Whitlock Seeks Re-Election For Another Four Years

Kirby Whitlock. Photo submitted

Councillor Kirby Whitlock has announced he is seeking re-election in Vermilion’s upcoming municipal election scheduled for October 20. After serving one full term, Whitlock says his motivation to run again comes from a desire to continue projects already underway and to keep advocating for residents.

“I’ve seen the impact of what a good local governess can do. There is still work to be done and to see through projects that have been started, for example the industrial lots that have been sold and ongoing sales to sell them all. I want to bring my experience and knowledge that I have learned in this past 4 year term. I want to keep advocating for our residents with the Provincial government,” he said.

During his first term, Whitlock is proud of helping the Library Board secure a lift to improve accessibility, advocating for changes to Vermilion’s library levy which saved taxpayers money, supporting residential development, and ensuring more than one town employee is trained to operate the grader. “Being on council has not been easy this past 4 years but it has deepened my passion for public service, and I always tell myself you need to get involved to make a difference,” he added.

If re-elected, Whitlock said his top priorities will include the sewer trunk line, securing grant funding, protecting and resurfacing the airport, selling industrial lots, and creating new residential development. He also stressed the need to build reserves to fund infrastructure without putting the full burden on taxpayers.

“I want Vermilion to continue growing economically and I want to keep advocating to the provincial government that we need this airports economic growth,” he said. “We have 10 new residential lots opening up and we need to get working on finding more options in residential lot development.”

Whitlock emphasized his open-door policy and commitment to transparency. “I think we need to encourage the residents to come to council meetings or register for our online meeting links, plus I am always available, as I have an open door policy if anyone wants to get a hold of me, we can go for coffee and chat,” he said.

A lifelong resident, Whitlock said, “I have lived in Vermilion my whole life and running my business, and I love the whole community, and I respect the seniors we have in this community they are all amazing, and that goes to all the volunteers we have, they are just outstanding.” He added that his Rotary values guide his decisions, noting, “I am honest, trustworthy accessible, transparent and accountable… This past four years have been a huge learning curve and if re-elected I have more education and experience to take on another four years to keep this community moving forward. A vote for me is a vote for building a stronger Vermilion. Go Team.”