The Lambton-Kent-Middlesex Conservative Association is calling for candidates for a coming by-election to replace former Labour Minister Monte McNaughton. And a Chatham-Kent councillor is interested in the job.

McNaughton – the long-time MPP for the area – stepped down Sept. 22 to work at Woodbine Raceway.

Friday, The local riding association sent an email to its members calling for potential candidates to submit their papers by Dec. 10. The association will begin the vetting process the next day and by Dec. 24, the list of qualified candidates for the nomination meeting will be ready. The qualified candidates will have until Jan 8 to sell memberships for the Jan. 27 nomination meeting.

Steve Pinsonneault, who represents East Kent in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, says he will be putting his hat into the ring. “I think sitting on municipal council for 17 years, that I can bring the municipal perspective to the Queen’s Park,” he tells The Independent.

Pinsonneault, who lives in Thamesville, adds getting infrastructure dollars to Lambton-Kent-Middlesex will be a priority. “I do know that infrastructure is a big thing. The province has just give some money to the city of Toronto, understanding their infrastructure needs there – I’d like to see maybe that spread out through the rest of the municipalities within Ontario.”

Pinsonneault, who has is a small businessperson in Thamesville, says his family is excited by the prospect of a run for the PC nomination.

“I’m at a point in my life where my children are growing up. I have grandchildren which I can see when I’m home. So, it’s a perfect time in my my life. It’s a perfect time in my career too; I have good guys in my shop that can take that over and I can move on to the next step.

“It’s going to be a bit of a challenge I think, but it also was when I got on the council 17 years ago. It was a great big learning curve, but you know what, in a very short time you’re on your feet and running.”