By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
If reelected as the Ward 2 – McGregor Councillor on Essex Council, Kim Verbeek would bring her experience, solid work ethic, openness, and cooperative nature to the role.
First elected in 2018, Verbeek said it has been a privilege to serve.
“I do take this job very seriously. I do work very hard at it,” she said. If there is something she doesn’t understand, she learns more.
A few fiscally responsible things Council did this past term included having a dedicated position for grant writing. Verbeek said more money has been garnered from upper levels of government, and the Town is following up when denied.
Starting the E.L.K. Legacy Reserve with $15M of the sale of the utility was brilliant for the community, Verbeek said. Interest on the reserve alone will ensure funds yearly to support the Town’s Asset Management Plan, some capital projects, and reinvestment as well, helping to stabilize tax increases.
This term, she added, whenever Council needed to use money from reserves, it was paid back with interest.
The roads plan has taken the politics out of choosing projects. The needs, conditions, and budget decide the ranking. Last term, Council increased funding for roads and infrastructure after hearing from residents.
In advocating for safety, Verbeek was able to bring school safety zones to both Ward 2 grade schools and have a traffic study audit at Concession 11 and Walker. Two outdoor AEDs have been installed.
Verbeek has served the community and helped others outside of council business. That includes her involvement with the annual Stroll by Santa, community information nights, and free clothing, food, and book giveaways. She has also organized free CPR and first aid courses.
The new Co-An playground was a huge win for this community, Verbeek said. “It’s beautiful and well done.” She is a member of the Co-An Park committee, which oversees its operations. Verbeek was part of an initiative to have the former playground relocated to Hidden Creek.
She also worked to install the shade sail at the McGregor Community Center park.
“I am very much hands-on, and I love doing the work,” she said.
Verbeek has spent 12- years on the Essex Fun Fest Committee. She was also on the Affordable Housing Task Force and the Climate Adaptation Committee, which produced plans to help move Town business forward. She is also the Chairperson of the Landfill Liaison Committee.
This past term, the needle was moved on large, slow-moving files. That included work done on the developing Inspiration Industrial Park and the Essex Sports Fields.
She wants to see these files continue to move forward. She can’t wait to see what the Inspiration Industrial Park brings to the community, as it should create jobs. Commercial and industrial growth feed into the tax base.
She is proud of expanding the Town Hall, noting it has needed to be done for a long time.
Verbeek has also noticed an improvement in communication with Council, administration, and the community. That includes hosting open houses on drainage and flooding.
She would love to see a flooding task force and never wants to see this issue fall off the table.
“We do have eight members, and we are all in different places on this political spectrum, and yet we conducted Town business in a professional manner this term,” Verbeek said.
“I’m also open to other people’s input,” she added. “I’m not completely set in my ways. I know when I learn better, I try to do better.”