Jeff Wesley is going out on top.
Wesley, who has made his mark in Wallaceburg fighting for the hospital, keeping the indoor pool open, keeping the downtown walking bridge open, and making sure Wallaceburg had clean drinking water, is retiring later this month after being involved in local politics for over 30 years.
He’s capped off his political career by being named Citizen of the Year by the Wallaceburg and District Chamber of Commerce.
Wesley said he was at a loss of words when he heard he won the award. He said he is accepting the award on behalf of the community of Wallaceburg and every person who had a role to play, big or small, who played a role in the achievements of the community.
“When you stand up for your community you make some enemies along the way, but you always have the community behind you,” he said. “I’m glad that my family has stood behind me on some of those more negative side of the things is here with me to enjoy this tonight.”
Wesley started off in politics in the 1980s and was Wallaceburg’s mayor from 1991 to 1997. He served three terms as a Chatham-Kent councillor.
Looking back at his political career and his fights for such things as the hospital, pool and the walking bridge, Wesley said it would’ve been a lot different without community support.
“Every time we asked the (community) to, they showed up and for the last 24 years they’ve been fantastic with their support. I’m just happy to have been a little part of it and maybe hear and there been a spark plug.”
Meanwhile, the Wallaceburg and Area Wind Concerns committee won the environmental award.
Other winners included:
Agricultural Award/Industrial: McBrayne Feed & Supply
Technology Award: Your TV
Business of the Year: Tom & Al’s Furniture
Entrepreneur(s) of the Year: Melissa Gaylord
Chip Gordon Community Builder Award: WAMBO.
Community Inclusion Award: Badder Bus Lines
Young Professional Award: Eleena DeBakker
Volunteer of the Year: Sandra & Eric Johnston
Wallaceburg BIA Award Recipient: Sydenham Challenge Dragon Boat Festival
Chamber Choice Award: Jamie Knight.
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