Angie Baldwin

Hillier Ward Seven

Angie Baldwin is running for council for a few reasons, but a specific reason rings true to the hearts of many families currently residing in the County. Baldwin grew up in the County and has two boys that will be moving out soon. She would love for them to be able to live near her, but she knows that with the current market in the County, they will not be able to afford to buy properties and stay close. On top of that, the jobs aren’t available even if they wanted to stick around. Baldwin points out a huge issue facing the future of the community. How does the County get the youth to stay when they can’t find work, and a half-way affordable place to live? Baldwin and her husband, Bob, also own cattle and must board them at another farm because they cannot afford one of their own. Bob grew up on a farm and the couple have always owned cattle with the intent of purchasing their own property. They had been housing the cattle at an in-law’s, but they have since sold that property and now they board their cattle at another farm. The couple have been married for 19 years and have two boys who are 18 and 16. Both grew up in the County. Baldwin has been in the manufacturing business for over 20 years. She started working at Redpath in Belleville 10 years ago and has worked her way up from a general labourer to a production supervisor.

Baldwin has spent a significant amount of time speaking to people in her Ward, and there are some big take-aways from her time pounding the pavement. “I have spoken with residents of PEC and they would like to see change. I believe that with my leadership skills learned from being a production supervisor (prioritizing, effective listening, time management, engaging others to achieve goals and objectives), I’m confident I have the skills required,” says Baldwin.

The housing crisis is another major issue of concern for Baldwin, as are the state of the roads in Hillier and the exorbitantly high property taxes and water rates. Improved health care in the community is also on her radar, and along with that comes with making headway towards breaking ground for the new hospital. As for opportunities seen for the incoming council, Baldwin thinks there is lots of room for improving and streamlining some of the processes, for example building permits.

“There are opportunities to attract affordable housing developers without giving County property away to the developer. I am sure that once the new term of council gets together there will be many other opportunities that will surface, driven by a sense of purpose from the new councillors,” says Baldwin.

The hope for Baldwin is that she will make it through to a seat around the horseshoe and have her voice heard on the things she is passionate about. Having her kids around her as she grows old is something very important to Baldwin. Baldwin believes the fact that the County is struggling to keep its youth engaged and employed should be considered one of the top issues facing the community today.