Dave Montgomery
Dave Montgomery Wanting to get away from the rat race, Dave Montgomery and wife Sharon moved to Kagawong from Flamborough in 1989, purchasing Bridal Veil Esso which they ran for “10 good years” before selling to daughter Debbie and husband Brad Graham. They made it with help from friends, Mr. Montogomery said. Mr. Montgomery served on the Flamborough fire department in southern Ontario. A friend on the crew had relatives on Manitoulin Island. They planted the seed in his head and the rest is history, as the saying goes. “I love it here and wouldn’t want to go back—we are very fortunate,” he said. Mr. Montgomery shared that he had been approached by members of the current council to throw his hat in the ring this election. If elected, he said he wants to go in with “a fresh mind” and for this reason has chosen not to attend any council meetings prior to the October 27 election. Mr. Montgomery supports projects such as the waterfront development, provided it is not a burden on taxpayers. When it comes to fiscal responsibility, Mr. Montgomery feels that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Mr. Montgomery would like to see quarterly town hall meetings to give the township the opportunity to bring some of the ‘big projects’ to the public. Bringing private enterprise through partnerships is something Mr. Montgomery would like to see the township consider in regards to the marina and the possible addition of a laundromat as part of the proposed waterfront development project. Continuing with ongoing improvements at the landfill site and providing additional parking for visitors to Bridal Veil Falls are also on Mr. Montgomery’s priority list. “Clean air, a good life and very little crime” are some of the best things about living in Kagawong, according to Mr. Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery is a ham radio operator, storm watcher with CANWARN for Environment Canada and part of the Emergency Measure program. He is a school bus driver providing training to new drivers and was bylaw officer for Billings Township for close to 15 years. Clean water, Bridal Veil Falls, hiking trails and the tranquility are just a few things Mr. Montgomery feels attract people to the area. “I have clean hands with no agenda,” shared Mr. Montgomery. “I want to do what is best for everybody and is there if someone needs help.” Always a community minded person, Mr. Montgomery has the advancement of this community at heart and hopes voters will “give me a chance.”
