Karen
Montgomery
for Ward 6
Karen (nee - McIntyre)
I was born and raised in Chatham, currently living in Tilbury for last five years. Married for forty-six years to my husband John, we have raised two sons and have three wonderful grandchildren. Family means everything to me. I have been very fortunate to witness both sets of grandparents and my parents celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversaries.
I took an early retirement in 2012 after working for Woolco/Wal-Mart for over 35 years. My career took on many leadership roles. I thoroughly enjoyed the people I worked with and collaborated with. One of my roles was Invoice Associate where at times you were called upon to complete pre inventory reviews within district stores. My experience helped to save the company thousands of dollars.
I am a Christian, follower of Jesus Christ for over 37 years. Without Him I can do nothing. I put my faith in trust in Him to guide me everyday.
A significant investment of time and energy was completed by four, then three individuals of which I was one in completing prayer assignments for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent as well as Southwestern Ontario from Amherstburg up to and including Dorchester. I would like to share with you one prayer assignment that took place in the year 2014.
The Amalgamation of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent took place on January 1, 1998. During one council meeting a comment was made that the people within the Municipality were not ready to move forward yet because of amalgamation. It was already at least fourteen years since amalgamation. Our assignment then began.
We travelled the Municipality and stopped at over 125 locations to collect soil and stopped at 5 locations to collect water. The soil and water were put into individual containers, labelled by location.
On May 7, 2014, within council chambers the soil and water was taken from each container and put together into one container to represent unity, for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Time of prayer and communion took place.
We each have gifts, talents, skills and life experiences that are assets to be utilized. We should understand that we can accomplish nothing when we are divided, however we can accomplish much when we are in unity, working together for the common good.
It is when we give of ourselves, putting others first that gives much pleasure and joy in a job well done.
I would consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you as your representative of Ward 6.