As part of 90.5 myFM’s 2026 Election Coverage, myFM reached out to candidates in South Huron, Bluewater, Lambton Shores and Lucan-Biddulph to hear why they believe residents should vote for them on October 26th.
Here’s what David (DJ) Pugh, running for Ward 4 in Lambton Shores had to say.
TRANSCRIBED AUDIO:
“Thanks for having me. I’m David Pugh and I’m running for Ward 4 Councillor in Lambton Shores. I’m running because I care about this community and where it’s headed. I live here. I’m raising my family here. I own a business here and I’m invested in seeing Lambton Shores succeed. My father, David Pugh, was on council for many years and something he always told me is don’t complain about something you’re not willing to put in the work to change. That really stuck with me. I think we have a great community, but I also think there are opportunities to do things better.
I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves, ask the tough questions, and put in the work. I want to help build a sustainable future where our kids can grow up, find opportunities, and hopefully choose to stay here. I don’t have any political background, so I’m coming into this with a very fresh perspective. But I’ve had a lot of experience in my life that translates well to council.
I’ve built and operate Ontario’s Choice Tree Service right here in this community, so I understand budgets, employees, equipment, planning and what it takes to make difficult decisions when your money’s on the line. I’m also a captain of the Lambton Shores Fire Department. I coach youth sports, been involved with the Forest BIA, and I’ve helped organize many community events and projects.
Growing up, I had front row seats in municipal politics through my father. He served as a counselor for many years and as deputy mayor back in the Bosanquet Township days. So while I haven’t had personal experience sitting at the council table, public service and community involvement have always been big part of my life. I think one of the biggest challenges creating sustainable growth while keeping Lambton Shores affordable and maintaining a service that people expect.
We need to attract small business, encourage investments and create more local employment opportunities. I want our kids to have a reason and an opportunity to build their lives here instead of feeling like they need to leave. At the same time, taxpayers are feeling the pressure. Council has to be responsible with every tax dollar and make sure we’re getting real value for the money we’re spending. For me, economic growth and fiscal responsibility go hand in hand. If we can grow our tax base responsibly, we can strengthen our community without continuing to put burden back on our existing taxpayers.
I think residents should vote for me because they’re going to get exactly who I am today. I’m a local business owner, a firefighter, a coach, volunteer, a husband, and a father. I’m already invested in this community. I’m not doing this for a title. I’m running because I believe I can contribute. I’m not afraid to ask the tough questions. And I’m definitely not afraid to put in the work. I’ll listen to the residents. I’ll respect the different opinions. And when I make a decision, it’ll be based on what I believe is best for Ward 4 and Lambton Shores as a whole.
I’ll be bringing fresh perspective, a strong voice, and I want to help build a brighter future for our community.”
