Commentary by Linda Saxon

Being locally born and raised is not a qualification; it is merely a fact and not necessarily a positive one if it means local interests, traditions, persons, etc. are preferred and objectivity is difficult.

Hopefully, candidates will be knowledgeable if they intend to persuade ratepayers they are worthy and capable of representing the community.

There are free online resources:

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Ministry of Housing site has:

• A Guide to Municipal Accountability, Transparency and Confidentiality in Ontario

and Election guides for voters, candidates and third party advertisers:

• 2018 Voters’ guide for Ontario municipal council and school board elections
• 2018 Candidates’ guide for Ontario municipal council and school board elections
• 2018 Guide for third party advertisers – Ontario municipal council and school board elections

Other free online information regarding the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) is readily available and applicable to everyone in the province; it applies to municipal planning and procurement policies, including the Bellevue House renovations. If council’s practice is to provide funding to not for profits with barriers impeding access, would that contradict the goal of legislation to prevent and remove barriers?

• New Accessibility Amendments to Ontario’s Building Code

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 11

Additionally, the Town of Amherstburg’s Election page lists an online AMO course, So You Want to Run for Council 2018; it cost $66.37.