Nine years ago, the burg watch premiered to create a permanent record of Amherstburg town council’s performance and to remind voters about some of the actions elected officials undertook on behalf of taxpayers.

In 2014, the burg watch created another historic first when it facilitated ratepayers’ questions to the then-candidates for municipal election and re-election. Hot topics emerged like policing costs, tourism and the town’s financial situation.

It also became noticeable how informed/uninformed the candidates were, depending on answers or if answers were even provided.

Early posts noted council’s Municipal Act contravention following the Ombudsman Review Of Closed Meetings, flip flops and a lack of commitment to accessibility.

In 2018, posts once again referenced an Ombudsman’s Report of council’s and the JPAC’s contravention regarding in camera meetings on the Policing RFP and council’s decision to choose Windsor Police Service without obtaining an OPP costing as promised.

In 2020, posts mentioned a lack of transparency and accountability, a lack of commitment to accessibility and what seems to be an ongoing issue, requests for information – informal and formal, all of which encompasses transparency.

Thank you to those who support the burg watch.