Council enacted a more restrictive procedure by-law that limits delegates to speak only when an item is on the agenda AND it is accompanied by an admin report or a by-law. More recently, council failed to enact a civic engagement policy.

With just over eighteen months until the next municipal election, I wanted to review what the then-candidates campaigned for in terms of democracy and civic engagement.

FROM THE BURG WATCH QUESTIONS TO THE CANDIDATES:

Q. What civic engagement methods should the town implement? 

Allaire: Group meetings in an approachable setting. Town Council meetings are long and boring for most when they only want to talk about one topic of many. Utilize places such as our ACS building to gain the feedback of residents. Go to schools. We say that the children are our future let’s start utilizing them! 

Pouget: Meetings should be held before budget deliberations and any changes that could affect the operation of the Town.

Crain, Gibb, McArthur, Prue: no answer.

Q. What three things would you do to prove the town is committed to Open Government?  

Allaire: Transparency – I pride myself in being honest. I would try and make discussions more accessible for residents and try and keep our council meeting minutes easily readable and displayed. I think some form of social media would be a great way to inform the residents what we are doing week to week so they do not feel like they are left in the dark.

Listen and Act – I would like to provide more outlets for residents to get the chance to speak on matters that are important to them. Afterwards I would like to  act! Take action on those matters. Weather it is addressing it immediately or trying to incorporate it into future meetings. I feel that the outlets we currently use are not working for the entire town engagement. I would like to implement some other opportunities.

Pouget: I would stop the secret dinners with staff and council.

I would lobby for a decrease regarding in-camera meetings. A council may go in-camera for certain things, but they don’t have to.  They are only obligated to go in-camera for personnel matters, litigation or possible litigation, sale or purchase of land and security.

I would waive the rules of order, if someone wished to address Council.

Crain, Gibb, McArthur, Prue: no answer.

FROM CBC AND PRUE’S BROCHURE:

Prue: Municipal government affects us all. I am committed to ensuring all citizens to have a say on the issues affecting their lives in Amherstburg. To be fully informed. To participate in review processes. To provide and share their opinions. I believe in local democracy.” Promote citizen participation in municipal affairs and allow full deputation rights at town meetings. (brochure).

Gibb: focused on his business and volunteer experience.

Allaire: Financial problems are obvious for Amherstburg. I also feel lack of communication and community engagement. If elected I want to make our meetings more transparent and encourage more ideas from residents. (CBC).

Courtney: Communication and expectations must be in sync between council, staff and the residents. (CBC).

Crain: I am forward-thinking, a great communicator, open-minded, and ready to listen. My involvement across Amherstburg has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of community issues and areas where we can improve. (CBC).

McArthur: I am a hard-working, responsive councillor. I was a fixture at community events, where I supported volunteers and was available to answer residents’ questions. I am active on social media, where I promote the town as an attractive place to invest and reside, with an unrivalled quality of life. I inform and engage residents with my website and digital newsletter. (CBC).

Pouget: Our taxpayers know that I am hard working and that I listen to their concerns and act on them. (CBC).