About theburgwatch

Amherstburg's first local blogger since 2011, writing about town council and issues.

Candidates Address Rumours

There are so many active discussions online about the candidates, in addition to the coffee shops, compared to 2014 when I first facilitated questions from residents to candidates.

Lately, I’ve spent more time online than I care to in an attempt to be better informed and the same rumours keep popping up.

I reached out to two candidates; I specifically asked Mayoral Candidate John Laframboise if he would provide his phone number for people to call regarding questions and/or rumours. I specifically asked Deputy Mayoral Candidate Chris Gibb if he would address rumours appearing online.

I won’t duplicate the rumours here but I provided screen shots and or mentioned the online location of them and both candidates were happy to grant me permission to post their responses.

Mayoral Candidate John Laframboise

I served as ”the Volunteer President of the Assumption Heritage Trust Foundation“ appointed by the Foundation Board. I resigned June 2012 along with ALL FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS …after Bishop Fabbro CANCELLED more than 2 MILLION DOLLARS in Pledges to the Campaign.

We were actively soliciting 12 Million Dollars of ASKS at the time.

The Windsor Community Foundation pledged $135,000, The City of Windsor Heritage Fund pledged $250,000, Assumption Parish pledged $567,000, The Baker Foundation $ 100,000, Riverview Steel $100,000, to name a few.

Jeff Baker was the Lawyer for the Foundation and Jerome Brannigan, Deputy Police Chief City of Windsor was the Treasurer …very easy to VERIFY what I am saying is true!

Unfortunately the Windsor Star buried the truth in the Paper months later.

I would be pleased to SHOW the Final Report and audit by Price Waterhouse to anyone.

John Laframboise 519 259-3636

Deputy Mayoral Candidate Chris Gibb

I was asked by the Town to sit on a committee, with many others, to review the resumes of the people who applied to be Amherstburg’s CAO back at that time. The committee reviewed the applicants and then presented John Miceli as the most qualified applicant at the time. He was eventually hired by Town Council. I have attached a copy of the Council meeting minutes showing which councillors voted for and against his hiring.

As far as the rumours regarding the police bill, for those saying that I owe the town money, that is a lie. I do not, nor have I ever owed the town any money. I was part of a group of volunteers that were asked by the Town to run a festival. We were then presented with, what we felt, was an unjustified bill from the Amherstburg Police. We disputed the bill with the police board and with the town. It is actually quite an interesting story for anyone who has had dealings with the former Amherstburg Police Services Board.

If you ever want to get together to discuss these issues further I would be glad to sit down with you.

Chris Gibb

Miceli hiring_1

Copyright – this information is protected by Canada’s Copyright Act. Request written permission from the burg watch at gmail dot com.

Amherstburg Candidates And Accessibility: Chamber of Commerce

I appreciated Mayoral Candidate John Laframboise holding his meet and greet at the K of C Hall in Amherstburg, while several other candidates held meet and greets in locations with barriers.

I was just as disappointed that the Chamber of Commerce used the stage, with its stairs, for the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral Candidates’ Night on October 12, 2022.

stairs leading up to stage in hall for municipal candidate night in Amherstburg, Ontario 2022

Chamber Council Candidates – Missed the Show?

The link to last night’s candidate event is available on the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

It felt awkward, candidates having to switch seats, only some questions to some candidates and time wasted on candidates having to repeat lengthy questions, not to mention audio cutting out and the show being delayed.

Chamber of Commerce Councillor Candidates’ Event

Well that was interesting. The chamber erroneously advertised it as a councillor debate. Technical difficulties delayed the live feed so I missed a lot of the candidates’ opening addresses. The ‘community standards’ warning popped up about bullying and hate speech in the chat. FOR WHAT?!!

All I asked was, kids play in the streets because they can’t play in the parks? Two very hot topics, not hate speech or bullying, that the candidates were discussing.

The warning popped up again and I ignored it. Maybe it was meant for some other vocal viewers exercising their free speech.

Of course the audio cut out for a question about accessibility, which I missed but I already know what a lot of the candidates think about that.

Hot Air Expected At Chamber of Commerce Councillor Candidates’ Event

Will you attend or watch online? I predict a message of positivity from some, a look back at accomplishments from the incumbents, and a reality check by those who deal with it.

I think the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce could have done a better job of advertising details in advance of the event.

Info from their Facebook page:

hosted by Michelle Maluske from CTV Windsor at 5:30pm.
Doors open at 4:30pm or watch online.

Amherstburg Candidates And Accessibility: E scooters

I asked; none of the twenty-five Amherstburg candidates for council would make the “No Escooters Pledge.”

The AODA Alliance wanted electors to ask candidates for City Council or mayor anywhere in Ontario to pledge not to allow e-scooters. They endanger safety and accessibility for people with disabilities, seniors & others!

Amherstburg Candidates And Accessibility: Facebook

The following candidates use Facebook, that I’m aware of, but may have issues that prevent some people with disabilities from accessing their information:

Mayoral candidates:

Michael Prue
Bob Rozankovic

Deputy Mayoral candidate:

Nancy Atkinson
Chris Gibb
Gregory Moore
Dennis Sanson

Councillor candidates:

Molly Allaire
Andrew Argoselo
Linden Crain
Tara Kearsey
Donald McArthur
Marc Renaud
Patricia Simone
Gerry Theriault
Lori Wightman

The town was to provide candidates with accessibility information.