Author Archives: theburgwatch

About theburgwatch

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

Confusing Or Credible Content

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Voters like to make informed choices. ‘Do we trust the politicians’ changed to ‘do we trust the source?’ Is it misinformation? disinformation? copycats?

There were two Amherstburg Taxpayers Association Facebook pages – only one was official.

The town’s name is included in a number of sources but it is official?

There are a couple of Facebook pages with names that include Amherstburg election and Amherstburg votes but their identities are not publicly available.

One who is referred to as ‘Amherstburg’s local blogger’ does not publicly display any information about its identity.

Town Hall Blog and its associated Town Hall newsletter, written by Donald McArthur, is not an official town site.

There are only two social media accounts affiliated with the Town of Amherstburg listed on the official Amherstburg website.

I hope you like homework. Study the politicians, but question the source too.

This post is protected by Canada’s Copyright Act. To request written permission, email the burg watch at gmail.com

Candidate Linden Crain – Open Air Update

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Good evening Linda,

Thank you for your question and also establishing the burg watch blog. This forum, and others, allows candidates to gain a further understanding of opinions in the community. Open discussions play an important part in the democratic process!

Please find my answer to your question below:

Yes. It is important that all members of the community can experience Open Air. If there are particular barriers in place, I am more than willing to investigate further and help find a solution. For those reading, please do not hesitate to contact me at (519) 560-1254 if you have any questions or concerns throughout the ongoing election.

Best regards,

Linden Crain

Candidate Linden Crain – Open Air

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While candidates are under no obligation to answer questions from me, or anyone else, their reactions do make me curious and are a good reveal:

  • why would a candidate set two deadlines to answer but then not answer?
  • why are some candidates answering questions from an unidentified source?
  • how are candidates prioritizing their time and responses?
  • if they don’t answer, is it a good indication of how they’ll respond if elected?
  • are they well informed of their and the town’s obligations re subject of question?
  • if candidates’ publicly share a position or opinion, why not be transparent?

In the last instance, I was curious enough to reach out to candidate Linden Crain. According to the THRIVE website, he was part of the team that created the Open Air White Paper:Renée D’Amore (director) Sara Palmer (director) Kory Renaud (director) Richard Peddie (director) Kurt Reffle, Linden Crain.

I assumed he was in favour of open air and asked why not be transparent? Crain apologized for the delay; he didn’t see a due date and was planning to reply later this week.

Social Media Disclaimer

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the burg watch is in no way affiliated with any Facebook page that references this blog, and does not endorse any of their comments about any of the candidates.

It would appear there is some confusion regarding who is asking which questions of the candidates and from which blog, along with questions regarding true identity. I have clearly identified myself to the municipal candidates, including stating, While I have a keen interest in municipal decision-making, I have no conflict of interest with any candidate, nor am I related to any.

The only social media affiliated with my blog is my twitter account, @burg_watch. Occasionally, I use my personal Facebook page to comment.

Homeowner Claims Heritage Designation Affecting Sale

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Today’s Amherstburg Heritage Committee agenda for the 5:30 meeting includes an objection from Margo Wigle who states, in part, “Due to the home being on the consideration list for Heritage designation there are many unknowns which have been scaring buyers away.” The full letter and property background are listed below and link to agenda items. 

Item 6.5

356 Dalhousie Street – Notice of Objection to Listed Property of Interest:

  1. Notice of Objection to Listed Property of Interest.pdf  (letter from homeowner Margo Wigle).
  2. 356 Dalhouse.pdf

Amherstburg’s charm, history and vicious politics

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Worth reading again. Anne Jarvis, the Windsor Star, wrote Amherstburg’s charm, history and vicious politics in June 2019:

“This issue has cost Amherstburg not only two investigations and more than $16,400. It has torn the town apart for 10 months. The election was ugly. The meetings on the issue were hostile. And social media has been vicious.

People in Amherstburg are engaged, to say the least. Council meetings are often packed. People comment aloud and applaud. There are several local bloggers. But the vicious politics — “it does seem to be endless,” admitted DiCarlo.

Candidate Question Open Air Barriers – Molly Allaire

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Will you remove barriers during Open Air weekends that block people with disabilities from driving to the bank, local stores, bars, and generally driving through town?

The ninth candidate to answer:

Hey Linda,

I love Open Air Weekends, my family partakes every weekend for sure. I will be honest after going door to door my eyes have been opened up to a great deal of problems in our town that I was unaware of. Open air has many positives and negatives. I think the blockades that they created this year allow better parking for the majority. We could make it more accessible for people with disabilities by blocking off the waterfront parking area specifically for them allowing closer access to amenities. I also believe that open air is wonderful but should only be one day instead of 3. Many residents say that it is more of a nuisance trying to get to their bank, business, home etc. Business owners have stated that their business has actually done worse during these hours because lack of access to the area. I think having it one day would be a fair compromise and make it still an event for people to come and enjoy.