Author Archives: theburgwatch
Town council approves $27,500 in community grants
Ron Giofu reported in the River Town Times that “Elected officials voted unanimously Monday night to pre-approve the grants as part of the 2015 budget, noting the value the agencies and organizations that requested the money give to the community.”
Councillor Jason Lavigne was quoted as saying, “I’m going to fund these groups no matter what.”
Firstly, it’s the taxpayers that are funding these groups, thanks to council’s decision, which I disagree with. I’d rather personally decide what, if any, organizations receive my donations. Accordingly, the organizations could extend their fundraising activities to seek more donations from those supporting individuals and/or corporations instead of requesting taxpayer funding.
Secondly, given Amherstburg’s much publicized debt crisis, council knew it would be faced with tough decisions during last fall’s municipal election campaign when we heard numerous promises of fiscal responsibility.
Councillor Leo Meloche was also in favour of keeping the groups funded, suggesting that town vehicles that need replacing be stretched out for another year.
Has accessibility also taken a back seat yet again? Council has not found money over the past twelve years to ensure the town’s website and its documents are universally accessible, nor has it demonstrated a strong commitment to a more inclusive community.
Council concluded these agencies and organizations are of value to the community, but council should include accessibility criteria in its evaluation of monetary requests.
Last fall I asked the candidates if they would commit to a municipal policy that no public funds will ever be used to create or perpetuate barriers against persons with disabilities. A range of opinions was expressed by those who chose to answer, but the most impressive response was candidate Joshua Rene’s, who said, “I am frankly surprised that this question still has to be asked.”
I still strongly believe a policy is needed so council can consider the impact of its decisions on everyone, including persons with disabilities.
Commentary by Linda Saxon
Move to have Amherstburg elect councillors by ward put on back burner
i can’t agree that at large councillors provide adequate representation because i haven’t even heard from some of them. poll on ward system, just for fun.
Ward System Needed?
During the 2014 municipal election campaign, the burg watch invited readers to submit questions to the candidates, one of which was Question 28: Amherstburg seems to have an unusually high amount of staff for its size and population; do you think the town has grown to the point that a ward system would better serve the residents?
Although Deputy Mayor Bart DiPasquale did not answer the question, the River Town Times now reports that DiPasquale is once again trying to see what the level of interest is in bringing in a ward system to Amherstburg; his notice of motion will be brought forth to council as a motion during the March 23 meeting.
What do you think?
reminder: this and any other polls are for entertainment purposes
Trustee’s Response To General Amherst And Barrier Free Access
This is a follow up to the previous post, Reader Asks About General Amherst And Barrier Free Access.
In an email to the PARC and school board trustee Ron Le Clair, I pointed out four references to the outdated “handicap” in the Review and that there is no mention of cost to ensure that GAHS is made barrier-free; I inquired if cost estimates would be obtained prior to a decision on the status of the school.
Trustee Ron Le Clair responded: “I agree with you that the terminology is outdated and should be amended to reflect more relevant terminology. I will forward your email to superintendent Awender, so he is aware of this issue.
As far as updating the accessibility of General Amherst, I am not aware of any estimates on this issue. I would expect any recommendations to maintain the school would include accessibility improvements in the total cost.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.”
Reader Asks About General Amherst And Barrier Free Access
Sarah asked, “Do you think we should be fighting to keep the current building that houses Amherst open? Would we be able to make it barrier-free and accessible (not sure of the cost)? Or should we be looking at requesting a new school that could be built from the ground up, accessible and barrier-free? I am interested in your perspective and thoughts on this matter.”
hi sarah,
thanks for your question! i think the community should fight to keep GAHS in its current location. generally, it is less expensive to renovate than to build new. i reviewed the PARC School Information Profile, which includes references to no accessible washrooms and amenities for students and staff, no lift/elevator and no to the question if the entire building is wheelchair accessible. the three accessible parking spaces at the back are the result of my human rights complaint settlement with the town.
i did not see any mention that the building is in such disrepair that it should be abandoned, so i see no reason why renovations could not be undertaken to ensure the building is barrier-free. i emailed the PARC and school board trustee Ron Le Clair that there is no mention of cost to ensure that GAHS is made barrier-free and inquired if cost estimates would be obtained prior to a decision on the status of the school.
i will post any response i receive.
linda
Amherstburg Police – A Cheap And Shameful Sendoff
It has been a long standing tradition for police officers to receive a gold badge upon retirement; that is until Sgt. Saxon retired and received a cheap silver badge.
This wouldn’t be the first time that Saxon has received differential treatment, but it is the distasteful conclusion of a long history of 28 years and 8 months, a summary of which can be found at bullyinginpolicing.com, but in a nutshell:
- he didn’t get promoted, despite being qualified
- he was excluded from a succession plan
- his personal medical information and that of his family’s was breached
- fellow officers surreptitiously followed and reported on his and his family’s activities
- i was surreptitiously investigated for an alleged criticism of the police
- procedures were not followed for medals routinely given to others
- police reported to great west life, “both him and his wife are activists and are always on about something, they have a website, etc.”
- the board dismissed my subsequent complaint about Berthiaume following a one-sided investigation
- he was denied benefits once he turned 60, contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code.
I can understand how entrenched the local attitude is, coming from local residents who want to keep the local cops, despite the estimated extra million or million and half cost to the taxpayer every year.
However, no one will ever convince me that the local police are somehow worth keeping, a sentiment shared by others I’ve had conversations with, including ‘locals.’
To treat one of their own officers with such disdain instigates nothing but disrespect and disgust from me.
Commentary by Linda Saxon
Fraserville Mosquito Problem Included In Budget
Ron Giofu, River Town Times, reported that “town council has agreed to commit $49,972 in the 2015 budget on a nuisance control program to help combat the ongoing mosquito problem in the Fraserville neighbourhood. The nuisance program is over and above the larviciding program offered in conjunction with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.
Brenda Kokko, a Fraserville resident, told town council it is a quality of life issue for residents there and that residents are “held hostage” by the insects.”
This was a question for the candidates to the burg watch during the 2014 election campaign; of those elected, Mayor Aldo DiCarlo, Deputy Mayor DiPasquale and Councillor Pouget responded that they supported the program.
Councillor Leo Meloche’s Comment on $12,000.00 Poll
Members of Amherstburg Town Council were advised of the Poll results that indicated 75% felt council should not have spent $12,000.00 on the law firm.
Additionally, I offered my personal opinion: “has council established a precedent whereby it acts on someone’s suggestion and/or offer? an RFP should have been issued. regardless, if we can afford to spend $12,000.00 on what might prove to be a duplicate process, then there is money to spend on improved accessibility at the town hall, truly making the town’s website accessible, and offering increased accessibility through internet voting.”
Councillor Leo Meloche did not comment on accessibility improvements, but responded: “Polling questions can be formulated to achieve a desired result. The question should have been … Are you agreeable with a Council’s decision to mount an opposition against the proposal that involves the potential closing of the high school in our town. I will make no further comment on the issue. I stand by my decision.”
I replied to Meloche: “your question could have been asked prior to council’s decision and maybe if the town’s website becomes accessible after my asking for it for 12 years, council could post its own polls.
since i asked for input after council’s decision, your question is moot.”
Commentary by Linda Saxon
Revised Budget Meeting Dates For Public Input
Revised dates, as posted on the town’s website, which is still difficult to navigate and still has accessibility issues, are set out below.
• Saturday, March 7, 2015, 10:00am – 12:00pm
St. Peter’s ACHS College School – 6101 County Road # 20, Harrow (former St. Theresa’s Elementary School)
• Thursday, March 12, 2015, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Libro Credit Union Complex, 3295 Meloche Road, Amherstburg
• Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Verdi Club, 689 Texas Road
• Saturday, March 28, 2015, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Knights of Columbus, 9560 Walker Road, McGregor
the burg watch 