Category Archives: Accountability

Town council approves $27,500 in community grants

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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

Ward System Needed?

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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

Fraserville Mosquito Problem Included In Budget

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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.

Revised Budget Meeting Dates For Public Input

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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 2015 Budget deliberation will be held

At a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 

At Town Hall, Council Chambers from 6:00pm – 8:00 pm

Should Council Accept 0% Salary Increase?

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According to the Windsor Star, “Currently, the mayor is paid $26,872 per year, while the deputy mayor receives $18,413 and councillors are paid $15,936 in base salary. They are also provided with a $1,500 discretionary fund to assist with the costs of phones, computers, publications and other requirements of the job.”

Is $12,000.00 On Law Firm Well Spent?

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The River Town Times reports that “Town council has approved spending $12,000 in the fight to preserve General Amherst High School by hiring a local law firm.

The development of the plan will include stakeholder and partner consultation which will include the Council of the Town of Amherstburg.

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo was the lone dissenter, but said it had nothing to do with Leardi or his firm. He feels council is “passing the buck” on the matter and that it is that body that should be dealing with it directly.”

Poll will close in one week. The usual disclaimer applies – it’s not science; it’s entertainment.

 

Guidelines for police on body-worn cameras

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Wendy Gillis, the star, reports today on the “new guidelines released by the federal and provincial information watchdogs Wednesday — principles experts say will provide police with much-needed direction when using the fast-expanding policing tool.”

The document, Guidance for the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement authorities, is posted on the Office of the Privacy Commissioner Canada’s website.

Amherstburg Police began wearing body cameras in the spring of 2013.

Amherstburg Police were to have conducted a final study by the end of 2014 to select a body worn camera for patrol officers or shelve project if not feasible for APS needs, according to the 2014 ~ 2016 Business Plan.

Julie Kotsis, The Windsor Star, reported at the end of 2014, “No decision has been made on their permanent use, according to Berthiaume, who added he recently updated the Amherstburg Police Services Board and plans a re-evaluation in the spring.”