Category Archives: Amherstburg Vote 2022

Chamber of Commerce Councillor Candidates’ Event

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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

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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.

the burg watch questionnaire – Diane Pouget

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“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.” Continue reading Candidate Diane Pouget’s answers.

the burg watch questionnaire – Lori Wightman

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“I would increase communication between administration and the public and council and the public. I find much of the dissatisfaction from residents stems from misinformation or no information. Council/Administration need to let residents know what is being decided and why, how and when.” Continue reading Candidate Lori Wightman’s answers.

the burg watch questionnaire – Molly Allaire

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“I think one of my best qualities is access. I have been nothing but open and approachable. I have provided several outlets for residents to reach me. I will listen to the residents and try and choose the pathway that the majority chooses along with the one that is also cost effective for the town.” Continue reading Candidate Molly Allaire’s answers.

A Look Back – Candidate Patricia Simone

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We had ‘A Look Back’ at Aldo DiCarlo, who is not seeking re-election; now let’s take a look back at candidate Patricia Simone and her SimoneforAburg site.

My Pledge to Amherstburg included:

  • Elected official must direct town employees and administration toward the objectives of the residents. As your elected official, I promise that the taxpayers’ agenda will govern my decisions and I will stand up for the community at town hall.
  • Discussion with elected representatives is important. As your elected official, I promise to be available to answer any questions you may have.
  • Transparency:
    • I believe in open government that communicates with its residents.
    • Information should be readily available.
    • Notice of meetings and proceedings at town hall should be better advertised.
    • We need live streaming of council meetings for those who cannot attend at town hall.
    • I will conduct a complete review of our communication processes to ensure our residents are getting the information they need.

Simone’s other page, My Platform includes:

Consultation

Resident consultation committees have been eliminated. This is the wrong way to go. We need more consultation with residents, not less. I will support the creation of consultation committees that invite input from residents, while maintaining that the final decision-making authority remain in the hands of the elected Council.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Time Commitment

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From a reader in 2014:

Question For Mayoral Candidates: For our Mayoral candidates who have full time employment: How will you be able to put in the 40 or more hours required each week as Mayor of Amherstburg? Will you be at Town Hall every day? Will you get a leave-of-absence from your current employer?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

I have checked into this to see if I could find a reference for the question. I could not find any job description for the mayor of Amherstburg or any reference to a 40 hour work week. The job for mayor of Amherstburg is still listed as a part time job, as it is in all the other municipalities in Essex County, except for Windsor. I do not believe that this election is about a debate for a full time or part time mayor’s position. This election is about deciding who the most qualified individual is for mayor, not the one with the most availability. I investigated further, by speaking with several past CAO’s, council members and staff from the Town, and they all agreed that if the job of mayor is done by a competent individual with skills in delegating, personnel and finance, there should be no need to have a full time mayor. This is a good thing since we can’t really afford one right now, nor can I afford to leave my full time employment and support my family. It would be unfortunate for Amherstburg if we started to limit the candidates for mayor to retirees or people of wealth. I do not believe that the mayor should be doing everything. The work should be distributed amongst the councillors, the deputy mayor, and administration. This develops cooperation, transparency, accountability and a positive work environment, regardless of how much time the mayor has to dedicate to the job. That said, I have a full time job with flexibility and I intend to put in whatever amount of hours is necessary to get Amherstburg back into a positive position. Whether that time is in Town Hall, in my home or in someone else’s home, I can’t say right now. I will say that I can do it more efficiently and more productively than it was done, at least by those on council in the past 4 years.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Bankruptcy Declaration?

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 40. Have you ever been personally declared bankrupt or been in a position of authority of a business that has been declared bankrupt? Do you feel a bankruptcy declaration precludes candidates from running for municipal office?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

I have never been personally declared bankrupt, nor have I been in a position of authority of a business that has declared bankruptcy.

Personally, I do not feel a bankruptcy declaration should preclude candidates from running for municipal office, on its own. A candidate’s attribute’s should be looked at as a whole. Although a candidate may have financial management issues, they may excel in other attributes that would help, especially as only one member of a council. The most effective council is one that has a balance of different talents. Not every person has to have every qualification, as long as on a whole, the council can deal with everything.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Continue To Pay CAO Phipps

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 39. What I’m looking for here is a straight forward yes or no answer with your reasons why? Do not want a politically correct answer from someone pursuing a seat and trying not to offend anyone but also at the same time, not answering the question. There have been many of the candidates who have mentioned the 41 items or areas of concern brought forward from the Deloitte review. Are these not 41 issues of concern that have happened under our present CAO/consultant? This is a person hired because of his experience and knowledge of municipal procedures. Is this the same person we want teaching our new CAO? How long do we continue to pay Mr. Phipps once the new CAO comes on board? Either yes you want him to stay on or no, you do not see the need? Your reasons are?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

I believe my answer to question 34 should satisfy the reader. If not, please feel free to contact me.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Influential Citizens’ Requests

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 38. There seems to be special considerations given to certain influential citizens that over ride the concerns of the average citizen. Bylaws were not always supported if special interest individuals sought to get exemptions to pursue projects that were not supported by those affected. What would your approach be to favours requested by wealthy, influential citizens over the average citizen?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

My approach would be the same, regardless of who I am dealing with. Policies and procedures. Transparency and accountability. Applied equally to all tax payers, without discrimination. Develop new policies and procedures with the new council, the administration and with public input. Make sure everyone understands them. Make sure everyone follows them. Make sure everyone reports on them. It is very easy when everyone does what they are supposed to, starting at the top.

Amherstburg Vote 2022