A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Two CAOs’ Pay

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 34. Sometime in October, not quite sure of the actual day? Amherstburg will have their new CAO (another of a long line) while at the same time paying Mr. Phipps $80-$90 per hour for his consulting. How long will you let this double salary, or paying two CAO’s go on? In our current contract with Mr. Phipps, there is a 30 day walkaway clause from either party. Do you allow Mr. Phipps to remain on the payroll while at the same time paying our new CAO his salary? His salary is also unknown since Sutton, Pillon, Davies and Hurst voted against Dianne Pouget’s motion to make his salary public? Also would you let mr. Phipps stay on under some other title? (This is rumored)

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

I do not believe that Mr. Phipps needs to stay any longer than what we are contractually obligated to pay for. In other words, 30 days after exercising the Town’s right to walk away, he needs to walk away. Mr. Miceli developed his experience in a city far bigger than Amherstburg. Although he may need a familiarization period, I don’t believe he needs any direction from Mr. Phipps. As a matter of fact, I’d prefer he doesn’t receive any direction from Mr. Phipps, as I don’t believe Mr. Phipps has operated in the best interests of the Town, nor has he communicated with the citizens in a respectful and accountable manner. I have researched Mr. Miceli and spoke with people who worked with him at the city of Windsor. They were of the opinion that Mr. Miceli was experienced and capable of moving the Town forward. I have addressed this in a previous answer as well. Mr. Miceli will be paid even if we were to hire someone else. I have no interest in paying any more people to do the job of one CAO.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Kingsbridge Amenities

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 32. Kingsbridge lacks walkable destinations and sidewalks. If elected, will you vote to fund the preparation of a Secondary Plan and/or Community Improvement Plan for Kingsbridge so that all residents have an accessible and walkable community with neighbourhood commercial and neighbourhood institutional scale destinations? Kingsbridge needs walkable small scale retail, medical and professional offices, and perhaps a new elementary school in this part of Amherstburg and a few small neighbourhood parkettes. Tell us how you will make Kingsbridge a community that is complete safe, vibrant and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

As I believe in being transparent and frank, I do not see funding any development in the Kingsbridge area in the next 4 years. The Town’s debt load is far too great to embark on yet another project we can’t afford. I agree with everything mentioned, and I believe that all areas of the Town would like such development. I would not be opposed to such development for Kingsbridge once our debt load is stabilized, paid down and other promised projects are completed. Texas Road has been an issue that started as far back as 1997 I’ve been told. Projects like this must be seen through to completion before beginning new projects. Sadly, I don’t believe we have the money to spend in the near future.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Post Amalgamation Unequal Benefits

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 31. Once amalgamation took place, Amherstburg as a whole ( Anderdon, Amherstburg, Malden ) received tax money from ALL the tax payers of the town. Unfortunately only downtown Amherstburg ( old Amherstburg ) seemed to receive the benefits of this amalgamation not Anderdon & Malden. If you are able to win in this election, will you make sure that all the taxpayers receive the benefits of being in amalgation and not just the downtown ( old Amherstburg )?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

In my discussions with voters over the past several weeks, it seems clear that the more rural areas of Amherstburg are not being serviced as they should. This seems more unreasonable when the reason for amalgamation is considered. Amalgamation was intended to improve efficiencies, lower taxes and build reserves. This seems obvious when you consider that the separate townships no longer need to pay for 3 CAO’s, 3 police departments, 3 fire departments, etc. Instead, the town of Amherstburg is in debt and the outer rural areas are not receiving the same level of service that ‘old’ Amherstburg is. I will make sure that the Town gets back on track, distributing services equally to ALL the taxpayers, not just the ones in old Amherstburg. With appropriate policies and procedures, obviously not in place as outlined by the current CAO, this issue should not be hard to develop and maintain.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Electronic Polling

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 30. Would you support electronic polling (secure) on substantive matters plus immediate public release of results? One day perhaps ‘OPP versus local police’.

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

Personally, I am all about technology and feedback. I like the idea but it would require more investigation to make sure it is feasible and affordable. Much like the ward issue, I also believe it is more an issue for the citizens as a whole. If the majority of voters would like to use electronic polling, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be implemented.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on No Public Funds To Create Barriers To Accessibility

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 29. Will you commit to a municipal policy that no public funds will ever be used to create or perpetuate barriers against persons with disabilities? Will you commit to specific plans to ensure fully accessible public transit and taxi services in your community? How, specifically, will you make Amherstburg more inclusive?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

I don’t believe we need a policy regarding the use of public funds that might create or perpetuate barriers for persons with disabilities. The Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 seems to legislate the requirements for inclusive planning appropriately. As much as I would like to see more public transit, it is an issue that has to be addressed with the other municipalities. I don’t believe that any municipality in Essex County can afford public transportation on their own. This is an issue we need to keep investigating as a County initiative. Taxis are private enterprise and it would be difficult to regulate their accessibility outside of the laws of the province. Amherstburg does currently have the Care-A-Van service, which I believe addresses the public transportation for persons with disabilities. I would work with the Province, County and the Amherstburg Accessibility Advisory Committee to ensure the Town of Amherstburg addresses and meets the needs of persons with disabilities.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Ward System

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From a reader in 2014:

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?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

As a resident living on Richmond Street, I haven’t had any service issues. I have heard from residents in the more rural regions of Amherstburg that they can’t seem to get proper representation. Ultimately, I believe this is a question for all of the residents collectively. I would not oppose such a change if a ward system was the preference of the majority. As for the staff issues, I have heard from a great many citizens that they have concerns. Staffing will have to be reviewed.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

Still Awaiting Answers On Amherst Namesake From Councillor Simone

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Following several media interviews about Amherstburg Councillor Simone’s Notice of Motion To Redefine Town Name, I sent questions on March 16, 2022, a phone message was left and another email was sent asking if there was a good time to call.

As of March 28, she “will review the questions and respond as soon as possible.”

Questions:

what prompted you to bring forward the notice of motion?

why is changing the town’s name “not feasible?” Specifically?

how is it possible that “Amherstburg is an inclusive community that recognizes the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all persons to live in a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the worth of each person, allowing them to contribute fully to the development and well-being of the community” if the town creates barriers to persons with disabilities? excludes persons with disabilities from decision-making?

did you consult any Indigenous people about your intention to denounce the town’s namesake?

did you consult any legislation about your intention to denounce the town’s namesake?

did you consider your terminology might be perceived to be downplayed?

why did you choose ‘controversial nature of this individual’ and ‘Amherst’s legacy is controversial’ when what actually occurred was atrocities and crime against humanity?

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Handling Citizens’ Concerns

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 27. Some elected officials have heavily relied on staff to resolve ratepayers’ complaints; once an issue has been passed off to staff, there has been no follow up and no accountability. If elected, how will you handle concerns from your fellow citizens?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

It has been my practice, in all my leadership roles, to follow up with people that their issue was addressed satisfactorily and/or in a timely manner. I also like the practice laid out by Diane Pouget and the detailed plan by Lora Petro. Setting out policies and plans that must be followed by staff seems like the best answer. The policies and plans should be a joint effort by council and administration, with the publics’ input. Being able to review and reference the complaints at any time is useful for council, administration and the public. This practice should eliminate the ratepayers’ frustration and unnecessary duplication of investigation work.

Amherstburg Vote 2022

A Look Back – Candidate Aldo DiCarlo on Mosquito Nuisance Program

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From a reader in 2014:

Question 26. In regards to the Mosquito issue; it has been verified by the Company doing the current Larvaciding in town that the Fraserville neighbourhood indeed has an abundance/infestation of Mosquitos. The breed is known as a Salt Water Mosquito and is considered the one of the most aggressive of all breeds as well as resilient to Winter conditions(they basically hibernate). If elected, it’s most likely this issue will come to Council during your term. This issue affects the quality of life in several ways to these residents as well as a school and its students. Will you support a Nuisance Program for this neighbourhood?

2014 then-candidate Aldo DiCarlo

Question 26. In regards to the Mosquito issue; it has been verified by the Company doing the current Larvaciding in town that the Fraserville neighbourhood indeed has an abundance/infestation of Mosquitos. The breed is known as a Salt Water Mosquito and is considered the one of the most aggressive of all breeds as well as resilient to Winter conditions(they basically hibernate). If elected, it’s most likely this issue will come to Council during your term. This issue affects the quality of life in several ways to these residents as well as a school and its students. Will you support a Nuisance Program for this neighbourhood?

Amherstburg Vote 2022