Question 35. On the issue of local developers and development in itself, how can you assure the residents that these developers will pay the current development fee’s and live up to their obligations through out the entire project until it is completely finished? An example of this is the future of Boblo Island. Mr. Amicone is proposing an additional 200 or more homes. How can you assure us that all future capital costs associated with this project are his responsibility? Who will pay for a projected fire hall and staff (current fire chief is already making his Christmas list) and equipment? Police station (same Christmas List) and staff? Sewage line? Additional ferries? These are all costs which should be born by the developer and passed on to his projected buyers? Examples of this abuse are the fee’s waived already costing this town over a million dollars.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.