Tag Archives: Councillor Patricia Simone

Mayor DiCarlo Responds for Councillor Simone

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Spoiler alert: Mayor DiCarlo didn’t answer the questions put to Councillor Simone 10 weeks ago.

Mayor DiCarlo emailed:

“Thank you for your email. I am assisting Councillor Simone with her notice of motion, and have been asked to provide responses to any inquires that come forward.

I can advise that consultations continue to take place with various indigenous peoples.  Once we have had the appropriate consultations with them, including their concerns and expectations to move forward, a revised notice of motion may be brought forward to council.

I am not sure what you mean by “as has been done for any taxpayer concern”.  I can confirm from experience that not every taxpayer concern is moved forward by a council member in a public meeting.  Many are addressed, as appropriate, outside of a council meeting.  Since all members of council have received this correspondence, they can certainly bring your requests forward under unfinished or new business.

As your requests would affect the indigenous peoples of our community, and/or our region, I think it would be more appropriate to raise your suggestions with indigenous peoples, before adopting them as a municipality.  If you have had discussions with local indigenous peoples regarding your requests, I would appreciate that information so that I can follow up, and ensure the town can move forward with their guidance.”

Related:

Now Eight Weeks Awaiting Answers On Amherst Namesake From Councillor Simone

Amherstburg Councillor Simone’s Notice of Motion to Redefine Town Name

Commentary on Councillor Simone’s Notice of Motion On Town’s Name

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Commentary by Linda Saxon RE Amherstburg Councillor Simone’s Notice of Motion To Redefine Town Name.

As published in the River Town Times:

The proposal is problematic for a couple of reasons.

Councillor Simone references, without citation, the etymological root of Amherst is “a place amongst the woods.”

Simone states the namesake’s ‘controversial nature’ and ‘Amherst’s legacy is controversial.’ Translated from Latin, controversy means disputed which downplays Amherst’s correspondence indicating a genocidal intent.

Does council favour actions that require very little effort and no cost but create the illusion of an ‘inclusive community?’ Two recent examples of wishes granted with little, or no cost come to mind.

One day after a resident tweeted in favour of extending the River Lights, and offered financial aid, Mayor Aldo DiCarlo made the lone decision to extend the lights display.

Nine months after the proposal for a rainbow crosswalk, with financial support, Councillor Donald McArthur said he was sorry it took so long.

If the town creates barriers to persons with disabilities, excludes persons with disabilities from decision-making processes, and delays compliance, can it claim 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?”

Likewise, and paradoxically, the town reads a land acknowledgement at every meeting, which cost nothing, but if it creates an appearance of inclusivity is that as far as it will act? Substituting a new definition is no different than the town of Russell replacing the namesake with a new “Russell.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada called upon municipal governments to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation.

Council should do its homework before it decides. I refer to Article 19: States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.

Amherstburg Councillor Simone’s Notice of Motion To Redefine Town Name

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The Windsor Star reports: Instead of referencing Amherst, Simone said she hopes council will endorse a new meaning — “place amongst the woods” based on the etymological Old English roots of “Amherst” — which Simone says indicates “a place or settlement amounts the woods” and “burg” which denotes a “walled or defensive settlement.”

Councillor Patricia Simone’s Full Notice of Motion to Town of Amherstburg Council: Re Town of Amherstburg Name.