Members of Amherstburg Town Council were advised of the Poll results that indicated 75% felt council should not have spent $12,000.00 on the law firm.
Additionally, I offered my personal opinion: “has council established a precedent whereby it acts on someone’s suggestion and/or offer? an RFP should have been issued. regardless, if we can afford to spend $12,000.00 on what might prove to be a duplicate process, then there is money to spend on improved accessibility at the town hall, truly making the town’s website accessible, and offering increased accessibility through internet voting.”
In addition to Councillor Leo Meloche’s response, the following replied.
Councillor Rick Fryer: Thank you.
Councillor Diane Pouget did not comment on accessibility improvements, but responded: Thanks Linda. I stand by my decision. Please feel free to call if you wish to discuss.
Mayor Aldo DiCarlo: Since my voting position has been covered by all of the area’s media outlets, I don’t think I need to get into it again. Council has made a democratic decision and I am obligated, as the Mayor, to move that decision forward.
This voting process does not provide for any precedent that I am aware of. Council is still bound by the procedural by-law in place.
The Town continues to work towards a fully accessible website. It remains a priority that will require funding to accomplish.
Although I know these comments don’t explicitly answer your questions, I hope it provides some more clarity of Council’s actions.
Commentary by Linda Saxon