Wanting to get to know Amherstburg’s municipal election candidates better? CTV asked them questions to give you some more insight into their platforms. Mayor Bill Fryer CTV News is awaiting a response. Chris Gibb Why are you running for mayor of Amherstburg? Amherstburg has always been home for me. I grew up here, met my wife here, raised our children here, and now have the privilege of watching our first grandchild grow up here. This community has been a huge part of who I am and the life I’ve been fortunate enough to build. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate in business. For many years, the people of Amherstburg have supported me and my Amherstburg business, and I’ve never taken that support for granted. Serving as deputy mayor for the past four years has given me an even greater appreciation for this community and for the responsibility that comes with public service. It has also reinforced my belief that Amherstburg is at an important point in its future. I’m running for mayor because I believe I can bring the experience, accessibility, and steady leadership needed to help guide Amherstburg through its next chapter. Most importantly, I want to leave Amherstburg stronger than we found it by being financially responsible, growing responsibly, and protecting what makes this community so special. I want to ensure that the next generation has the same opportunity I’ve had to build a great life here. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe the most important issue facing Amherstburg is making sure we can manage the growth that is coming to our town while protecting the small-town character, sense of community, and quality of life that make Amherstburg such a special place to live. Growth is coming to Amherstburg. We can either be prepared for it and make sure it benefits our community, or we can simply react to it as it happens. I believe our responsibility is to plan carefully, invest in the infrastructure we need, make sure new development pays its fair share, and ensure that the new development that wants to come here fits with the character of our community. Protecting Amherstburg is about more than just roads, sewers, and buildings. It is about protecting the sense of belonging that people feel when they call Amherstburg home. As our population grows, we need to make sure that both long-time residents and residents that are new to Amherstburg have opportunities to become part of the community. That means continuing to support the festivals, events, recreational opportunities, and community organizations that bring people together. It means empowering our local volunteer groups, sports organizations, service clubs, and businesses to welcome new residents and help them build connections. I want someone who moves to Amherstburg today to have the same opportunity to become part of the Amherstburg community that those of us who have lived here for generations have experienced. If elected mayor, my goal would be to lead a council that embraces responsible growth while never losing sight of what makes Amherstburg unique. We can grow, strengthen our economy, improve our infrastructure, and welcome new families while still protecting the community spirit and small-town identity that we are so proud of. To me, the challenge isn’t whether Amherstburg should grow. It is how we grow — and what kind of community we want to be when that growth is complete. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My three priorities would all be focused on one overarching goal of putting Amherstburg in an even stronger financial position while protecting taxpayers and making the investments our community needs. First, we need to change how we approach infrastructure maintenance. I would like to establish a culture of fixing problems early rather than waiting until they become major projects. A small road repair, sewer issue, or facility maintenance problem that is ignored today can become a much larger and more expensive problem tomorrow. Proactive maintenance saves money over the long term, protects our infrastructure and helps reduce pressure on the residential tax rate. Second, we need to grow our commercial and industrial tax base. Amherstburg has historically relied heavily on residential taxpayers. We need to continue advancing the development of the almost 700-acre Howard Industrial Lands and attract the right commercial and industrial investment to Amherstburg. New assessment can help share the cost of municipal services more broadly, while creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our local economy. This isn’t about growth for growth’s sake; it is about responsible economic development that benefits the entire community. Third, we need to take a much longer-term approach to capital planning. I want to see Amherstburg continuing to move toward a comprehensive 10-year capital budget that identifies our infrastructure needs well in advance. If we know a major road, sewer, facility or other municipal asset will require significant investment five, seven or ten years from now, we should be planning and saving for it today. That allows us to build a responsible “pay-as-you-go” approach, reduce our reliance on debt, respond to emergencies and avoid the financial shocks that come from constantly reacting to unexpected capital needs. Ultimately, my goal is to build a municipality that is financially disciplined, proactive and prepared. One where we maintain what we have, grow our assessment base and plan today for the needs of tomorrow. I don’t believe the answer to every municipal financial challenge should be asking residential taxpayers to pay more. We need to find smarter ways to manage our costs, grow our tax base and plan for the future. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I think the biggest difference I bring to this election is the combination of 30 years as a self-employed businessperson, four years of experience as Amherstburg’s deputy mayor, and a deep personal connection to this community. For the past 17 years, I have operated a business in Amherstburg and had the responsibility of making decisions that affect employees, customers, families, and the long-term health of my business. As a business owner, you learn very quickly that you have to listen, understand different perspectives, manage risk, make difficult decisions and, most importantly, find practical solutions to problems. The insurance industry has also taught me that almost every problem involves bringing people together to solve problems. My job has often been to sit down with people who have different interests or perspectives, understand what is important to each of them, and work toward a solution that addresses the problem. I believe those skills are directly transferable to municipal leadership. My four years as deputy mayor have given me another perspective which is the opportunity to see firsthand how municipal government works, how decisions are made and the challenges facing Amherstburg. I have also spent those four years being accessible to residents, listening to their concerns, and learning what matters to people in every part of our community. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I’m not generally a fan of politicians making promises that are beyond their control. Municipal government is complicated, and no mayor can predict everything that will happen over a four-year term. Instead, I would rather make a commitment about something I can control and that is how I lead. Over the past four years, Amherstburg has sometimes had a divided council, and we have seen a number of 3–3 votes where the mayor has had to cast the deciding vote. While a tie-breaking vote is an important responsibility of the mayor, I don’t believe it should be the goal of leadership. So, the commitment I am making is that I will work to build a council that works together, and I will strive to ensure a tie-breaking vote is not necessary because council has failed to find common ground. This doesn’t mean we will always agree. In fact, I think healthy disagreement is an important part of good government. Councillors are elected to represent their constituents and should be willing to ask tough questions, challenge ideas, and bring different perspectives to the table. But disagreement should not become division and as mayor, I would make it a priority to bring councillors together early on contentious issues, make sure everyone has an opportunity to be heard, encourage respectful debate, and look for areas of common ground. Sometimes compromise will be necessary, and sometimes council will still have to take a difficult vote. But I believe we should exhaust every opportunity to find a solution that a majority of council can support before we get to that point. I would also make sure that council members are given the information and opportunity they need to make informed decisions, rather than allowing issues to become unnecessarily polarized. Four years from now, I want residents to be able to look back at this commitment and hold me accountable for bringing council together, encouraging council to work collaboratively, and if we found ways to move Amherstburg forward even when we disagreed. My promise isn’t that council will never disagree. My promise is that, as mayor, I will never stop working to bring people together. That is the kind of leadership I believe Amherstburg needs for its next chapter. Michael Prue – Incumbent Why are you running for Mayor of Amherstburg? For the past two years, we have been living in precarious times with plant closures, threats of layoffs, and spiralling inflation all brought on by tariffs, counter tariffs, and threats of annexation. I decided to seek a second term because of my qualifications in managing and understanding budgets. This experience was gained in the legislature of Ontario as finance critic and as a member of the Finance Committee; at Toronto City Hall as a member of the audit committee; and in more than 13 budget cycles provincially and 20 municipally. Amherstburg will need a steady hand to ensure we keep tax increases to a minimum and service levels to acceptable standards. My plan is straightforward; Windsor council unilaterally cancelled our Mutual Police contract, but in doing so, freed us up to find another alternative. The cheapest acceptable option is the OPP. Based on contracts with neighbouring municipalities, Kingsville, Lakeshore, Tecumseh and Essex we should be able to save $2.5 to $3 million per year What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? The most important issue is policing and the probable savings of up to $3 million. With these potential savings we could, in turn, (a) reduce property taxes, (b) invest in rural and concession road rehabilitation, (c) augment our reserves and asset management funds, or (d) a combination of all three. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? The top three priorities are: How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I am the only candidate with extensive financial acumen and principled leadership in the political arena. My two opponents have platforms similar to each other, specifically they were born and live in Amherstburg. I was born in Toronto and lived there, as well as in East York, Ottawa, and now Amherstburg. I had the honour of serving in both municipal and provincial elected office in East York, Toronto, and at Queen’s Park, and believe I contributed significantly in all arenas. With my more recent move to Amherstburg 17 years ago, I was asked to help to guide Amherstburg based on my experience. I stepped forward again to serve in elected office where I have continued to contribute. While you can’t choose where you were born, my wife and I chose this remarkable town after travelling all over Ontario, drawn by the history and heritage of the place. If re-elected I will continue to serve this community to the best of my ability as I have always done. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? We live in uncertain economic times. With over 34 years of electoral experience, I understand the challenges facing Amherstburg and the broader Windsor- Essex Region: Job losses, declining revenues, and rising living costs. There are no easy fixes but experience and responsible leadership matter. We must reduce costs while maintaining essential services. My platform provides a plan to keep Amherstburg strong, vibrant and fiscally secure. That is my commitment and my promise to the people of Amherstburg. Deputy Mayor Linden Crain Why are you running for Deputy Mayor of Amherstburg? I’m running for deputy mayor because Amherstburg is home, and I want to leave this community better than I found it. I’m a lifelong Amherstburg resident. I grew up here, built my career here, volunteered here, and this is where my wife and I are building our future. One day, I want my future children to have the same opportunities I had growing up in Amherstburg, and hopefully even more. My involvement in the community started long before I was elected to council. I’ve served as a past board member of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and the Amherstburg Community Foundation, helped raise money for local charities, and continue to support local youth through an annual bursary at North Star High School. For the past four years, I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a town councillor. That experience has given me a strong understanding of municipal government, our finances, our infrastructure needs and the major decisions ahead. I also own and operate my own mortgage business, which gives me a practical business and financial perspective. Every day, I see the pressures families are facing with housing costs, interest rates, and affordability. I’m running because I believe Amherstburg needs leadership that understands where we’ve come from and has a clear vision for where we’re going. We need to keep investing in infrastructure, grow our commercial and industrial tax base, support local businesses, keep Amherstburg affordable and protect the character that makes this community special. For me, this is about the next generation. I want Amherstburg to remain a place where young people can build a career, buy a home, raise a family, and see a future for themselves right here. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? The biggest issue facing Amherstburg is managing growth responsibly while keeping the community affordable. Growth brings opportunity. It can mean new homes, new businesses, new investment, and new jobs. But growth also puts pressure on roads, water, and wastewater systems, parks, recreation facilities, emergency services, and other municipal infrastructure. My approach is simple: Infrastructure first. We need to make sure growth is supported by the services and infrastructure required to sustain it. That means planning ahead, understanding the costs, making sure development pays its fair share, and protecting existing taxpayers as much as possible. At the same time, we need to strengthen and diversify our tax base. Amherstburg relies heavily on residential assessment, which places a significant burden on homeowners. Attracting more commercial and industrial investment is critical if we want to create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and reduce pressure on residential taxpayers. We also need to remain disciplined with municipal finances by scrutinizing spending, finding efficiencies, managing debt responsibly, using reserves wisely, and pursuing available provincial and federal funding for major infrastructure projects. Responsible growth is not about saying yes to everything or no to everything. It is about making sure development makes Amherstburg stronger. If we plan properly, we can grow while protecting affordability, quality of life, and the character of our community. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top three priorities are infrastructure, affordability, and economic development. First, infrastructure. Amherstburg is growing, and we need to make sure our roads, water and wastewater systems, parks, recreation facilities, and emergency services keep pace. Growth needs to be planned properly, and infrastructure has to come first. Second, affordability and fiscal responsibility. Residents are already facing higher costs in almost every part of their lives, and municipal government needs to respect that. As Chair of the Audit and Finance Advisory Committee, I’ve had a close look at the town’s finances. I also own and operate my own mortgage business, so I understand the importance of budgeting carefully, managing risk, and making responsible financial decisions. Third, economic development. We need to continue supporting existing businesses while attracting new commercial and industrial investment. A stronger business tax base means more jobs, more opportunities, and less pressure on residential taxpayers. My experience on the Economic Development Committee has reinforced how important that work is. These priorities are all connected. Strong infrastructure supports growth. Economic development strengthens the tax base. Fiscal discipline helps keep Amherstburg affordable. Through all of it, I will continue to be accessible and transparent with residents. People deserve to know what council is doing, why decisions are being made, and how those decisions affect them. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? What I bring is a combination of lifelong community involvement, municipal experience, and real-world business experience. I’m a lifelong Amherstburg resident, and I’ve been involved in this community from a young age. I’ve served as a past board member of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and the Amherstburg Community Foundation, helped raise money for local charities, and continue to support local youth through an annual bursary at North Star High School. I also own and operate my own mortgage business. Running a business means managing finances, making difficult decisions, serving clients and planning for the future. It also gives me a firsthand understanding of housing, affordability, borrowing, and the financial pressures facing families and businesses. Over the past four years, I have gained direct municipal government experience as a town councillor. I serve as Chair of the Audit and Finance Advisory Committee and have represented Council on both the Economic Development Committee and Heritage Committee. Those roles have given me hands-on experience with municipal finances, economic growth, investment, development, and protecting Amherstburg’s history and character. I understand municipal government, but I also understand the private sector and what it takes to run a business. Most importantly, Amherstburg is personal to me. It is where I grew up, where I volunteer, where I built my business and where my wife and I are building our future. I want to leave Amherstburg better than I found it and make sure the next generation has even more opportunities than I had. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is simple: I will remain accessible, prepared and accountable every day of the term. Residents should not only hear from their elected officials during an election campaign. If I am elected deputy mayor, I will continue meeting with residents, answering questions, responding to concerns, and being visible throughout the community. I will also continue to do the homework. Council makes decisions involving millions of taxpayer dollars and projects that can shape Amherstburg for decades. Residents deserve representatives who read the reports, ask tough questions, and understand the long-term consequences before they vote. Bill Petruniak Why are you running for Deputy Mayor of Amherstburg? I am running for Deputy Mayor of Amherstburg to help effect systemic operational change. The residents of Amherstburg want change and financial accountability. I hope to help make this happen. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? For some time Amherstburg has neglected infrastructure maintenance and repair. It is time to prioritize needs over wants. If I am elected, I hope to liquidate surplus assets and use the funds generated to systemically take care of the town’s aging infrastructure. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? The first item I hope to address is Amherstburg’s Procedural Bylaw 2023-085 section 14.5. Present council amended this bylaw, effectively blocking residents from asking questions or speaking at public council meetings unless there is unanimous consent of every council member. Amherstburg is the only municipality in Ontario with a procedural bylaw this onerous. Secondly, the new council must tackle the 2027 Budget with a goal to reduce spending and cut costs in all departments. The third priority will be to use the saved funds and as much creativity as administration and council can muster to tackle Amherstburg’s infrastructure issues. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I bring a lifetime of experience and achievement to the table and pledge to devote my energy full time to carry out the tasks of deputy mayor. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise that I will research every issue that comes before council. I will not just accept administration’s reports at face value. Trust, but verify is my way of ensuring that I look at all sides of every issue, consult with residents of Amherstburg as much as possible, and enlist the advice of professionals until I am certain I have all the correct facts before I make a decision on all issues before council. Communication and knowledge are powerful tools that I intend to use to the fullest. Councillor Molly Allaire – Incumbent Why are you running for Amherstburg council? I’m running for a second term because I care deeply about Amherstburg and its future. I started by focusing on improving our parks and green spaces, and now I’m ready to take on bigger priorities like roads and infrastructure. As a mother of three boys growing up here, I want Amherstburg to remain a community where families can live, grow, and thrive. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? One of our biggest priorities must be infrastructure. Our rural roads, town buildings, and essential services need attention and investment. We need to maintain what we have and deliver the day-to-day services residents depend on. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? Roads and infrastructure. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I’ve been open and honest from day one. I keep residents informed through social media, including upcoming council meetings and agenda items, so they have a chance to speak up and be heard before decisions are made. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is simple: I will listen, be honest, and put Amherstburg first. You may not always like my answer, but you will always get the truth — and my commitment to making the best decisions for our community. Armand Anderson CTV News is awaiting a response. TJ Botsford Why are you running for Amherstburg council? I have been asked this question many times and the best way I can put it is that there are a variety of reasons. I have been a resident in Amherstburg for seven years, spending a lot of my time in this town for actually 12 years. I have seen how this town has grown and how welcoming the residents are. At some point over these past seven years, I started watching council meetings online. I slowly started attending meetings in person. In the past year my wife brought it up to me as something that I should look into since I have a background in finance and accounting. I have also been working as a licensed paralegal for the past 15 years. I believe that I have the educational background to make sound financial decisions involving budgets. My work experience would allow me to understand various bylaws when reviewing legal documents. After following many council meetings, I had to think carefully about the effort it takes to run a campaign — and more importantly, the hard work that comes if you’re fortunate enough to be elected. My parents always taught me that if you’re going to do something, you go all-in. Guided by that advice, I decided to step up and give this everything I’ve got. I’ve always been drawn to municipal politics. It takes a thick skin and a lot of dedication, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You get the chance to collaborate with six other council members to make a genuine impact and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Seeing our town’s progress, I truly believe our best days are ahead — and I’m committed to making this a place residents love to live in and visitors love to explore. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? Policing remains one of my top priorities. If elected, my very first motion on council would be to direct administration to request a formal cost and service proposal from the Windsor Police Service. While a transition wouldn’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2029, taking action early is vital. The best policing model for Amherstburg is one that balances high-quality service and community safety with a price taxpayers can afford. While restarting an independent Amherstburg Police Service is financially unfeasible due to high startup costs, residents have consistently told me that we are doing our town a disservice if we don’t explore all our options. We are still waiting on updated pricing from the OPP, but it’s important to remember that initial OPP costs will inevitably change over time. Having multiple proposals allows us to directly compare service levels. Because the OPP and Windsor Police offer different service models, I would like to see two pricing quotes from Windsor Police: One for their current service level, and one matching the baseline service model offered by the OPP. The residents of Amherstburg deserve a clear comparison before such a critical decision is made. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? One of my top three priorities is bringing a motion to council to request a policing cost proposal from the Windsor Police Service. This issue has been a contentious topic in our community for months. To make an informed decision of this magnitude, council, and residents must have all available options on the table. While the town waits for a service package from the OPP, it is critical that we have a second proposal to compare it to. Could Windsor Police offer a package that rivals or replicates the OPP model? We won’t know unless we ask. While bringing back the local Amherstburg Police force would be ideal for many, current financial constraints make it unfeasible at this time. Furthermore, while discussions with LaSalle were explored, their timeline does not align with ours right now. My second priority is reviewing our Road Needs Study and clearly communicating upcoming road infrastructure plans to residents. Every five years, the town publishes a comprehensive Road Needs Study for public review. After walking our streets and speaking directly to residents — from local residential neighborhoods to the 3rd and 6th Concessions — I share your concerns. While the town cannot repair every single road within a four-year term, council can — and must — prioritize the roads in most urgent need of repair. My third priority is to address the frequent power flickers and surges affecting Amherstburg. This isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a financial burden on families. One resident shared that she is currently on her third stove in six years due to damage caused by power surges. Residents pay substantial utility bills and deserve a reliable, stable power grid. I will advocate strongly for our town and explore options to fix this issue. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I am a first-time candidate who would bring a fresh perspective and practical ideas to Amherstburg Town Council. I am a registered paralegal with 15 years experience navigating complex issues and advocating for fairness. My educational background includes a degree in Finance from the University of Windsor and an Accounting Diploma from St. Clair College. I feel as though I have a strong foundation in budgeting, fiscal responsibility and long-term financial planning. Beyond my professional life, I am dedicated to youth development through sports, having served as a volunteer coach across Windsor-Essex since 2011 and right here in Amherstburg since 2017. I am an open-minded, collaborative leader and an active listener who puts community priorities first. I am deeply passionate about Amherstburg and committed to creating opportunities for the next generation to learn, work, and thrive in the town we call home. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? If elected, the only promise I can make to the residents of Amherstburg is that I will listen. On Amherstburg council, I would only be one of seven voices. I cannot guarantee the outcome of any vote, nor can I push through a single policy. Anyone who can make a promise or guarantee a result to a certain issue does not understand the reality of being in a collaborative group of seven individuals with different professional backgrounds. Decisions require a majority vote, compromise and prioritizing the betterment of the residents and town of Amherstburg. I will be an active listener to the residents of Amherstburg as well as the six other members on council. I will ensure that the residents’ concerns are heard. They will not have to guess why I voted a certain way because I will thoroughly explain my reasoning for doing so. Keith Boussey CTV News is awaiting a response. Frank Cleminson CTV News is awaiting a response. Peter Courtney – Incumbent CTV News is awaiting a response. Jen DeLuca Why are you running for Amherstburg council? I am running for council because I believe Amherstburg deserves a strong, thoughtful voice at the council table. Someone who will listen to residents, ask questions, and make decisions based on facts, not politics or personalities. As a lifelong resident, teacher, coach, volunteer, wife, mother, and small business owner, I have spent my life investing in this community. After 22 years of running a family business, I understand the challenges families and businesses face every day. I want to bring that real-life experience to council. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe responsible growth is one of our most important challenges. Amherstburg is growing, and we need to make sure our infrastructure and essential services keep pace. Growth must be planned, not simply approved. I would focus on roads, water and wastewater capacity, and other infrastructure before development moves forward, while ensuring residents and businesses have a meaningful voice in the process. The people affected by our decisions need to be heard and considered before just living with the results. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My top 3 priorities are: How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I differ from my fellow candidates because I bring 22 years of experience as a small business owner, along with 22 years of teaching and coaching experience. I also volunteer with The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. I have the experience and a natural ability to work with people of all ages and abilities. I wear many hats and can see things through various lenses. I understand budgets, accountability, people, teamwork, and the importance of listening. I’m not running to represent one group. I’m running to represent the entire community. I will bring my voice to council, but more importantly, I will bring my ears and my mind to listen. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I promise to work toward amending bylaw 2023-085 so that a unanimous decision does not have to be made in order to allow a resident to ask a question to their elected officials. Democracy works best when people feel heard. I believe residents should have meaningful opportunities to speak to council and participate in decisions that affect their community. I will advocate for a fairer and more open process for public consultation when changes are being considered. I want residents to know that their voice matters, and that I will work to make sure they have a seat at the table. Lorne Dupuis CTV News is awaiting a response. Sonya Elliott Why are you running for Amherstburg council? To give Amherstburg a better future. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? One of the most important issues that needs to be addressed is repairing the infrastructure within the current budget. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My three priorities would be listening to the public bringing their concerns to council and following up to make sure these priorities get addressed. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I speak from my heart. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My accountability will remain for the 4 years. Wes Ewer CTV News is awaiting a response. Saurabh Katara Why are you running for Amherstburg council? Amherstburg is home to me, my wife, and our young daughter. I am running because our town is growing and facing important decisions about infrastructure, services, finances, and its long-term direction. I want to help get those decisions right, rather than watch from the sidelines. My education and professional background in finance, strategy, planning and leadership shape what I offer. I examine the full cost, long-term consequences and available evidence before reaching a conclusion. Residents deserve a councillor who comes prepared, asks difficult questions, listens to different perspectives and explains decisions openly. This campaign is not about promising easy answers. It is about bringing disciplined judgment, accountability, and a focus on lasting value. I want Amherstburg to remain a community families can afford to call home, businesses can invest in, and growth strengthens rather than overwhelms. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? The most important issue is managing Amherstburg’s growth while protecting affordability and the quality of municipal services. Growth affects roads, drainage, water and wastewater systems, emergency services, parks, recreation and the town’s long-term financial obligations. These decisions cannot be considered separately. I would evaluate major proposals against infrastructure capacity, service requirements, lifecycle costs, and who ultimately pays. That means using long-term capital planning, ensuring eligible growth-related costs are recovered through appropriate development charges, pursuing grants and partnerships where practical, and carefully examining project scope and lower-priority spending. Responsible growth should also strengthen our economic base. Attracting appropriate commercial and industrial investment can create local opportunities and help broaden the tax base. Council cannot control every cost facing households, but it can insist that municipal decisions are evidence-based, financially sustainable and clearly explained to residents. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? First, responsible finances and taxpayer value. I would protect core services and infrastructure while examining lifecycle costs, service impacts, and measurable value before supporting major expenditures. Second, economic development combined with responsible growth and infrastructure planning. Amherstburg should welcome investment that creates local opportunity and strengthens the tax base, while ensuring growth does not outpace roads, drainage, utilities, emergency services, and recreation capacity. Third, transparent and accountable decision-making. Residents should be able to understand what council is considering, what alternatives were examined, what the long-term consequences are and why their elected representatives voted as they did. These priorities are connected. Growth without adequate infrastructure creates future costs. Spending without clear objectives weakens public confidence. Economic development without long-term planning can miss opportunities. My approach would be to consider the financial, operational, and community effects together before making decisions. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I respect that every candidate brings different experiences and perspectives. What distinguishes me is the combination of my education and professional background in finance, strategy, planning, and leadership, along with the decision-making approach that comes from that experience. I look beyond the initial price of a proposal. I want to understand its long-term cost, service implications, risks, alternatives, and measurable value. I am comfortable asking difficult questions, testing assumptions, and changing my position when stronger evidence supports a better conclusion. I am also cautious about making promises before reviewing the complete information. That is not indecision; it is responsible judgment. Residents should expect their councillors to arrive prepared, listen to different perspectives, make a decision, and explain it openly. I am running to bring that disciplined, independent, and accountable approach to council. What is one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? If elected, I will publish a public update following every regular council meeting. It will explain the major public decisions considered, how I voted on significant items and the reasoning behind my position. Residents may not always agree with my vote, but they should never have to guess where I stood or why. This is a specific commitment within my personal control, and residents will be able to see whether I have kept it throughout the term. Accountability should not exist only during an election campaign. It should continue after every difficult vote and major decision. I will come prepared, review the available information, ask questions, listen to different perspectives and explain my decisions clearly. Lena Lazanja Why are you running for Amherstburg council? The simple answer is that I care deeply about Amherstburg and the people who call our community home. I ran for council in 2018, and in the years since, I have continued to see many of the same issues and challenges remain on the table. I believe Amherstburg deserves strong, thoughtful representation at council: Someone who will listen to residents, advocate for their concerns, and work collaboratively to turn those concerns into meaningful action.My decision to run is grounded in my commitment to public service and my belief that I can contribute positively to the future of our community. Through my educational background, professional experience, community service, and volunteer work, I have developed the skills and perspective needed to listen carefully, understand different viewpoints, ask important questions, and work toward practical solutions. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe the most important issue facing Amherstburg is public safety and ensuring our emergency services have the resources, staffing, and infrastructure they need to protect our community. Everything we build in Amherstburg — from homes and businesses to parks and community events — depends on a safe and secure community. Our police, fire, and EMS personnel are essential to that foundation, and supporting our frontline first responders must remain a priority. My commitment is to advocate for well-resourced, accountable emergency services while being responsible with taxpayers’ dollars. For policing, I believe residents deserve transparency and meaningful public consultation as Amherstburg considers its future policing model. Before making a long-term commitment, residents should have clear information about the services, costs, and implications of each available option. I support a practical, phased approach that examines OPP options while also developing detailed plans for alternatives, including a potential transition to LaSalle Police Service or the re-establishment of an Amherstburg Police Service. For fire services, we need to move delayed fire hall infrastructure forward, pursue available provincial funding for modern equipment, and support recruitment and retention of firefighters. For EMS, I would advocate at the Essex County level for appropriate ambulance coverage and response times across our entire community, including rural areas. I also recognize the important role of the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit in identifying and addressing local health and safety concerns and in supporting informed planning. My approach is straightforward: Put safety first, listen to residents, plan responsibly, and ensure our emergency services are prepared for the future. Public safety is not simply a budget line item. It is fundamental to the well-being and resilience of Amherstburg. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? When elected, my top three priorities over the next four years would be fiscal responsibility and transparency, responsible growth and planning, and infrastructure investment. 1. Transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility 2. Responsible growth and community planning 3. Infrastructure and long-term investment Ultimately, my goal is to help build a town that is financially responsible, transparent, well-planned, and prepared for the future. I will listen to residents, ask the difficult questions, and work to ensure that every investment reflects both the needs of today and the long-term interests of Amherstburg. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? I believe every candidate and incumbent brings something valuable to Amherstburg, and I respect the commitment each person has made to serving our community. I would not characterize my candidacy as being against my fellow candidates, but rather as offering a different combination of education, leadership experience, community involvement, and practical knowledge. I bring more than 30 years of leadership, organizational experience, and volunteer service, including two decades as an active Amherstburg resident. My academic background includes two Bachelor’s degrees and two Master’s degrees, including graduate research in Sociology and Education. I am also an Ontario Certified Teacher. Beyond my education, I have had the opportunity to serve our community in a wide range of leadership roles. As a former General Manager of the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce, I worked directly with local business owners and community leaders to support economic development and advocate for Amherstburg’s business community. Through my years with the Rotary Club of Amherstburg, including four years as president, I worked with volunteers and community partners on initiatives such as Operation Lifeline, the Miracle League Baseball Diamond, the Toddy Jones Accessible Playground, the Backpack Campaign, the Police Bike Rodeo, and other community projects. My service with the Royal Canadian Legion has also given me valuable insight into the needs of veterans and seniors. In 2016, I was honoured with the Police Chief’s Award of Excellence for my long-standing commitment and service to Amherstburg. What I believe sets me apart is not simply my resume, but the breadth and depth of my experience working with residents, businesses, service organizations, municipal partners, and community leaders. When elected, I would bring that experience to council with a commitment to listening, asking informed questions, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions in the best interests of Amherstburg. I am not running to be different for the sake of being different. I am running to bring my experience, knowledge, and proven commitment to the table — and to be a strong, informed voice for the people of Amherstburg. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? During my campaign, I have not made grand promises simply for the sake of winning an election. Promises can hold little value when circumstances may prevent them from becoming reality. Instead, I will do my best to stand committed to service and accountability: I will be accessible to residents, listen to their concerns, advocate for our community, and take action on the issues within the municipality’s responsibility. Four years from now, I want residents to be able to hold me accountable for being present, responsive, transparent, and committed to doing the work on their behalf. I believe municipal government works best when councillors are accessible, engaged, and willing to listen and follow through. I care deeply about Amherstburg, believe in its potential, and am ready to put my experience, energy, and commitment to work for our community. Shawn LeBlanc Why are you running for Amherstburg council? I am running because I love Amherstburg and I want it to thrive for the next generation. This is our home. I want residents to have a councillor who picks up the phone, answers the question, and shows up when it matters. I believe every decision should be transparent, spending should be responsible, and growth should protect the character, culture, and small town feel that make this place worth staying in. I am not running to sit quietly. I am running to be a voice for the people who live here. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? The most important issue is the policing decision that will land on the next council. Windsor has already said it wants out of the contract at the end of the term on Jan. 1, 2029. Costs under that contract have climbed hard, from about $5.5 million in 2021 to roughly $7.3 million this year. Restarting a local force or trying to go back to a Windsor style contract does not make sense to me. I am leaning toward the OPP, the same model used by several other Essex County municipalities, but only after residents see the full numbers and have a real say. I would push for a plain language public comparison of cost, response, local presence, and long-term risk, then a decision the town can live with for the next decade. We have a limited time to make a major decision, and residents deserve to be part of it before the clock runs out. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? How do you differ from your fellow candidates? For the last 20 years I have built a real estate career in Windsor-Essex, sitting at kitchen tables with families buying their first home, helping seniors downsize, and working through the details that decide whether a deal holds together. That work has taught me to listen first, put the numbers on the table, and keep people informed when the stakes are high. It has also put me inside the growth this town is living through. I see what new housing does to roads, services, and neighbourhoods, and I know the difference between growth that pays its way and growth that gets pushed onto existing residents. I am not an incumbent. I come to council as a resident and a parent who has spent two decades solving real problems for real people in this community, and I will bring that same standard to the council table. Show up. Answer the question. Protect the small town feel while the town grows. What is one promise you are making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? If you call or email, you will get an answer. Not a formal letter months later. A real response from me. In four years, residents should be able to say whether Shawn LeBlanc picked up the phone, showed up, and told them the truth about the decisions council made, especially on policing, spending, and growth. That is the promise. Hold me to it. Stephanie Pouget-Papak Why are you running for Amherstburg council? I’ve always been an action-oriented person. When I see something that isn’t working as well as it could, I want to understand why, identify practical solutions, and be part of making things better. That mindset started early. Funny story: When I was about four/five years old, a childhood friend told me I couldn’t ride my bike down the stairs because I was a girl. I thought that was ridiculous. Of course I could, and I was determined to prove it. So, I hopped on my little BMX and rode it down the stairs just fine. My friend was impressed, and I had successfully demonstrated that girls could, in fact, ride bikes downstairs. What I hadn’t considered was what might happen next. I quickly learned a lesson in foresight and Newton’s first law of motion when I crashed into the barbecue and nearly severed my tongue. Needless to say, that didn’t stop me from getting back on my bike. I’ve always believed that if something can be done better, or if someone tells me something can’t be done, it’s worth asking why and figuring out what’s possible. Sometimes though, a little more planning helps! That same determination is rooted in my connection to Amherstburg. As a lifelong resident of Amherstburg, I have a deep-rooted family history here and a genuine passion for our community. I’ve invested in our town and its people through volunteer work, programming, and I want to continue contributing in a meaningful way. I believe Amherstburg has tremendous potential, but realizing that potential requires thoughtful planning, responsible decision-making, and a willingness to address challenges directly. I’m running because I want to be part of the solution and help ensure that our decisions serve the broader community, not just the immediate moment. Ultimately, I want Amherstburg to be a thriving, welcoming, and sustainable community where our children and future generations can build their lives, raise their families, and feel proud to call home. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town and how would you address it? I believe emergency services and deteriorating infrastructure are among the most pressing issues facing Amherstburg. Both directly affect residents’ safety, quality of life, and the town’s ability to grow responsibly. These challenges require more than short-term fixes. We need to understand the condition of our existing infrastructure, identify the most urgent needs, and develop realistic plans for maintenance, repairs, and long-term investment. At the same time, we must ensure that emergency services can meet the needs of our growing and changing community. We need to be asking the right questions, reviewing the available evidence, understanding the financial implications, and prioritizing investments based on risk, need, and long-term value. This also means examining how current resources are being used and ensuring that decisions are supported by sound planning. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My three priorities would be: 1. Strengthen emergency services and address infrastructure needs. I would work toward a clear understanding of our infrastructure priorities and emergency service requirements, using evidence, risk assessments, and long-term planning to guide decisions. 2. Protect affordability through responsible financial management. Residents need to know that their tax dollars are being used effectively. We should look closely at spending, service delivery, operational efficiencies, and the long-term costs of proposed projects. The goal is not simply to spend less, but to achieve the best value while maintaining essential services and quality of life. 3. Support responsible growth while protecting Amherstburg’s character. Growth should create opportunities for residents, support local businesses, and strengthen our economic future. However, development must be considered alongside infrastructure capacity, environmental protection, heritage resources, and community needs. My background in local history, tourism, education, and planning-related legislation would help me ask informed questions and consider the broader implications of decisions. I like a collaborative approach, sound research, and a willingness to listen, question assumptions, and adjust course when the evidence supports a better solution. Throughout my life experiences, I’ve learned that responsible leadership means being honest about the challenges, transparent about the costs, and focused on practical solutions. We need to protect essential services and address infrastructure needs without placing unnecessary pressure on taxpayers. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? As a local historian, I have an extensive understanding of Amherstburg’s development, from its prehistoric roots and archaeological history to its growth from the eighteenth century onward. This knowledge is valuable when considering development proposals that may affect unmarked burial grounds, archaeological sites, wetlands, and other significant resources; we can plan to have the adequate resources. I also have experience working with legislation and processes relevant to municipal decision-making, including the Ontario Heritage Act, the Planning Act, the Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act, and the Municipal Act. Understanding these frameworks helps me approach decisions with attention to evidence, legal requirements, and the responsibilities of the municipality. Combined with my background in tourism and education, I bring an interdisciplinary perspective. My interests include urban psychology, the behavioural sciences behind urban planning, and experiential program development; how people interact with places and how communities can be designed and developed to better serve them. In my experience, effective leadership requires looking beyond an individual issue to understand its wider consequences. I would bring research, critical thinking, and a practical, collaborative approach to council, with a focus on making informed decisions that benefit Amherstburg as a whole. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? My promise is to approach council decisions with critical thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to finding the best overall solutions for Amherstburg. I’m a big picture person. I believe good decisions require more than reacting to the issue in front of us. We need to consider the evidence, listen to different perspectives, understand the financial and community impacts, and think about the long-term consequences. I won’t promise that every decision will be easy or that everyone will always agree with me. I will promise to ask questions, do the research, listen respectfully, and work with others to find practical solutions. In four years, residents should be able to look back and see a council that approached challenges thoughtfully, used public resources responsibly, and made decisions with the community’s long-term interests in mind. That is the standard I would hold myself to. Dhaval Prajapati Why are you running for Amherstburg council? I wasn’t born and raised in Amherstburg. I chose Amherstburg. My wife and I moved here four years ago, and this is where we are raising our son. I have been paying close attention to what is happening in our town. I have attended council meetings in person, spent hours going through reports and budgets, visited town facilities and spoken with many residents. The more I learned, the more concerned I became about where we are heading. We have seen a divided council, growing financial challenges and some difficult decisions being pushed further down the road. I also feel we are not doing enough for our younger generation. I want my son and other children growing up here to have opportunities in Amherstburg, not feel they have to leave to find them. I have worked in the manufacturing industry for over 11 years. I am a licensed professional engineer and currently work in sales and business development. My job involves solving problems, understanding costs, working with people, and planning for the future. That is why I am running and that is what I want to bring to Amherstburg. What do you believe is the most important issue facing the town, and how would you address it? For me, it is our financial situation and how we are planning for the future. Amherstburg has a growing gap between what we need to spend on our infrastructure and what we can afford. We have roads, buildings, water and wastewater systems, and other town assets that need ongoing maintenance and eventually replacement. We are already struggling to keep up, and the longer we wait, the more expensive some of these problems become. My concern is that we keep looking to property taxpayers to cover these increasing costs. People are already dealing with higher grocery bills, mortgages, utilities, and everything else. I pay property taxes too, and I don’t want to see them keep going up without knowing we have done everything possible to control spending first. I believe we need to take a closer look at how we spend money, where we can find efficiencies and whether we are making the best use of what we already have. We also need to prioritize projects, plan further ahead, and explore other funding opportunities instead of relying so heavily on property taxes. That is the approach I would bring to council. If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term? My first priority is Belle Vue. We have a historic property that has been sitting there for years, and we still don’t have a clear resolution. I want to see us make a decision on its future. Whether that involves private investment, grants, or partnerships, we need to find a way forward without continuing to rely on local taxpayers to fund it. My second priority is how we manage town-owned assets. We own a lot of properties, buildings, and facilities, and every one of them costs money to maintain. We need to look at what we have, what condition it is in, how much it costs us and whether we are using it properly. We cannot keep adding financial responsibilities without figuring out how to manage what we already own. My third priority is our youth, especially teenagers. I have been learning about organizations like the House Youth Centre and the work they are doing. But I also hear from families who struggle to find affordable activities for their kids. Not everyone plays organized sports, and not every family can afford to pay for programs. I want to see the town work more closely with community organizations, local businesses, and volunteers to create opportunities that don’t cost families a fortune. We need to give teenagers something positive to be part of, and we need to start paying more attention to them. How do you differ from your fellow candidates? When I decided to run, I didn’t want my campaign to be just about putting up signs and asking people to vote for me. I decided to do something different. I started my 100 Days, 100 Stories campaign on Facebook, where I committed to researching and sharing one story about Amherstburg every day leading up to the election. I have covered everything from our water treatment plant, wastewater systems, fire services and policing to town finances, local history, parks, community organizations, and the people who make Amherstburg what it is. I have spent countless hours reading reports, attending council meetings, visiting places, and speaking with residents. There were things I didn’t know when I started, and I made the effort to find out. I also shared what I learned so residents could follow along and understand more about how our town operates. I respect the other candidates and what they bring to the table. But I wanted people to see my commitment through my actions. I am not just saying I will work hard if I get elected. I have already been doing the work. I have done my homework, and I am ready to get to work on the council. What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years? I want to use my industry experience to help Amherstburg prepare for future industrial investment. I have spent over 11 years working in manufacturing, and I understand what companies look at before making an investment. They want to know whether land is available, whether it can be serviced, what infrastructure is in place, and whether the municipality is ready to support their plans. We have opportunities in Amherstburg, but we need to prepare for them. We need to look at our industrial lands, servicing capacity, infrastructure requirements, and what it would take to make those properties attractive to businesses. I cannot promise that a major manufacturer will come to Amherstburg in the next four years. That is not how industrial investment works. But I can promise to push for a clear plan to make our town more ready for those opportunities. Four years from now, I want residents to look at what we have accomplished and see that we have taken meaningful steps forward. Whether that means identifying suitable industrial lands, planning necessary servicing, or working with other levels of government to attract investment, I want to see progress that we can actually measure. If we want more local jobs and opportunities for our children, we need to start laying that groundwork now. These responses have been edited grammatically only.
