Botsford enters race to become an Amherstburg town councillor

T.J. Botsford

After talking it over with family and friends, T.J. Botsford has entered the race to become a town councillor.

Botsford has filed to run for a spot on Amherstburg town council in the Oct. 26 municipal election. As of press time, he was one of three candidates for a councillor seat with profiles on Lena Lazanja and Tony Pietrangelo coming in the upcoming weeks.

“I’ve been living here for six years. I’ve been coming to town for 12 years,” said Botsford. “I have friends who like politics and we talk about things. My wife said I should consider running for council.”

Botsford considered it last fall and winter and decided to make a run. He said he enjoys talking to businesses and residents and wants to do more of that during the campaign.

“I do appreciate municipal politics. There is not as much bureaucracy,” he said.

Botsford has already started hearing about local issues, from Open Air Weekends to heritage designations and more.

Regarding Open Air, he believes the “town has been doing a good job making adjustments throughout the years.” 

“There are a lot of good places to go to now,” he said.

There are an increasing number of events that are part of Open Air, he said.

“There are a lot of good things happening downtown,” said Botsford.

Stating taxes have risen and “it’s made things difficult for residents,” Botsford added things have improved since the financial difficulties of 2013, the reserves are good and the debt is now “somewhat reasonable.” 

Traffic and infrastructure are issues, with the town council having to keep their eye on the asset management plan. Upkeep has to be done on town facilities and he is in favour of building certain facilities such as a new town hall assuming the funding is there to accommodate it. Investing in people who work for the town is important, he added.

While he noted he respects the history of the town, Botsford said he would like to see developments like the Valente proposal for 130 Sandwich St. S. proceed.

“The Valente development could be very beneficial,” he said. “The important part is getting a decision made. The biggest thing for me is we need to progress.”

Botsford added: “You want to empower people who want to bring projects here for the benefit of the town.”

Belle Vue is another issue, with Botsford wanting to explore further opportunities to redevelop the site.

A paralegal by profession, Botsford said he believes in decorum, civility and respectfulness. There are a lot of tough decisions council has to make and council should not be afraid to disagree with each other, but there has to be respect for everyone.

Botsford would also see more young people exercise their right to vote and take part in democracy.

Botsford enters race to become an Amherstburg town councillor

By Ron Giofu