Cerasa making second run at the mayor’s chair

Frank Cerasa

Frank Cerasa is taking another run at being the mayor of Amherstburg.

Cerasa is running for mayor this year, with his initial attempt being four years ago. One item he wants to clear up off the bat is his business interests, vehemently denying social media posts that claim he went bankrupt. Not addressing them gives that credibility, he believed.

“The rumours on social media of multiple bankruptcies are untrue,” he said. “I have never had a bankruptcy. Never. We always paid our bills.”

Cerasa said he has personal achievements that he won’t use to elevate himself over others but won’t let others diminish his personal achievements.

“I have too much respect for myself and others,” he said. 

Cerasa said Amherstburg is a bedroom community and not as many jobs are in town than what there used to be. Building back the employment and industry base is through development in McGregor and ensuring there are proper services to areas like the Howard Industrial Area.

“We can compete,” he said. “We’re starting to be bypassed.”

Upgrading roads and improving transportation networks is necessary, Cerasa indicated, suggesting improving Texas Road and putting in water and sewer lines down there to help service McGregor would help. He said sewage could be directed to the town’s main sewage treatment plant.

Cerasa’s plan is to set a plan with council for debt reduction, working with upper levels of government to obtain more grants, maintaining excellent services and infrastructure in order to attract new investments, disposing of non-essential assets and returning the proceeds to the treasurer and promoting the town “without selling out to small and big investors. Council will have oversight.”

Other plans include balancing a yearly budget and having no new tax increases. Cerasa also wants question periods on every council agenda during and after every meeting, a yearly simplified summary of financial statements issued by the finance department and holding yearly special sessions for farmers and rural community members.

Cerasa stated in his vision on his website that “Amherstburg is a wonderful community today that we can be proud to call home. We have excellent schools, waterfront property, and rich culture and we can’t forget the beautiful downtown.” He believes the town needs “a steady hand and strong leadership” and said the town can forge a proud future by working with community groups, business owners and residents.

“The path forward requires continued growth. Attracting investment is necessary to increase the tax base to a point where we can improve the current services that we enjoy.”

Cerasa pointed out he came to Canada at age 15 with his mother and younger brother, noting he had to work to help support his family. He said he has lived in Amherstburg for 52 years and worked at Allied Chemical before pursuing a career as a building contractor and developer.

Cerasa making second run at the mayor’s chair

By Ron Giofu