DiPasquale has a plan if elected mayor

Frank DiPasquale

Frank DiPasquale has always had an interest in municipal politics and he is trying to become Amherstburg’s next mayor.

DiPasquale filed to run for mayor May 1. He acknowledged his unsuccessful bid to become a councillor in 2022 but wants to try a mayoral run this time.

“I might have a better shot at becoming the mayor,” he said. “I have a plan if I’m elected.”

DiPasquale said the town has to improve its transparency and wants to improve that. One of his ideas is to bring back open mic meetings. Extending delegation speaking times to as much as 15 minutes was another concept DiPasquale would like to implement.

“People have a lot to say,” he said. “I’d like to hear everyone.”

Tax increases should be no more than cost of living, DiPasquale added, and he would like to see administration show the impact of a zero per cent increase, an increase that matches cost of living and one that is less than the cost of living.

“I think we owe it to our residents and taxpayers,” said DiPasquale.

DiPasquale stated he sees people, including seniors, in grocery stores doing “strategic shopping.” 

“Their carts aren’t overflowing like they used to be,” he said.

As a volunteer with the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission, DiPasquale said he has seen an increase in the number of meals the mission is serving.

Getting through town is another issue.

“Our traffic is really starting to increase. There are periods where it’s really tough to make a turn,” said DiPasquale.

DiPasquale said Open Air Weekends have been “fantastic for the community” and “wonderful for the children,” it has to be reviewed.

“We’re going to have to have public meetings with all of the participants to see what can be done,” said DiPasquale.

Infilling as a form of development in town is important but DiPasquale also has desire to protect farmland, noting a statistic from four years ago stating 300 acres of farmland are lost per day and the issue has only gotten worse.

Reducing development charges to make homes more affordable is another idea he wishes to discuss, and he also wants to find out more about the costs to water hanging baskets in town and who bears the cost of that.

Getting the most out of the Libro Centre is key, even to the point of finding someone to help bring in all kinds of tournament opportunities. He also wants to see no ice time charges for players ages nine and under.

The town should also undertake a “SWOT” exercise (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) to find out where it stands. 

While thanking all candidates for having the courage to run, DiPasquale said “I just think we can do better in the top position.” He added he would return his salary to the town and not charge any mileage or meals.

DiPasquale has a plan if elected mayor

By Ron Giofu