Dupuis wants to bring experience to council

Lorne Dupuis

Lorne Dupuis says he has been a lifelong entrepreneur and wants to bring what he’s learned to town council.

Dupuis is seeking a councillor position in the Oct. 26 municipal election. He said there are issues he doesn’t agree with so he decided to get involved.

“I think there are a lot of people that are feeling the same as myself. They are not happy with the way the town is going,” said Dupuis. 

Dupuis said he is not a fan of the town’s spending and wants to see more fiscal responsibility. Dupuis believes there could be more cost effective ways of procurement.

“I don’t disagree with everything,” he said. “Everyone did the best they could.”

Dupuis added: “I take financial responsibility seriously.”

Dupuis did not voice outright opposition to Open Air and said he is not calling for it to be ended. Dupuis believes it is something that needs to be reviewed.

“I think it could be curtailed to some degree,” said Dupuis.

Parking is a concern. He said he is hearing a lot from people about it. 

Dupuis added it seems there have been some parking reductions over the last few years and wants to see parking replaced if a spot is eliminated.

Roads need to be worked on and construction co-ordinated so that people can still move around the community. He said people already are aware what roads in Amherstburg need work.

“I think everyone knows what the bad roads are and what can be done about it,” he said. “A lot of stuff is just common sense.”

Policing is a big issue for a lot of people, Dupuis stated, and wants more information brought to the public. Costs and budgetary impacts of the options need to be known and talked about.

“We need to have a big discussion on that,” said Dupuis.

Belle Vue also needs to be addressed.

“People have concerns with Belle Vue and how to handle that moving forward,” said Dupuis.

Keeping on top of power companies to ensure reliable service should be done. 

Accessibility is another issue he is hearing about and wants to take a closer look at.

Transparency and listening to the people are other issues, with Dupuis stating he wants as few in-camera meetings as possible. There is also “too much red tape” for people to be able to speak to council.

“True transparency wins the day with me,” he said. “I don’t believe in hiding from anything.”

Dupuis added “I believe everyone in Amherstburg deserves a voice,” adding there are those in outlying areas who don’t always feel they have one.

Dupuis said he can handle criticism and can ask tough questions. He noted he knows what it is like when money is tight, adding he is a self-made person and has succeeded in his career. He said if he wants to learn something, he reads about it and finds out what he needs to know.

“I’m a big fan of libraries,” he said.

Career-wise, he has run a handyman business, owned a small engine shop, spent 20 years in the towing industry, and enjoys the real estate career he’s had for eight years. 

Dupuis believes people have to try and find common ground when talking about issues and “meet in the middle” about it.

Dupuis wants to bring experience to council

By Ron Giofu