Elliott wants to bring people together if elected to town council
Sonya Elliott wants to help bring people in Amherstburg together and that is a main reason for her candidacy in the Oct. 26 municipal election.
Elliott is seeking a councillor’s position in next month’s election, vowing to work with other council members and the public, if elected.
“I want to make Amherstburg a lot stronger,” she said. “I believe the community needs to come together.”
Everyone has their own beliefs and the town is growing with people of different cultures moving to Amherstburg, with Elliott adding she believes she can help unite people.
“I think I can bring it all together,” said Elliott.
Elliott said she has been going door-to-door and hearing a lot of the same issues from people.
“They want fresh faces,” she said.
Open Air Weekends are brought up by many she speaks with, added Elliott, and the public’s viewpoints range from eliminating it to modifying it to every other weekend, once a month or changing up the activities and events there.
“They think we need more entertainment, different entertainment,” she said, of the latter viewpoint.
Parking is another issue, including during Open Air, but Elliott believes there are spots nearby for seniors and those with accessibility issues to park. She believes the town needs to better publicize where seniors can park so they don’t become overwhelmed looking for spaces.
“There is actually close parking for them,” said Elliott. “Put out a map for them.”
Elliott she wants to hear from residents then, if elected, discuss the matter more deeply with council.
Taxes are an issue for a lot of people Elliott has spoken to, and it is an issue with a common theme.
“People feel taxes are up or are going to go up,” she stated.
Traffic is another concern Elliott said she is hearing, with one solution being to move the traffic light from the crosswalk in front of the former General Amherst High School to the intersection at Sandwich St. S. and Fort St.
While traffic is an issue for some residents, others feel there is a loss of the small town feel Amherstburg has.
“We need more activities for youth,” she said.
Those activities could include the reestablishment of a swimming pool in Amherstburg or putting more youth-themed programming at Open Air Weekends.
Stating she has heard concerns over break-ins, Elliott said she would like to see a neighbourhood watch type of program put in place and associated signage to keep neighbourhoods safe. Another issue she said she is hearing is to put more picnic tables in parks so families can enjoy gatherings together.
Roads are another issue that has to be tackled, including many in rural areas, she indicated.
Elliott said her campaign is not about her, but the people of Amherstburg.
“It’s about the residents,” she stated. “I’m trying to listen to what they have to say. I’m fighting for what they want in the community.”
Elliott, who has been a healthcare professional for 19 years, described herself as friendly, caring and willing to listen.
“I’m always willing to lend an ear to anyone,” she said.
Elliott wants to bring people together if elected to town council
By Ron Giofu
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