Fryer aiming to "bring back integrity to governance of our community”

Bill Fryer

Bill Fryer is seeking the top political job in Amherstburg.

Fryer is running for mayor in the Oct. 26 municipal election and says town council needs to take more control in the decision-making process, something he feels has been lost.

“I’m tired of watching what is going on in our community,” said Fryer. “My plan is a simple one but will be intense – bringing back integrity to the governance of our community. It seems to me we have lost it over the past 12 years and I’m hoping that the right members that are running are running for the betterment of our community and not for some appearent control and/or investment group.”

Infrastructure and growth are keys for Fryer, who stated existing assets should be repaired first. 

“We need to fix and repair what needs to be done first, then we can manage the future,” he said. “We have no idea of the mess we are about to take over.” 

Fryer has heard about wages, taxes and wanting a zero per cent increase, adding he won’t make a prediction on tax increases “but I do know it’s out of control.”

Fryer wants emergency sirens restored, as “not everyone has a cell phone. The alarm system has to be put in place.”

The retired Amherstburg police chief said his first goal is to get elected “and pray for the people that want what I want.”

“When it comes to policing, I have some grave and serious thoughts but that is going to be up to the new leadership and all I can do is pray to have that opportunity to fix all of the issues with people of the same mindset,” said Fryer.

Fryer’s community service follows that of his family. 

His own background started as a youth. He was an original employee at the Lions’ Pool, and had a list of sporting accomplishments as a player and coach. His policing career began as an auxiliary in 1969. 

From testifying in criminal trials, overcoming obstacles to work up the ranks of policing including when becoming chief, being a part of investigations that led to numerous criminal charges, being police association president, upgrading his training and passing knowledge along to his officers and other police services were some of his accomplishments.

Fryer was also an AAM ambulance service volunteer and emergency plan committees. He also worked in numerous positions at Caesars Windsor after retiring. 

Fryer added in 2022, when he ran for a councillor spot, some said they wouldn’t vote for a Fryer because of what happened over the police service. He said he conducted his career with the utmost integrity and pride for his community and he should not be evaluated by other people’s choices.

“Open Air, as far as I’m concerned, is done,” he added. 

He said the traffic it brings means closing a throughfare like Dalhousie St. weekly isn’t right. There are also accessibility issues with that, he added.

“It’s time for change,” he added. “Enough is enough. We need to change things back to the way it should be. I’ll work my butt off to get the job done.”

Fryer aiming to "bring back integrity to governance of our community”

By Ron Giofu