Next election is “crucial” to Amherstburg - says immigrant to the town

As an Italian immigrant of the 1950s I have had the privilege of watching Amherstburg transform. Early 50s were post-war years. Immigrants with unheard of slaving work ethics filled Amherstburg and surrounding areas. They took on any job to feed and house their family.Allied Chemical, SKD, Marra’s Bread, Alymer Canning, were all immigrant heavy industry. Immigrant work ethnics assured these industries to thrive. Malden Township and vicinity became a major source of tomato production with immigrant farm workers  supplying the back breaking labour of picking the crops.These first generation immigrants made Amherstburg a wealthy community of taxpaying industries and taxpaying few immigrant homes.As the first generation aged the supply of slave laboring work diluted. The second generation immigrants evolved into educated professionals not requiring strong backs to survive.There were many reasons for industrial closures but one factor remained obvious. The type of labour required to thrive these industries with profits was no longer available. As well, non-immigrants, were not up to the par labour. Amherstburg transformed into a community of tourism shops and events. Amherstburg’s natural river location makes it a natural tourist town. The Navy Yard river area is saturated with visitors all summer long bringing some much needed revenue.However summer goes south and the streets become bare in the winter. As well the lost industry leaves the town lacking in tax revenue. Amherstburg is losing the distillery. Our politicians have cut ribbons for new small independent businesses, coffee shops and eateries but the hard core tax heavy industrial needs, are lacking.Soon the costs of town operation will outpace revenue. It’s time to tap outside sources again. It’s time to elect some people based on business experience and impressive resumés rather than politics, namesake or popularity. 

The next election is crucial. It needs major developments, major attractions and leaders willing to burn the midnight oil. If you rinse and repeat town council, the once Amherstburg empire, will crumble.              

—Victor DiNardo

Amherstburg

Next election is “crucial” to Amherstburg - says immigrant to the town