Petruniak enters the race to become town’s next deputy mayor

Bill Petruniak

A second candidate has emerged in the race for deputy mayor.

William (Bill) Petruniak is running for the position, joining current councillor Linden Crain. Petruniak is no stranger to council chambers, having been a frequent delegate on items that concern him.

Petruniak said he has been “poking and prodding” over the last three years but believes he could make a bigger difference if he’s on town council.

Stating he has lived in Amherstburg for 30 years, Petruniak said there are things in need of change. He said his research led him to find things he didn’t like.

Petruniak said he is “frustrated by the indecision that has slowed projects in the town.” He said less than 10 per cent of e-mails to staff or council have received acknowledgment.

Petruniak stated council’s job is to ensure financial integrity and accountability.

“That’s hard to do when they never see the cheque register,” he said. 

Calling Amherstburg “a great place to live,” Petruniak said he doesn’t want to see financial struggles return. He has concerns over policing costs, infrastructure, Belle Vue and the Carnegie Library and the upgrades to the settling ponds and sewage system in McGregor. 

“The next council will face some serious challenges,” he said. 

The town’s procedural bylaw, Bylaw 2023-085, is a “top priority,” he added.

“It is way too restrictive. There needs to be some compromise,” he said.

Petruniak added Amherstburg needs a redundant emergency warning system. 

“Amherstburg Alerts is a great start, but we need to develop a plan to gradually phase-in voice and tone sirens; not just because of Fermi. Everyone must also consider our two recent earthquakes and the fact we are on the border of tornado alley. You can’t put a price on public safety!” he said.

Open Air Weekends needs to be discussed, he continued.

“Open Air is great, but it’s called ‘Open Air,’ not closed streets,” said Petruniak. “There needs to be some compromise so that every downtown business benefits.” 

Petruniak added: “We have knowledgeable and talented staff. Let’s utilize them better to save costs and proactively maintain our infrastructure saving money wherever possible.”

Petruniak said while in management with Goodyear, he helped train staff and turn stores around. He said he also managed a roofing company and was the bridge between union and non-union staff. He also spent 20 years building an automotive repair and restoration shop before selling it in 2012.

“I know how to get things done. I know how to manage people.” 

Petruniak added “voting is a privilege and a duty for every citizen. If you want your voice heard, vote. If you want change to happen, vote.” He added he wants to see voter turnout over 50 per cent this year.

Petruniak enters the race to become town’s next deputy mayor

By Ron Giofu