Prajapati looking to manage growth responsibly if elected to council

Dhaval Prajapati

Dhaval Prajapati believes Amherstburg is at a crucial point and he wants to be part of the decision-making process.

Prajapati is seeking a seat as a councillor in the Oct. 26 municipal election and while he didn’t move to Amherstburg with plans on entering local politics, he now feels the need to.

“This is my home,” he said. “Everyone I’m hearing from is so welcoming and has great things to say about the town.”

Prajapati sees growth as inevitable and how that growth is managed is a key point in why is running.

“This town is at a very important point,” said Prajapati. “It’s growing whether you want it to grow or not.”

Prajapati is calling for “responsible growth” which he believes would ensure the town’s infrastructure needs can handle it while maintaining the town’s current characteristics. 

Before decisions are made, Prajapati said town council has to reflect on infrastructure, drainage, recreation and a variety of factors to ensure it is a good move for the town.

Residential and commercial growth will continue to happen, but he added Amherstburg must be ready.

“All of these things need to be thought of before we move ahead,” he said. “Going back and fixing things will cost more. I want to avoid that.”

Responsible spending also has to occur, stating the town has to focus on its needs and take the taxpayers dollars into account.

“We want to account for every single dollar,” said Prajapati.

Taxes are always a concern, he added, and said people are having to sacrifice vacations or buying new furniture to cover their bills.

“It affects every single person,” said Prajapati. “Everyone is concerned about where we are going. People are concerned about their return on investment, and our investment is this community.”

Prajapati said he also wants to see a community where youth can stay here and work here when they get older. He said he wants that for his son, but also for everyone else’s children as well.

“I think about things five, ten or 15 years into the future,” he said. “It’s about every single resident of Amherstburg.”

Prajapati said he has worked his way up the ladder at Centreline to where he is an account manager in the sales division, which he believes shows he is willing to work hard, can learn quickly and execute ideas well.

On his campaign Facebook page, he said he is looking to produce “100 Days, 100 Stories” leading into the election and push the positives about Amherstburg.

“I want to focus on the good side of Amherstburg. I want to see what I can learn from everyone,” said Prajapati. “I want to help people. I want people to reach out to me.”

Stating “I don’t have all the answers,” Prajapati added he will work hard to find out and respond to people.

“I will listen carefully and make practical decisions.”

Prajapati looking to manage growth responsibly if elected to council

By Ron Giofu