Q & A - Councillor candidate - Frank Cleminson
(1) How would you advocate for affordable taxes while maintaining an adequate level of service for residents?
Residents work hard for their money, and Council needs to respect that. I would push for careful scrutiny of Town spending, including administration and service costs, to keep tax increases reasonable.
I support an independent review of how every Town department operates. That would help identify better ways to deliver the services residents need and show where savings are possible.
Before supporting spending, I would ask: Do we need it? Are we getting good value? Can we afford the ongoing costs?
I would work with Council and staff, listen to residents about service priorities, and explain the decisions we make. My approach is simple: spend carefully, protect the services people count on, and make sure taxpayers understand where their money goes.
(2) What does “responsible growth” mean to you and how does growth in the commercial/industrial sectors factor into that?
Responsible growth means making sure Amherstburg can afford and properly service the development we approve. Roads, water, sewers and emergency services need to keep pace, and residents should have a say in how their community grows.
Commercial and industrial development can bring jobs, support local businesses and broaden our tax base. That can help share the cost of municipal services and ease pressure on homeowners.
I would look carefully at each proposal: What does it bring to Amherstburg?
What will it cost to service, now and down the road?
How will it affect neighbours and existing businesses?
We need a practical plan that welcomes investment, respects our community and makes financial sense for the people who already call Amherstburg home.
(3) How would you balance protecting heritage attributes of Amherstburg against the growth of the town?
Amherstburg’s history is part of what makes this town home.
Our historic buildings, waterfront and neighbourhoods need to be considered carefully as we grow.
I would bring residents, property owners and people with heritage expertise into the discussion early. New development should fit the character of its surroundings, and we should look for practical ways to restore and reuse heritage buildings.
Each proposal needs a fair, open review. We should understand what heritage features could be affected, whether changes to the design could protect them, and what the costs would be.
My approach would be to make room for new homes and businesses while keeping the places and stories that make Amherstburg special.
That takes good planning, listening and common sense.
(4) What police service is best for Amherstburg at this time and how would you advocate for it?
The best police service for Amherstburg must provide reliable protection, a strong local presence and accountability at a cost residents can sustain. I believe we need a clear, public comparison of the available options before choosing a provider.
As a former Chair of the Amherstburg Police Services Board, I understand the importance of looking beyond the initial price. I would examine staffing, response times, community involvement, start-up costs and the long-term financial commitment.
I would advocate for public meetings, straightforward information and meaningful opportunities for residents to ask questions. Then I would work with Council to support the option that offers the best overall service and value for Amherstburg.
(5) What is the best way to present Open Air Weekends (if at all)?
Open Air Weekends should bring people downtown and work for the businesses and residents who are there every day.
I support a full review of the program, including attendance, scheduled events, costs and the effect on businesses and nearby neighbourhoods. We need to understand what is working before deciding how often it should run.
I would bring business owners and residents together to help develop a practical schedule. Each road closure should have a clear purpose, with parking and access to shops and services considered.
The schedule should reflect participation, community support and value for taxpayers. My goal is a lively downtown where businesses can succeed, residents are heard and visitors feel welcome.
(6) What goals do you have to move the town forward over the next four years?
Over the next four years, I want residents to see careful spending, reliable services and a Council that listens and works together.
My priorities are an independent review of Town departments, keeping tax increases reasonable and putting core services first. That review should lead to practical improvements in how the Town operates.
I would work toward a policing decision with clear costs, service expectations and meaningful public input. I also want a downtown that works for businesses and residents, supported by a sensible Open Air schedule and practical parking solutions.
Parks and community improvements deserve fair consideration throughout Amherstburg.
Above all, residents should understand Council’s decisions and feel comfortable raising concerns. Accountability, communication and teamwork are the standards I would bring to the Council table.
Q & A - Councillor candidate - Frank Cleminson
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