Q & A - Councillor candidate - Jen DeLuca
(1) How would you advocate for affordable taxes while maintaining an adequate level of service for residents?
Affordable taxes start with responsible spending. As a small-business owner for 22 years, I understand that you cannot continually spend more than you bring in. Council needs to review the budget line by line, identify efficiencies, eliminate unnecessary spending and ensure tax dollars are delivering value.
I would prioritize essential services and infrastructure, particularly roads, water, wastewater, public safety and maintaining the services residents depend on. Before asking taxpayers for more, we need to make sure we are using the money we already have properly, and as efficiently as possible.
I also believe residents deserve to know where their money is going. They should be able to understand where their tax dollars are going and why. Their tax bill should be easy to read and understand. I would support making Amherstburg’s tax information more clear and easier to read.
(2) What does “responsible growth” mean to you and how does growth in the commercial/industrial sectors factor into that?
My goal would be to maintain strong services while being disciplined about spending. Responsible financial management means planning ahead, setting priorities and making difficult decisions when necessary, not simply increasing taxes to cover every new expense.
To me, responsible growth means growing Amherstburg in a way that our infrastructure, roads, services and finances can actually support. Growth should not happen just because development is available; it should happen because it fits our long-term plan and benefits the community.
Commercial and industrial growth is an important part of that equation. We need to attract businesses and industry that provide stable, good-paying jobs and strengthen our tax base, while ensuring appropriate infrastructure and planning are in place.
Before approving development, I want council to consider roads, water and wastewater capacity, emergency services, traffic, impacts on green space and the effect on existing neighbourhoods.
Growth should benefit the entire community, not just one area of Amherstburg. I believe we can welcome investment while protecting the quality of life that makes our town special. Responsible growth is about planning today so taxpayers are not paying for yesterday’s decisions tomorrow.
(3) How would you balance protecting heritage attributes of Amherstburg against the growth of the town?
Amherstburg’s heritage is one of the reasons Amherstburg is so unique. Protecting it does not mean stopping growth. It means finding the right balance between preserving what makes Amherstburg unique and allowing the town to evolve.
I believe heritage considerations should be built into planning from the beginning, rather than treated as an obstacle after a project has already been designed. We should encourage thoughtful development that respects the character of our historic areas. When building new or remodelling, buildings should reflect Amherstburg’s heritage architecture and preserve its historic presence.
At the same time, we need to recognize that many of our heritage buildings are more than 100 years old, and owners need realistic options to maintain and improve them. Grants, incentives and partnerships can help preserve heritage while allowing properties to remain viable.
We can have growth and heritage. The goal should be smart development that respects Amherstburg’s history while creating opportunities for future generations.
(4) What police service is best for Amherstburg at this time and how would you advocate for it?
Amherstburg needs strong, reliable policing that is also financially responsible. Public safety is an essential service, and residents should feel safe in every part of our community, including our rural areas.
I would look at response times, population growth, staffing and the full long-term financial picture before deciding on the right service model. I believe we need to look at every policing option available in order to study, understand and compare our needs vs what they can provide at what cost.
Most importantly, we need a clear plan and long-term vision for policing in Amherstburg, not just a quick fix. That plan should be based on what our growing community needs, while giving residents a meaningful voice. I believe we should listen to what residents want and ensure we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past by making a decision that goes against the wishes of our community.
(5) What is the best way to present Open Air Weekends (if at all)?
I supported Open Air during the pandemic because it served an important purpose at a difficult time. However, I believe we need to look at what works today rather than continuing a model because it was successful in the past.
I don’t support closing Dalhousie St. for 16 weeks from Friday at 3 p.m. to Sunday at 8 p.m. I would prefer Open Air to be connected to events, festivals and activities that actually draw people downtown. If streets are closed, there should be a reason for people to come, and businesses should see a benefit from that increased activity.
I would ensure downtown businesses are meaningfully consulted before decisions are made. A street closure can affect businesses differently, and concerns need to be heard. Thoughts and suggestions need to be taken seriously.
I would support keeping Dalhousie St. open and closing Richmond, Ramsay and Murray instead and utilizing Art Alley. I would only close Dalhousie St. strategically with amazing festivals. My goal is a vibrant downtown, not empty streets. If Open Air continues, it should be designed around attracting people, supporting businesses and creating an experience residents and visitors want to return to. I want to end the divisive conversation and create a model all businesses and residents can get in board with. This would create more sponsorship opportunities and positive feedback.
(6) What goals do you have to move the town forward over the next four years?
My goals are straightforward: responsible spending, better infrastructure, responsible growth and a stronger relationship between council and residents.
First, I want to make roads and infrastructure a priority and ensure we have a realistic, long-term plan for maintaining them.
Second, I want to bring greater financial accountability to council. That means reviewing spending, finding efficiencies and ensuring taxpayers receive value for every dollar.
Third, I want to attract commercial and industrial investment that creates stable jobs and strengthens Amherstburg’s tax base while ensuring development is properly planned.
I also want to improve communication and public participation. Residents should feel heard before decisions are made, not after.
Finally, I want to work toward a council that is less divided and more focused on solutions. Amherstburg is growing, and we have an opportunity to shape that growth thoughtfully. My goal is a financially responsible, inclusive and thriving community that works for residents across the entire town.
Q & A - Councillor candidate - Jen DeLuca
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