Q & A - Councillor candidate - Lena Lazanja
(1) How would you advocate for affordable taxes while maintaining an adequate level of service for residents?
I would advocate for affordable taxes by promoting responsible budgeting, transparency, and efficient use of public funds.
The goal should be to reduce unnecessary spending, department by department, while still protecting essential services and preparing for upcoming infrastructure projects.
I support the regular review of departmental expenditures to identify waste, duplication, and task administration to find opportunities to improve efficiency.
I would also encourage responsible long-term planning and investments that reduce future costs. Rather than cutting services broadly without a rationale, decisions should be based on audit report findings, assessing community needs, and evaluating measurable results, not simply working off of annual budget projections.
Finally, I fully support open communication with residents, giving them opportunities to provide feedback and understand how their tax dollars are being spent, using understandable language and accessible formats. There should be no surprises or secrets when it comes to how tax dollars are spent.
(2) What does “responsible growth” mean to you and how does growth in the commercial/industrial sectors factor into that?
To me, responsible growth means expanding a community in a way that strengthens the local economy while simultaneously protecting residents’ quality of life. Growth should be carefully planned, with sufficient infrastructure, housing, accessibility, transportation, public services, and environmental protections, that will support a growing population. Commercial and industrial development can play an important role by creating much-needed jobs, attracting investment, expanding the tax base, and supporting local businesses.
However, it is our responsibility to ensure that development is balanced with community needs, infrastructure limitations, and environmental responsibility.
I would encourage projects that provide long-term economic benefits, use existing infrastructure efficiently, and contribute fairly in return to municipal costs, while ensuring growth remains sustainable, well-planned, and beneficial to residents. We need a returned focus on needs over wants in our decision-making.
(3) How would you balance protecting heritage attributes of Amherstburg against the growth of the town?
I would balance heritage preservation and growth by treating Amherstburg’s historic character as an asset while allowing thoughtful, well-planned development. Heritage buildings, streetscapes, and culturally significant sites should be identified and protected through clear guidelines, while new development should complement the community’s existing character. I would encourage adaptive reuse of heritage properties, allowing them to serve modern purposes without losing their historical value.
This begins with proper planning to ensure municipally owned properties remain appropriately utilized, purposeful, and aligned with community needs, preventing their misuse, neglect, or loss of purpose. At the same time, growth should be directed toward appropriate areas and supported by adequate infrastructure.
Most importantly, residents, property owners, heritage experts, and developers should be working collaboratively when making decisions, so that Amherstburg can grow responsibly, while preserving the unique identity that makes the town special.
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates. And as always, I am available to hear your concerns Lazanja4aburg@gmail.com
(4) What police service is best for Amherstburg at this time and how would you advocate for it?
At this time, Amherstburg should not commit to a policing model until residents have been presented with the services, costs, and implications of each option. After listening to the residents’ concerns and considering the timelines before us, I believe we need a practical, phased approach: pursue the available Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) options to ensure effective, visible, and accountable policing, while simultaneously developing detailed plans for a potential transition to LaSalle Police Service or the re-establishment of an Amherstburg Police Service. The OPP offers extensive resources and specialized services. However, that does not automatically make it the best or most cost-effective choice for Amherstburg. My responsibility is to make decisions based on evidence, transparency, and what best serves our residents; not based on assumptions, political affiliations, or timeline pressure. Everything we build in Amherstburg, from homes and businesses to parks and festivals, depends on one fundamental priority: a safe and secure community.
(5) What is the best way to present Open Air Weekends (if at all)?
Over the past decade, I have witnessed a tremendous effort by our Tourism Department to enhance our town’s appeal through the creation of fantastic events. Open Air, despite the recent debate surrounding it, has provided an important platform to promote our town, attract visitors, and foster community engagement. I would like to see that momentum continue.That said, I believe there is room for compromise. Reducing the duration or consolidating events could help address concerns from residents and businesses that full road closures every weekend throughout the summer may not be necessary. North-south closures also do little to address our existing parking and Sandwich Street congestion. With the new riverfront plaza, I would like to see whether more events can safely be hosted within the park rather than requiring road closures.Finally, I believe we should focus on making events more inclusive. While Open Air appeals to many, some residents face physical, social, or financial barriers. Expanding arts, culture, family-friendly, and free programming could help ensure everyone feels welcome and has an opportunity to participate.
(6) What goals do you have to move the town forward over the next four years?
Over the next four years, my goal is to help build a town that is financially responsible, transparent, well-planned, and prepared for the future.Transparency and accountability must guide our decisions. Residents deserve to understand how their tax dollars are being spent, why decisions are made, and whether investments are delivering value.I want to encourage responsible growth that supports local businesses, attracts investment, and creates opportunities while ensuring growth is matched by the infrastructure and services needed to sustain it.Infrastructure must be a priority, with proactive planning for roads, water, drainage, transportation, and public spaces rather than continually reacting to problems.We also need to protect our heritage and community character while planning thoughtfully for future generations.Ultimately, I want to balance saving today with investing wisely for tomorrow—being disciplined with taxpayers’ money while making strategic investments that strengthen our town and improve quality of life for everyone. Let me be your voice.
Q & A - Councillor candidate - Lena Lazanja
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