Working as a team a key for Ewer

Wes Ewer

Wes Ewer says he has been involved in the community for a long time and wants to now become a town councillor.

Ewer is running for council in the Oct. 26 municipal election, believing the community can move forward if it works together. Noting his background on town committees and local sports teams and organizations, Ewer believes teamwork is what is needed going forward.

Ewer believes people have to listen to each other, understand different perspectives and find a common goal. He said he has watched numerous town council meetings and doesn’t believe that always happens.

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” he said. “When we’re not working together, we do a disservice to the residents.”

While going around the community, Ewer said he’s getting asked the same questions a lot of other people are, such as the policing issue and the new Amherstburg fire hall. 

Instead of focusing on past decisions, Ewer said he wants to look at how the decision was made and what led up to it. 

The new council can’t dwell on the past and look at decisions that can’t be changed, but they should learn from past decisions and figure out how to work together better going forward.

Acknowledging things could always be better and finances always could be improved, Ewer believes there is a misconception about where the town is financially. 

Ewer maintains Amherstburg is in the best financial position it has been in a while, though noted there is always room to spend money better and work even harder for residents.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there,” he said.

The town has a transportation master plan, a parks master plan and an asset management plan, he pointed out, but said improving local roads would be among his priorities.

“We’re millions behind on roads and infrastructure,” said Ewer. “We should balance the budget and do more roads.”

Adding amenities to parks would be nice, but Ewer added he would rather ensure enough money is saved so they can be adequately funded. 

Using a transient marina at the waterfront festival plaza as an example, he said he would rather see the town take its time and “fund it properly.”

A marina would bring people back to town by boat over time, and he wondered if the town could pursue private dollars to help offset costs.

“Let’s think outside the box on how we do things and collaborate with people,” said Ewer.

Ewer added he would like to see Amherstburg maintain momentum that has been building and look for improvements where needed. He emphasized his team-centric approach.

“I’m one of seven,” he said, if elected. “It’s a ‘we,’ not ‘me.’ That’s my mindset.”

Ewer said he is looking for ways to reach out to residents, stating he is “very, very responsive” to people and wants respectful dialogue with them.

“I’m always looking for even more ways to connect,” he said. “I think it’s really, really important that I listen. It’s important to connect with people, whether they agree with me or not.”

Working as a team a key for Ewer

By Ron Giofu