Candidates fight for change in Windsor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By David Dyck

 

The eight candidates running in Ward 10 presented their plans for the city’s infrastructure in a debate on Oct. 16.

Dealing with the lack of jobs in Windsor and with sidewalk problems on a few streets in the ward, tension between the candidates about previous management revealed itself a few times throughout the session.

Candidates were asked about how to fix traffic problems and obtain money from the city council. Al Maghneih, the ward’s councillor the last four years, said the problem was being dealt with already.

Promising that the streets not being fixed would be renovated soon and that funds would come soon from the council, he was rebuffed by Mohamed Chams, a candidate, who called his claims “empty promises.”

“That particular promise is going to cost us well over $5 million,” said Chams. “That money is not allocated. All you’re doing is re-routing the traffic around. This is what we were promised four years ago. These are all empty promises.”

When describing the lack of lighting and sidewalks in the ward, all unanimously agreed with the safety hazards this problem presented. Flooded basements were regarded as an annoyance as well, with Matthew Isherwood promising to personally assist in helping to clean up.

Along with Isherwood, Paul Borrelli also emphasized communication on a personal level. A retired teacher with thousands of students living as Windsor residents, he said he had a personal care for the people of his ward.

I will be a hard-working full-time councillor………my job is to serve you, not myself,” said Borreli.

The group varied in its opinions about what should be the main focus of their possible tenure as councillor. While Isherwood stressed getting jobs for youth and activities for seniors, Maria Fernandes, a lawyer, spoke at a rapid fire pace about her dream.

“I’m asking you to raise your voices with mine and let’s petition to make a hospital in this area….there’s movement underfoot to get that into Essex, that’s not where it needs to be,” said Fernandez. “This is where the people are, this is where we need the mega-hospital and that will bring in some real funds into this area.”

Wally Chafchuck stressed the pollution level in the city, saying residents “were breathing in poison.” A businessman with 23 years living in the ward, he promised to look after taxes in Windsor and “hold the line.”

As to whether the city needed another auditor general, Jim Morrison differed from his opponents, saying that the city could get along without one.

“The Enwin issue, I do not believe we need an audit of Enwin, we just need to run the darn thing properly.”

When asked about why they wanted to become the next ward councillor, all expressed their passion for the neighbourhoods they had lived in for so long. They had all gone door to door to talk to voters and discovered new problems that needed to be solved.

Tensions began to flare towards the end of the meeting. Maghnieh, who had previously charged thousands in personal expenses to the library’s corporate credit card, was interrupted by a man near the front who shouted out “couple’s massage!” When he told the audience he knew what they were thinking, accusations grew more heated until the moderator encouraged the audience to let the candidates finish their speeches.

At closing speeches, Maghnieh walked to the front and gave a personal apology for his conduct in the library matter three years ago. He was greeted with forgiving applause.

With jobs promised and streets to be fixed, the candidates also made it clear that they would continue to establish personal relationships with the residents.