Donald McArthur

A report going to Amherstburg council Monday recommends opting in on Cannabis retail, citing the potential for jobs and increased tax revenue, the need to discourage black market drug dealing and the possibility for additional funding. 

The report acknowledges the issue is a “complex” one and that the Town’s planning department opposes opting in because of a lack of municipal control over the number and location of Cannabis stores. The local health unit is also recommending the town opt out.

Read my set-up piece and take my survey!

Reviews of a proposed new logo and tagline for Amherstburg are mixed although the social media buzz, especially on the logo, seems to be: 'We can do better.'

A petition going to council Monday night calls for the replacement of Lions Pool so Amherstburg kids "continue to have a pool to call their own." 

"Public pools are vital community assets that enable children, families and seniors the opportunity to swim and stay healthy no matter their economic status," says the petition being spearheaded by Yvette Erickson and Tiffany Cote. 

Most if not all of the votes at my inaugural council meeting were unanimous.

There was a little discussion, but not much, as a council of mostly political neophytes found our sea legs. 

I'm excited to have the first meeting under my belt and I'm very much looking forward to the second one.

Here's how I voted:

If a dog, or some other wild animal, attacks and kills a farmer’s livestock or poultry, the farmer is entitled to government compensation. Ditto if a raccoon or skunk lays waste to a bee colony.

I learned this while perusing the list of town committees seeking citizen appointees for the next four years. There are 11 committees in all and more than 50 openings should council approve administration’s recommendation to strike a Seniors’ Advisory Committee and a Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee.

The town should strike advisory committees for seniors and youth and allocate $3,000 in annual funding, says a report going to council Monday night.

I talked about the need to engage these two groups on the campaign trail and I’m happy these recommendations are being presented at my first bona fide council meeting.