The two top contenders for the mayor's seat in Windsor faced off at the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce debate at the Fogolar Furlan Club on Wednesday.
Challenger Matt Marchand landed the first blow against incumbent Drew Dilkens by saying “our mayor is out of touch.” Dilkens touted two new plants coming to the city by saying they don’t happen by themselves.
Marchand said too many police officers are on stress leave and need help to get back on the streets. Dilkens countered by saying it is not true and added that Marchand will say anything to get elected. Dilkens said 20 new officers are being hired to deal with rising crime, especially downtown.
When it comes to taxes, Dilkens said Marchand is too risky and his numbers don't add up. Dilkens also said Marchand’s affordable housing plan is too expensive and added that under his watch, he didn’t have any scandals with cost overruns like Marchand had while working in the mayor’s office several years ago.
Marchand said he will cut red tape at city hall for business and boost service. Dilkens said the city already does that.