The seal of the city of Windsor is displayed in the council chambers of New Windsor City Hall. Blackburn News file photo.The seal of the city of Windsor is displayed in the council chambers of New Windsor City Hall. Blackburn News file photo.
Windsor

Leading mayoral candidates in Windsor trade barbs over strong mayor powers and property taxes

One candidate for mayor in Windsor is ruling it out, but another said he'd like to know more about Strong Mayor powers before ruling it out.

This past week, Premier Doug Ford opened the door to granting the next mayor of Windsor those powers, maybe in 2023.

Chris Holt was adamant he would not use the special powers.

Drew Dilkens was non-committal. He wrote on Twitter, "not one single door I have knocked on this election has mentioned this legislation."

His thread continued, "Councillor [Gary] Kaschak asked for more facts and info from administration so we can make an informed decision. I'm in favour of getting the facts before passing judgement."

The powers would give mayors the unilateral authority to table municipal budgets, re-organize city departments, and hire and fire senior staff. It would also allow mayors to veto bylaws or council decisions that conflict with provincial priorities, such as building housing.

Holt appeared to suggest Dilkens if re-elected, would abuse the powers.

"We only need to look back at the emergency powers used during the pandemic to see how reckless and risky my opponent would be with unchecked power," said Holt. "When he was able to ignore council during the Covid-19 pandemic we saw the consequences -- when he was the only mayor in North America to shut down transit. My opponent knowingly ignored calls for reconsideration from members of council."

Dilkens took his own swipes at Holt over property taxes, claiming the two-term councillor would escalate those costs for residents should he be elected mayor on Monday night.

"It's become clear during the course of this campaign that, if given the chance, Chris Holt will drive up your property taxes at an alarming rate," said Dilkens. "Windsor, like all municipalities, is feeling the pinch as we head into the next budget cycle. We are seeing costs rise on everything from fuel for our fleet vehicles, wage pressure for us to remain a competitive regional employer, and bid prices for our public infrastructure projects. Now is not the time to roll the dice on some unproven and risky plans that put your tax dollars on the line."

It was not the first time Dilkens warned voters a vote for Holt was a risk. Earlier in the campaign, the incumbent said Holt would put progress on the new acute care hospital at risk.

As the councillor for Ward 4, Holt had voted against the location on County Road 42 and collecting a tax levy to help pay for the hospital. In response to Dilken's allegation, he said, "I will not stand in the way of the provincial plan to build a new hospital."

Related story: Holt responds to hospital criticism, blames Dilkens

Five other candidates are running for Mayor of Windsor, Ernie "The Baconman" Lamont, Aaron Day, Benjamin Danyluk, Matthew Giancola, and Louis Vaupotic.

Dilkens' campaign was expected to begin a final push with a noon rally set for Saturday at his campaign headquarters.

Election Day is Monday. Polls open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

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