Drew Dilkens says he wants to continue to hold the line on taxes, while investing in Windsor’s aging infrastructure if he becomes the next mayor.
At a news conference Friday afternoon, Dilkens announced his “proven jobs plan” for the City of Windsor. This plan includes holding the line on taxes, reducing debt, increase cash reserves and investing in infrastructure.
All these things, Dilkens says, council has done over the past eight years and a path he pledges to continue down.
"This isn't sexy stuff or highly appealing stuff to the average person, but this is critical stuff. This is the bread and butter. The stuff people appreciate."
Dilkens promised to build on council's record with a dedicated roads and sewers investment fund of $268 million over the next five years. This money will be used to fix problem areas with unallocated future budget dollars.
Dilkens also drew a line in the sand between himself and fellow mayoral candidate John Millson, where it relates to property tax increases.
"You can justify a tax increase any way you want, but the fact is zero is zero and we've delivered a zero increase in the last six years. The increase during his term as mayor was 13.1 per cent," Dilkens says.
Dilkens says the best way to pick the next mayor is to judge the candidates on their record in office.
"These are actual details from a guy who's been around the table the past eight years, who's put his hand up and made the investments and will continue to make the investments for this community."
The current Ward 1 councillor wants to increase the city’s reserves to $140 million by 2018 and reducing Windsor’s debt to $90 million by 2017 and $65 million by 2019.
Dilkens joins 11 other candidates vying for mayor of Windsor in the upcoming municipal election on Oct. 27.
