For the record I wanted to ensure my position on this topic was very clear. You can see the discussion on You Tube Essex Ontario Nov 2nd 6:00 to get a full picture of how councillors voted and why.
Opposition to further Amalgamation
Moved By Councillor Bondy Seconded By Councillor Garon
That the Town of Essex is strongly opposed to any further amalgamation at this time; Whereas we feel our residents are best served now by the current model is terms of dollars and services; and Whereas we appreciate the Municipal Modernization Grant and are working hard to ensure our municipal operations are more efficient internally and looking for possible efficiencies externally; and Whereas we are opposed to further restructuring at this time, but we are not opposed to sharing some services where our service quality, safety and price to our residents is not comprised; and That a letter be sent to the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario and that a copy of the letter be sent to the County of Essex, all Essex County municipalities and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) advising them of the Town of Essex’s position with regards to any further amalgamation at this time.
In Support- Bondy, Garon, Verbeek, Meloche, Snively and Bowman
Opposed- Bjorkman and Vander Doelen
