Linden Crain, a lifelong resident of Amherstburg and a candidate for Deputy Mayor, has spent four years on council working to improve his hometown. Now, he seeks to bring leadership, experience, and a forward-looking vision to the role.
“I’m running because Amherstburg is home, and I want to leave this community better than I found it,” Crain said. For him, the Deputy Mayor’s role is about providing experienced leadership, fostering collaboration within the council, and representing Amherstburg’s interests at Essex County Council.
What are your top priorities if elected?
“My three priorities are infrastructure, affordability, and economic development,” Crain said. He believes ensuring the town’s roads, water, and wastewater infrastructure can meet growing demands is critical. Crain also aims to manage municipal spending responsibly to keep costs affordable for homeowners while attracting more business investment to ease the overall tax burden.
How would you approach balancing investment in infrastructure with keeping property taxes affordable?
Crain recognizes infrastructure investment as essential but says it must be approached strategically. “That means prioritizing projects based on need, planning years ahead, pursuing provincial and federal funding, and ensuring development pays its fair share,” he explained. Crain also emphasized the need to grow Amherstburg’s commercial and industrial tax base to lessen the burden on residential taxpayers.
What areas of municipal spending would you examine if cuts were necessary?
Crain emphasized a measured approach to spending reductions. “I would start by reviewing discretionary spending, contracted services, operational efficiencies, and the timing of nonessential capital projects,” he said. Crain also suggested reviewing underutilized municipal properties that create ongoing expenses but cautioned against arbitrary cuts that could negatively impact vital services.
What is your view on balancing Amherstburg’s growth and small-town charm?
For Crain, maintaining Amherstburg’s identity is key. He believes growth and heritage preservation can coexist. “I supported establishing Amherstburg’s Heritage Conservation District because protecting our history is important,” Crain said. He stressed the importance of thoughtful development that respects existing neighborhoods while ensuring necessary infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
How can Amherstburg attract more investment and businesses?
Crain sees Amherstburg as a town with untapped potential for economic growth. “We need to make Amherstburg an attractive place to invest by streamlining development processes, improving infrastructure, and promoting our Community Improvement Plans,” he said. Crain highlighted the Howard Industrial Park as a key project to attract industrial investors, create jobs, and expand the tax base. Supporting existing businesses is equally important, he added.
Do you feel Amherstburg is making full use of its tourism and waterfront assets?
Crain acknowledged progress with initiatives like the Waterfront Festival Plaza and Open Air Weekends but sees room for improvement. “There’s more potential to unlock,” he said. He advocated for greater private investment in historic properties, such as Belle Vue House, and further development of the town’s waterfront to boost its status as a tourism destination.
How would you handle collaboration with Windsor and other Essex County municipalities?
Crain believes regional collaboration is essential, but he stressed the importance of protecting Amherstburg’s interests. “We should look for opportunities to share resources and reduce costs, but every partnership must provide value for Amherstburg residents,” he said. Crain added that collaboration should not come at the expense of the town’s independence.
What role should the Deputy Mayor play at Essex County Council?
According to Crain, the Deputy Mayor should be a strong advocate for Amherstburg at the county level. Ensuring the town receives its fair share of investment in roads, emergency services, and other regional services is a priority. “It’s also about building relationships with neighboring municipalities, bringing opportunities back to Amherstburg, and ensuring our residents have a voice in regional decisions,” he said.
What would you like to change about Amherstburg’s municipal policies if elected?
Crain cited a need for better transparency and communication around infrastructure investments. “Residents deserve to clearly understand which roads and facilities are being prioritized, why those decisions are being made, and when improvements can be expected,” he said. Strengthening long-term capital planning and providing regular public updates, he added, would help improve accountability.
Why should Amherstburg residents choose you as their Deputy Mayor?
Crain points to his experience and community ties as key qualifications for the role. “Over the past four years, I’ve served on Council, chaired the Audit and Finance Advisory Committee, and represented Council on our Economic Development and Heritage Committees,” he said. Crain added that his experience as a business owner gives him practical knowledge of finances, housing, and affordability.
Beyond his résumé, Crain’s connection to Amherstburg runs deep. “Amherstburg is where I grew up, built my career, and where my wife and I hope to raise our family,” he said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m ready to continue building on progress.”