This post is the eighth in a series in which we reached out to municipal candidates to ask their heritage platform. Responses will be posted in the order received.
Bill Petruniak was the eighth candidate to respond. He is running for Deputy Mayor in the Town of Amherstburg.
I have been lobbying for the restoration of Bellevue for several years. In the last two years I submitted plans to council for both development of the Bellevue property and incorporating the manor house into a viable historic attraction. Council never responded to my recommendations. I have proposed three different ways to fund restoration of the manor house. I have a mechanical and construction work history. Unfortunately, I have never been inside the manor house and have no way of knowing what state the interior is in. Amherstburg council and administration refuse to release any financial details about the property.
If I am elected I will look at the finances, personally inspect the entire manor house and formulate a plan of action. Letting this beautiful example of historic palladian style architecture deteriorate by neglect is nothing short of criminal. Disclaimer, the town of Amherstburg is in very poor financial shape. Infrastructure neglect in every corner of the municipality is at a critical stage.. Saving the Bellevue manor will probably require some type of public private partnership. I am also very concerned about the Carnegie library due to the willful neglect of this past council and their predecessors.
Featured picture is from the River Towne Times
English (United States) 
English (Canada)