Press Release From The Mayor's Office

I thought it important to post this press release from the City.

Do you truly believe that Windsor's economy is on the move as the Mayor suggests Or do you feel that we are in a very serious situation in Windsor with our economy at risk?

It should be obvious what I think and who I believe must shoulder the blame for this situation. What we lack in Windsor is leadership. Looking at the world in rose-cloured glasses, especially in an election year, is not helpful in my respectful opinion. If the best the Mayor has going for him is a report by the Daily Commercial News, then we are all in big trouble!

If you truly want to see what's going on in City Government, watch the Mayor's interview with John Fairley on Cogeco, Cable 11. I believe it is at noon on Saturday and Sunday (one half of the hour interview each day perhaps. The schedule is not clear)

News Release---Windsor‘s Economy is Shifting into High Gear

Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis today welcomed a recent report by the Daily Commercial News headlined, “Watch as Windsor’s Economy Moves into High Gear.” The Mayor said the report is just one of many indicators that investors have their eye on Windsor and that 2006 is going to be a very solid year for Windsor’s economy.

“A significant number of changes have been made both within City Hall and outside,” said Mayor Francis, “and those changes have been recognized. We also heard from our bond raters earlier this year with regards to the great success we have had in taking a big chunk out of our debt and getting our fiscal house in order.”

In September, Standard and Poors (S&P) affirmed the City of Windsor at a strong AA- credit rating, with a stable outlook. The AA category is described as “very strong capacity to meet financial commitments.” In its report, S&P noted strong budgetary performance, assessment growth, and debt reduction. The report commented that, “the City remains pro-active in introducing various economic diversification initiatives.”

On December 7, economist John Clinkard published a review in the Daily Commercial News that noted that Windsor’s employment had remained at about 165,000 jobs for about four years as a result of restructuring and downsizing in the auto industry, but then went on to say,”…there are signs that Windsor’s manufacturing sector has turned the corner.” The Daily Commercial News report said, “Over the next 12 to 18 months, the outlook for the Windsor economy will improve dramatically due to three recent developments. First, lower oil and gasoline prices… have improved the outlook for the North American automotive industry in general and Windsor’s automotive-related industries in particular. This improvement, together with Chrysler’s plant expansion, will cause metropolitan Windsor’s industrial construction to rebound in 2006.”

DaimlerChrysler is investing an additional $610 million over three years in its new Windsor “flex” operations, and in research and development at the University of Windsor. The International Truck and Engine Corporation Centre of Innovation, a partnership with the University of Windsor and the City of Windsor, is another significant advancement in our region’s capacity for research, development and education. Also adding greatly to our expertise is a growing list of new and expanding high tech companies in the region including VistaPrint, Figleaf International, Axiom Technologies, Cybersystems Group and Eco TEMP. Investor confidence will be further bolstered by the construction of $100 million worth of new border infrastructure.

Mayor Francis says that partnering with Essex County and southeast Michigan in a regional approach to economic development will benefit not only manufacturing, hi-tech and agribusiness, but tourism as well – noting the ongoing $400 million expansion of Casino Windsor and the upcoming National Football League’s Super Bowl XL events. “We know what this region has to offer,” said Mayor Francis. “By all of us pulling together, saying this is what we want and we won’t settle for less, we can have a tremendous amount of success.”