Councillor Payne: economic development corporation 'ineffective'

A Windsor councillor wants to know how many jobs and businessesthe Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation has brought to the city.

"I think they're ineffective in getting employment into Windsor," said Hilary Payne.

"First of all, we should have a full-time CEO.SandraPupatellois holding down three other jobs including the head of Hydro One, which is a major job, and I think we need a full-time CEO," said Payne. "Maybe that's why she couldn't answer my questions because she's not around enough."

Payne said the organization needs a newstructure that would provide more accountability.

WEED-Chas a budget of $2.2 million, funded by Windsor and the county.

"In fairness to themit is difficult to bring industry or commerce to the city. But what are they doing to do it? That's what we should all know," said Payne.

Windsor's January unemployment rate of 9.4 per cent led the country, though the rate did improve from 9.7 per cent in December.

Mayor DrewDilkenssaid he's not willing to criticize WEED-C.

"I don't think we want to start eating our own at this point,"saidDilkens."We really need to make sure that everything that's being funded, all of those services and programs that are being funded make sure they are being delivered appropriately, collectively and cooperatively."

Payne wants to know how many jobs WEED-C has created, along with how many businesses and industries WEED-Chas attracted to the region.

The organization's CEO, Sandra Pupatello, cannot answer those questions yet.

"We are now planning that info," said Pupatello. "We are bringing it back to their council. I think they should have a look at the kind of activity and better yet the kind of activity overall year to year that improves, especially in light of a recent recession in Ontario."

Pupatello will gobefore council in March to answer questions.