Pariah

Tell Tale Tit
Your tongue will be slit
And every little puppy dog
Will have a little bit

Gruesome eh.

There was nothing soft or sissy about my childhood in Scotland. Between it, the weather and the craggy landscape, they go a long way to explain a typical Scottish personality. It's chiseled from the impervious. Whatever shape it takes, it never wears down.

Last night's closed session was interesting. I had said previously I would not attend for the part dealing with "solicitor/client information re the Westhill Development application" I believed the issue should be discussed in public.

I changed my mind about not participating .

If I have to be there, why would I forfeit an opportunity to argue the question.

Well that brought on hissy fits of significant dimension . Councillor Mac Eachern indignantly left the room and the Mayor rose to her full height and declared her intention to "go out there and make a statement to the press that I was bringing the town's business to a halt"

I suggested respectfully she should do what she must. As I would.

She didn't. I did.

She demanded to know if I intended to breach confidentiality. I said I had questions if she would allow me to ask them.

A tussle ensued. Eventually I indicated I would visit Mr. Cooper and ask my questions privately.

Well no that didn't suit Madam either. Somehow or other the words "unethical" and "moral" worked themselves into the thread of her comments.

Eventually Councillor MacEachern returned quietly and sat back at the table.

We had quorum plus one . Councillors, Gaertner. Wilson and Gallo were absent.I had a phone call from the Mayor's administrative assistant before the meeting to determine if I would be there. Councillor Collins Mrakas received an e-mail with the same query.

Such inquiries are normally the purview of the Clerk's office .

The agreement and appointment of the new Integrity Commissioner, David Tsubuchi was also on the agenda.

Three Councillors present are on record as opposed to an appointment with only five months left in the term.

Three Councillors present are in favour of the appointment.

The vote would have been tied.A tie vote is defeated .

Councillor Gallo appeared shortly after ten, in time to cast his vote in favour.

Well done, good and faithful servant.