The Code of Conduct

Second paragraph states the purpose as follows:

* the decision making process of the Town Council is transparent,accessible and equitable

* decisions are made through appropriate channels of government structure.

There are thirteen principles in the Code:

The fourth refers to relations with staff.

Members of Council shall acknowledge and respect the fact that staff work for the Town as a corporate body and are responsible for making recommendations that reflect their professional expertise and corporate objectives, without undue influence from any individual member.

In addition, Members shall acknowledge and respect the fact that staff carry out directions of Council as a whole and administer the policies of the town. A member of Council shall refrain from using their position to improperly influence members of staff in their duties and functions or to gain advantage for themselves or others.

Members of Council shall refrain from publicly criticizing individual members of staff in a way that casts aspersions on their professional competence and credibility.

I did not support the Code of Conduct. It keeps being repeated that all Members of Council are bound by it nevertheless.

Some say , if a person does not favour a law against dirty deeds , it's because the person favours dirty deeds.

I would say, if a law against dirty deeds is not likely to be observed, it should not be passed. Laws not respected bring all law into disrepute

Ah yes, you ,might answer, but we have an Integrity Commissioner and penalties.

Ah yes, that's true. But let us look a little closer.

We received notice recently that Neighbourhood Network had an exciting project in hand.

Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority were providing thousands of trees. Neighbourhood Network had organised students in Aurora and Newmarket to plant the trees in parks.

The students can obtain credit for community service.

The urban forest can be amplified

Young people can do something worthwhile for the community and have the satisfaction of seeing it grow.

Town parks could have shady places. The environment can be improved It's what's meant by Green.

A win win for everybody.

But wait a minute: first negative reaction was an e-mail circulated by Councillor MacEachern.

It's too bad, the event is planned for the Mayor's Anti-Litter Day.

Well, I thought. Why is that? It would just be an especially cheerful and busy day.

It would certainly complement the anti-litter day.

Since then however, the word is out. It will not be happening in Aurora. Girl Guides who wanted to participate in planting trees in town parks have been told they have to apply to Council.

Direction to that effect was not given by Council.

It came from the Mayor, a member of Council as referred in the Code of Conduct. Where it says no member of Council shall give direction or attempt to influence staff.

So, the Code is not observed.

The Code is breached.

The Code with potential for penalties .

Of course, to accomplish that, a complaint must be filed.

It's a new privilege accorded to us by the Mormac regime.