"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Monday 16 April 2012

The Code Is No More

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Neither Sense Nor Sensibility":

I suppose evalina could set Councillor Wendy up to introduce a possible Code violation but Wendy has a few apologies of her own to make to staff and Council members.

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Once upon a  time, Aurora had  a Code of Righteous Conduct and before that A Code Of Ethics.

Also, two Integrity Commissioners were  appointed to give substance to The  Code
.
The first was stripped of his authority because he did not understand  what was  required of  him by the group of six.

The second one understood  very well what was required.

His contract was terminated by  the new council.

Last week, I heard many municipalities have discovered the shortcomings and ommissions of  provincial legislation as it applies to Codes of Conducts and  their  unintended result.

They have decided to throw off  the rod they created..

Though I doubt  there is a story out there to match our own, it seems  Codes of Conduct  are  going  the way of the dodo bird at the lower level of government.

And so they should.

If anyone ever decides to write it, it will be an ignominious chapter of  our municipal history.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wasn't there one lawyer with a weird name, maybe Welsh ?, who went around flogging the Code of Conduct to all the Councils? What a great way to make a living!?! Wonder if he ever saw the damage he created at least in Aurora.

Anonymous said...

Consider the following Code of Conduct rules and how they have played out:

1. Public office is not to be used for personal gain --- but I guess that accessing town funding for a private lawsuit against political rivals with no obligation to pay back the town is fine.

2. The conduct of members of council is of the highest standard --- Really ? Who makes this call anyway ?

3. There is a fairness and respect for the differences and a duty to work together for the goodwill and common good --- unless of course you disagree in which case some folks might just see fit to call their lawyers and crush you like a bug.

4. Members of Council will accurately and adequately communicate the attitudes and
decisions of Council, even if they disagree with the majority decision of Council --- Just wondering... why was a cease and desist letter sent specifically to our former Mayor by the former integrity commissioner if she was reflecting the town's offical position ? That's strange.

5. 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 due influence from any
individual member --- OK, but please re-do that staff report would you ? On second thought no worries, I'll write my own.

6. Members of Council will recognize their obligations to follow and respect the provisions
of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act --- OK, seems simple enough.

7. Members shall conduct themselves with decorum and in
accordance with the Town’s Procedural By-law. Respect for delegations and for fellow
Council Members and staff requires that all Members show courtesy and not distract
from the business of Council during presentations and when other members have the
floor --- whatever. Details, details.


Thank goodness that we have rules that govern our politian’s eh !

Anonymous said...

In response to the comment made at7:59 AM

Question# 2. “Who makes this call anyway ?”

Answer: The Integrity Commissioner makes the call, unless he disagrees with the majority on council in which case he might just get "released" from the town's employment - pronto !

Eventually the forces of righteousness will get their way, it’s just a matter of time.