Code 0f Ethics 2

A  story sometimes  occupies my mind to the point it must be written before anything else can take its place. 

I don't want to write it. It's long  and full of memories best forgotten . It may notbe particularly   politic

The current Council's discussion of a  Code of ethics last Tuesday triggered the flow  and I know I can't get at that until this one clears. 

A code of Ethics was in place at the time of  the 2003 election.

I registered as a candidate a week before the deadline. Former  Councillor John West  did as well although niether knew of  the other's intent. 

Incumbent Councillor  McEachern promptly withdrew her registration  The media quoted the Councillor had changed her mind after seeing the new names. She preferred spending time with her chilldren.

The latter had always been an option, I took it the  reason the Councillor changed her mind was because she was certain the   electorate's choice  would not  be to her liking. 

I  took the comment to be offensive  from several angles but not worth stewing  about. It did not reflect well upon  the candidate herself and it would be obvious to many as the unkind cut it was . The problem would take care of itself eventually,   if maintained for any length of time.

My younger brother was seriously ill  in Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. I received the call on Remembrance Day.  I  spent most days of the election by  his  side. 

I was elected. An incumbent Councilor was the runner-up. 

My brother died. 

The  ex Councillor  had not finished yet, At the last Council meeting  of the previous term, a motion for a re-count  was put forward by herself. 

A re-count is automatic when the difference is  21 votes or less. The  actual count was twice that. 

The person who  normally requests a  re-count is the person who lost out. Not this time. Councillor Mc Eachern urged him , . He refused.  The  Councillor took  the onus  upon herself. 

Despite stated preference  for occupying  time  by spending it with  her children  the  Councillor was not ready to surrender to the electorate's choice. 

A lack of confidence in  voting machines  receommended by the  Municipal Clerk , also Elections Officer, was cited. 

The re-count took three days of staff time. 

Results were the same. 

The machines functioned perfectly fine. 

Little reference was paid to the Code of Ethics then or in the next election.