The story about Councillor Mammolini does not appear to be complete.
The Integrity Commissioner can recommend a penalty but does not have authority to impose a penalty.
Council has that authority.
Aurora Council had a single workshop with the Integrity Commissioner who held the position in Aurora.
He spoke of what was not working and making the process very expensive in other municipalities.
He was very discreet and mentioned no names. But he knew that we knew which municipality
was being referenced.
Toronto started out with a Professor of Law from Kingston University. His recommendations were not always adopted.
He was asked once what he would do if a particular recommendation was set aside.
Well, he said , if it happens I'm out of here.
He did too but not until his term ended.
In his first annual report to Toronto Council, he noted Councillors were not availing themselves of legal services to defend themselves against complaints. The allowance was not sufficient, he suggested. It was increased to $20,000.
Aurora's Integrity Commissioner was of the opinion it made the entire process too expensive .
It must have been at least eight years ago in Toronto.
Whatever it takes ,that's what it costs.
In partnership with other municipalities, Aurora pays a fee for a contract service to deal with complaints about Council doing stuff they shouldn't behind closed doors. We are required by Provincial edict to do so.
That also must be in place now for eight years.
Don't know there's ever been a complaint. But we keep on paying.
Now the Provincial Ombudsman , Andre Marin keen to get his mitts on municipalities.
He thinks it's outrageous Municipalities are not policed by his office.
He surely loves his job.
You know, when I think of the solemnity of the Oath of Office and penalties attached for any breach.
The Code of Conduct that must be signed that purports to bind a privileged person to a higher standard than the plebeian masses...
Conflict of Interest legislation that requires each Councillor to retain the services of a personal legal advisor.
This candidate, so eager to prove exemplary judgement, open , honest and true and far above the corrupt individual one might ordinarily expect to find on a municipal ballot....considering the multiplicity of legislation and regulation required to keep municipal councillors functioning one step away from jailhouse steps....perhaps that is the type of candidate we should expect to find on the ballot.
The late Dick Illingworth used to say about his involvement ; "You don't have to be crazy...but it helps"
That story is not complete. A finder has been made & a sanction suggested. There is nothing to prevent it from being ignored.
ReplyDeleteMr Marin's reputation is getting in the way of his job.
ReplyDelete