"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

Sunday 29 August 2010

Rob, The Incorrigible, Ford

The Code of Conduct, Complaint Report mentioned previously had to do with Rob Ford.

A financial supporter of Councillor Adam Vaughan had been appointed to the "Sign Variance Committee". Members are paid $5,000. a year. Councillor Vaughan is on the Civil Appointments Committee.

On a radio show Rob Ford was asked a question to which he responded "I'm saying, there's a conflict here"

Councillor Vaughan took strong exception to the comment. He was not at the meeting when the appointment took place. He did not have knowledge of the financial contribution to his campaign.

Ford apologized and retracted his comment. He was found to have violated the Code but no sanctions were recommended.

A comment in the report is relevant to David Tsubouchi's "investigation" into the Aurora complaint.

Adam Vaughan had indicated he intended litigation against Ford.

The integrity Commissioner wrote:

"Generally if a civil proceeding were under way,the Integrity Commissioner would refrain from further investigation until the proceeding is complete. Councillor Vaughan indicated his intention not to pursue the civil proceeding under the Libel and Slander Act, and for this reason, there is no basis to delay reporting."

The same policy applies to Municipal Councillors. The slightest hint of litigation against the municipality, requires Councillors to clam up immediately.

Mr. Tsubouchi was formally notified of civil litigation in process against the complainant by the person being complained about and that he had no authority to proceed.

The solicitor Integrity Commissioner chose not to acknowledge receipt of the notification and to proceed to report with no record of an investigation.

At a Council Meeting, he stated he had no obligation to provide details of his investigation.

I have to say once again, I regard Clause 3 of the Town's Code of Conduct as a blunt instrument to silence criticism against the current Council majority in Aurora.

I am appalled it was recommended, by whoever, to be included in the Code.

I've repeatedly told the story of the sham and charade of how the Code came into being .

Unlike the Library Code of Conduct which I support, I firmly believe the Town's Code contravenes the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

I believe the authority of elected office has been used by six members of Aurora Council to cause injury.

I believe the first decision made by the first Integrity Commissioner supports my belief. It was made strictly on the basis of what they did and how they did it.

I believe, there would have been no appointment of a second Integrity Commissioner by the same six who are the subject of civil litigation, had they not been absolutely certain their second effort to silence criticism would be successful and for political reasons, they needed to do it before the election.

Their man, Tsubouchi's first decision as Integrity Commissioner does not stand up.

His previous political reputation remains the same.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

"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.

You could not have found a better quotation that suits you to a tee. You will have one vote that no one else will recieve this October. To date you are the only councillor that I will cast a vote for in the October election. With the absence of McRoberts and Collins-Mrakas, you will have a tougher job, however, I think that you are well equipped to take on the challenge. My anticipation is that you will have new colleagues that are of the same mind and that being what is good for the town and its people. You have done an excellent job with regard to protecting the democratic right of freedom of speech. Keep up the fantastic job you having been doing and have my complete faith that you will continue to do. Please keep "Power to the People" in the forefront of your campaign because it is the people who WILL make the positive change in October. You are a true leader congratulations on a job well done thus far!

I Believe Too said...

"I believe" you will Top the Polls , your brand of Politics ,insight and bravery is but a rare commodity these days.
See you in office October 26th