Five members of Dryden City Council have been cleared of any wrongdoing over their handling of the fire service remodel.
Two separate complaints were filed against Nick Beyak, John Carlucci, Norm Bush, Martin MacKinnon and Mayor Greg Wilson on April 12th and 18th alleging a pattern of behaviour that amounts to “collusion”, “bullying”, “intimidation” and “harassment” and failing to act in a transparent or democratic manner when it made changes to fire services in Dryden.
In a lengthy and detailed report, Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno has cleared the five on all accusations, noting no rules were breached.
Bush says he’s relieved with the final decision from the Integrity Commissioner. He says they are very pleased that there was absolute exoneration of all charges and there was no foundation to any of the claims made. Bush stresses he makes decisions based on the good of the community and not special interest groups. He adds he relies on facts, data and the law to decide what to do for the best interests of Dryden.
Others on Council stressed it was a waste of taxpayer dollars and a waste of time, while some called the event life destroying and intimidating.
One complaint came from someone living in Thunder Bay, something that has angered those listed in the complaints. Bush says the rules need to change, noting someone living 200-miles away and has no interaction with Council should not have the ability to waste time and money.
Issues investigated by Guy Giorno:
A. Is it possible to contravene the “Policy Statement”, “Purpose” or “Principles” of the Code? Do these provisions create substantive obligations that Council members must follow?
Ruling: No
B. Did the Respondents breach section 4.3.2 by granting any special consideration, treatment or advantage in matters related to their position on Council to any citizen beyond which is available to any other citizen?
Ruling: No. Dissatisfaction with a policy decision does not support a complaint of differential treatment.
C. Did the Respondents breach section 7.2.1, 7.2.2 or 7.23 by using indecent, abusive or insulting words towards each other, the public or staff, or otherwise communicate in a manner that is discriminatory to any individual?
Ruling: No. The situation does not amount to abuse, bullying, intimidation, discrimination or harassment. The language used by the Respondents did not rise to the level of indecent, abusive, or insulting words or expressions. This not a case of discrimination.
D. Did the Respondents breach section 7.35 by using authority, intimidation, threats or coercion to influence any member of the staff?
Ruling: No.
View Complete Report Here:
http://ckdr.net/sites/default/files/IntergrityCommRpt9.25.2018.pdf
