Brant County mayor responds to councillor’s resignation

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Brant County Mayor David Bailey says he stays dedicated to open dialogue, has not and won’t use robust mayor powers.

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“I’ve repeatedly and publicly said that I cannot train them (Robust Mayor powers), reaffirming that council will proceed to control collaboratively and by consensus,” Bailey mentioned in an Oct. 20 assertion. “To this point, there have been no cases through which robust mayor powers have been used within the County of Brant.”

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Bailey made the assertion in response to the resignation of Christine Garneau. The previous Ward 5 councillor introduced her resignation in a social media submit on Oct 17.

Garneau mentioned that she had been “positioned in a irreconcilable battle” between her responsibility to the municipality and what was in the most effective pursuits of her enterprise.

Garneau is the co-owner of Creek View Acres Nursery and Orchard.

In her submit Garneau mentioned expanded robust mayor powers destabilized long-established decision-making and administrative buildings throughout Ontario. Garneau additionally mentioned Brant council’s code of conduct prevents members from talking out towards council selections after they’re made including that she is usually among the many dissenting voices.

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“Which means that I need to undertake and defend place statements that don’t align with my private convictions and I need to additionally help the county occasion after I consider it’s improper,” Garneau mentioned.

Bailey mentioned Garneau’s assertion implies the code of conduct restricts members from talking freely.

“To make clear, council members communicate by way of their votes and contributions throughout public conferences, the place debate and differing opinions aren’t solely permitted however inspired,” Bailey mentioned. “Members are anticipated to respect the choice making course of and precisely talk the choice of council.”

The mayor mentioned the expectation is normal in municipal governance throughout Ontario. It ensures coverage discussions happen transparently throughout official conferences and never by way of on-line or after the very fact debate.

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“It protects each the integrity of council and the general public’s belief in its processes,” Bailey mentioned.

The mayor mentioned he stays dedicated to open dialogue, respectful debate, and collaborative decision-making in service to our residents. The county’s work continues to be guided by teamwork, professionalism, and transparency, he mentioned.

Bailey thanked Garneau for her service and wished her all the most effective in her future endeavors.

Garneau, after reviewing the mayor’s feedback, supplied a response.

“There may be an observable distinction between the statements ready for the mayor and his unscripted remarks,” Garneau mentioned, citing examples from two September committee conferences.

“I’m having a tough time not discovering this entire factor taking part in to the folks for the election that’s developing in over a 12 months,” Bailey mentioned at a Sept. 2 assembly. “That is probably the most political assembly I’ve been at within the final 4 years.

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“I’m feeling uncomfortable. I’m feeling that persons are taking part in to the digicam saying issues that may get them votes.”

The mayor went on to say that individuals have been talking out of flip and once they shouldn’t be talking.

Throughout a debate about robust mayor powers at a Sept. 16 assembly, Bailey cautioned councillors about their social media posts.

“There are some lies being advised in regards to the robust mayor’s powers and there’s folks saying, folks from round this desk, (that) the mayor will put on the brand new finances and the brand new tax charge and councillors will get away unscathed.”

Bailey once more suggested councillors to be “very cautious” and mentioned the county’s integrity commissioner has already been contacted.

Garneau’s resignation will likely be formally declared when Brant County Council meets on Oct. 28. Following the declaration, council may have 60 days to find out whether or not to nominate a substitute or maintain a by-election to fill the vacant seat.

Vball@postmedia.com

@EXPVBall

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