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Public accusations deserve public investigation, report

Integrity Commissioner explains his appearance before Innisfil Council
2020-01-15InnisCouncilMK-01
Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, and Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson, in the Jan. 15 meeting of Town Council. Miriam King/Bradford Today

John Mascarin, Integrity Commissioner for the Town of Innisfil, paid an unexpected visit to Town Council on Wednesday evening – not because anything was wrong, but because everything was fine.

The Integrity Commissioner’s office was called in last year, after a complainant alleged that Coun. Kevin Eisses had a conflict, regarding a council decision regarding parking on Thomas St. Later, the same complainant filed a similar allegation against Mayor Lynn Dollin, accusing her of a “backroom deal.”

“Our investigation found no contraventions whatsoever,” said Mascarin. “We found no evidence of that.”

The investigation concluded that council had voted on a routine recommendation from staff.

Mascarin noted that the complainant actually withdrew his allegations after speaking with the Mayor, satisfied by her explanation of the decision-making process.

However, Mascarin said, “we decided it was important to write this report” – especially since the complainant had aired his allegations in the media.

The investigation and report were completed by Meaghan Barrett, of the law firm Aird & Berlis, and peer-reviewed by Mascarin. The report was released in December.

Mascarin explained that he had come to council this week in part to emphasize publicly that the investigation had found no evidence of wrong-doing, as a response to the public accusations in the media, but also to give councillors an opportunity to ask questions.

He noted that changes to the Municipal Act now allow those accused of wrong-doing or conflict to speak in their own defense – which was why Mayor Dollin was allowed to remain in her chair for the presentation.

It was a different story in 2018, when then-Mayor Gord Wauchope and councillors Doug Lougheed and Bill Loughead were investigated, for alleged breaches of the Town Code of Conduct. At that time, the rules prevented the accused council members from speaking on their own behalf.  

Coun. Alex Waters thanked Mascarin for the information. “I think it’s important for the public to see an unbiased report was done,” he said.

The Integrity Commissioner was also thanked by Mayor Dollin, who added, “We hope we don’t see you again soon. Please don’t be offended by that.”

 

 


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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