4 of 4 in the Richard White Integrity incident.

Really, what I had hoped to do today was to highlight the entire Councils disregard for proper conduct in this whole situation, but instead… let’s just repeat what I stated earlier; Every member of our Council had an opportunity and a responsibility to stand up and object with a “point of order” when any of the others felt the need to berate a member of the public. They ALL chose not to do so.

Well, two members (Belanger and Snell) were actually included in the IC complaints, so they felt the need to show unity I guess. The Mayor was busy away on another vacation so he felt the need to express his anger when he finally returned. The other two (Timms and Ego) dare not cross Brian. Actually, I’m not sure either would know what a point of order is or when it’s important. Councilor Dileo just gets shut down when speaking out, so that’s not fun.

It’s possible that if any of the three had reached out to the IC, he would have suggested not attending.

The basic breach that most people saw as offensive (and the IC disagreed) was that the developer who was selling the land, invited the elected officials in charge of the development proposals and even possibly partnering with him attended this “event” at all.

The event was a $1000 per person event. Anyone else attending would have paid that. Our Council and staff apparently did not pay. In fact, their claim is that nobody paid, therefore, there was no value to the event. But it should be considered a gift of hospitality.

They DID attend this $1000 per person event, they were given exclusive access to the Minister of Education. The Ministers office denies any ties to this event and the ultimate decision but… weeks after this event, the announcement was made that millions would be earmarked for the project these elected officials pitched, on the land owned by the host of the fund raising event.

In the end, it is important to recognize that, the Integrity Commisioner said nobody did anything wrong. Well actually he was upset that Sylvia Bray spoke to the Media, but remember… she had no binding expectation of confidentiality!

So, look at the above. Would you say, based on knowing the details you are now aware of, that an investigation was at least warranted? After all, Council members are prohibited from receiving hospitality even in the form of a gifted ticket if it has that kind of value.

Several residents did feel it needed to be looked into and one resident filed the paperwork. For THAT, the personal attacks in open Council became justified in the minds of our elected 7.

They even concentrated on disclosing truly confidential financial information about the lawyers costs for this and other actions. But, pause for just a moment and look at Councilor Whites initial response. THAT looks to be what probably incurred most of the costs. I would LOVE to see an itemized account.

If this were an isolated incident that simply passed with time, I would just let it fade away. In fact, I tried. However, Councilor Richard White continues to taunt the public by now claiming that the documents that made him look guilty were “doctored”. You have seen the documents (previous post) so you decide…

Was Councilor White honest and forthcoming to the integrity Commisioner?

I encourage ANYONE who owns a business or holds any position of respect in town to completely AVOID speaking up against this Council. The personal cost and the cost to your business will simply be too high.

Instead, forward any concerns you may have and I would be happy to lodge a complaint in your behalf.