Perhaps all municipal councillors need a reminder of their code of conduct, because apparently some can’t get it into their heads, despite the integrity commissioner having to deal with several complaints in recent years.
“Members of council shall uphold a high standard of ethical behaviour to ensure that their decision-making is impartial, transparent and free from undue influence.”
Note to certain councillors: Listening to some of the social media outbursts by citizens could be construed as undue influence. Keep an open mind and don’t get bogged down.
“Members shall refrain from engaging in conduct that would bring the municipality or council into disrepute or compromise the integrity of the municipality or council.”
That’s a laugher, or at least it appears more than one councillor is laughing, or just ignoring this one. If the majority of council as a whole makes a decision, that is the will of council. Don’t be passive aggressive about the matter publicly. Move on. You may not like the decision, but slamming it or clearly distancing from it on social media only serves to undermine council.
“Members shall perform their duties and arrange their public affairs in a manner that promotes public confidence and respect and bears close public scrutiny…”
Promoting public confidence? In this rendition of council? No, there are some who appear hell-bent on undermining council.
Several councillors are fuelling the divide between rural Chatham-Kent and Chatham. Tossing out falsities such as the Chatham-Kent Community Hub will result in the closure of rural libraries, for example. Need we remind everyone that some citizens earlier this year wanted to see their communities separate from Chatham-Kent?
Deal with facts. Listen with your ears open. Read your council reports.
And beware the naysayers. Don’t discount them, as these are often members of our community who are very passionate about the fabric of Chatham-Kent, but often come rooted with questionable ideals.
But if someone is ALWAYS against spending, it’s time to distance yourself. There is smart spending, and cutting off all spending could very well cause the municipality to stagnate. If that happens, you’ll be one of the people left holding the bag of excrement.
