By Pepper Parr
March 23, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There are a couple of cardinal rules in the way people in positions of some authority must conduct themselves.
One of those rules is that you cannot have a personal relationship with a person that you have or can be thought to have some authority over. Another is that one cannot be abusive in their behaviour to people that report to them
There is a situation on city council where the first cardinal rule has not been observed. At the least it calls for a discussion between the member of council and the city solicitor on what the rules are and how they are to be observed. Some have asked: Is there not a code of conduct? Apparently not – quite why one needs a code to regulate decency is beyond me.
A staff member’s integrity has been compromised and perhaps the trajectory of their career shortened.
The public looks for integrity and character from their elected leaders. We expect them to reflect the values of the community.
When they don’t there does not appear to be any redress.
There is a situation at the Seniors’ Centre where the behavior of a volunteer has and is making life close to intolerable for city staff.
The public has a right to expect nothing but professional service from the people employed by the city. There are very few instances of unprofessional behavior – those that do crop up are dealt with quickly and expeditiously.
The city administration doesn’t have the same authority with volunteers. Investigations can take place and copies of reports made available to the offending party. But it is up to the members of the Seniors’ community to police themselves and set out the standard they want to see met.
If you don’t like what you see – stand up and say something.
Know what I find strange?
A guy sets up a news blog about recent city and world events …
…Then attempts to inform his readers …
Then the newsreaders TURN ON THE BLOGGER ….
Criticising both FORM AND CONTENT …..
I don’t NEED to share ANYTHING ON THAT KIND OF BLOG …
BUH … BYE!
I agree – there were no names published, so no innuendo of any substance was made. He stated what his point was.
Not one of your better articles. Lets keep up the standard of the Gazette and not fall into a tabloid type of newspaper…….
If, as Tenni suggests, the 5 w’s can not be applied, don’t write it….
Editor’s note: We didn’t feel names were important – but the principle was.
I agree that there should be a Code of Conduct for council members, city staff and volunteers to the various committees etc.
I do not follow the vague references in this article. Does the Gazette not adhere to the basic five W’s of journalism? (who, where, when , what and the ever difficult why)
Who is having a personal relationship with someone that they have authority over? I suppose the Gazette may be concerned about lawsuits? Dating at the office etc. happens but if this also involves monetary transactions it should be written in a Code of Conduct for staff, councillors and volunteers.
A councillor should not vote on a issue where the councillors themselves, a family member or close friend may benefit financially.
Volunteers should be required to sign a letter of agreement where their behavioural expectation with regard to confidential information etc. are outlined.
To publish innuendoes about a staff member’s integrity does not seem to be appropriate either. Where is the Gazette’s Code of Conduct published? The Gazette should not publish such vague accusations without the 5W details.