By Pepper Parr
May 15th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
UPDATE: “We are in the process of reviewing the complaint you filed ( which means it is not yet accepted as a complaint) we do not provide status updates or a “timetable” in terms of this process. If we require anything further from you, we will let you know and will otherwise be in touch with you in due course.” Sincerely Principles Integrity Janice Atwood and Jeffrey A. Abrams, co-principals.
Anne Marsden has an issue that she feels very strongly about.
Anne Marsden delegating with her husband at her side.
The feelings were so strong that she researched, pulled together the documents that were needed and filed a complaint with the City’s Integrity Commissioner: Principle Integrity.
Filing a complaint does not mean that it will be dealt with.
The Integrity Commissioner reaches out to the party the complaint is against, hears what they have to say and decides if they should proceed.
Marsden tells us that she has been told her complaint will be dealt with.
Marsden now wants to know – When?
And has asked the Integrity Commissioner to “please advise what we can expect in terms of a timetable to deal with our complaint confirmed as received by Principles integrity. Is there a file number or person we should be addressing, if so would you please advise what that it is.
“We would appreciate a timetable update at your first opportunity.”
The complaint concerns the manner in which the Mayor dealt with some information.
This is not going to end well for anyone – including the Integrity Commissioner.
The Marsdens will not be alone here. There will be at least one more complaint with multiple signatories registered with the Integrity Commissioner against the Mayor . Hopefully, Principles Integrity will be able to complete their work prior to the 2026 election. Another wish – that Ms. Atwood draws the short straw on this. I’ve seen enough of Mr. Abrams I think.
I think these people need another hobby.
The Integrity Commisioner complaint submitted deals with a time frame when we believe our Integrity Commissione was providing advice to the Mayor on matters associated with the Complaint. Our response from Principles Integrity Is as follows:
“We are in the process of reviewing the complaint you filed ( which means it is not yet accepted as a complaint) we do not provide status updates or a “timetable” in terms of this process. If we require anything further from you, we will let you know and will otherwise be in touch with you in due course.” Sincerely Principles Integrity Janice Atwood and Jeffrey A. Abrams, co-principals.
We understood we, taxpayers, pay for this service contracted by Council. The least we should be able to expect for such a complaint as this is a timetable that first of all deals with whether Principals Integrity have a conflict of interest. if indeed they were providing advice to the Mayor and she was acting on it associated with the subject matter of what the complaint deals with.
Anne and Dave.
In this venture, trust no one. And I mean no one. The IC works at the pleasure of the Mayor, in the budget of the Clerk – remember the Strong Mayor all encompassing powers. Everyone at Council, including her, is by conduct policy, not to interfere, influence, or involve themselves in the investigation. The IC is promoted as third-party, independent and impartial.
Get the full 9 page version of the Code of Good Governance, and read the procedure that is to be followed. If IC takes up your complaint, the Mayor is called upon to provide you with her response to your complaint within 10 days.
Read everything in policy and use it whenever you see anything that is in contravention. Don’t wait an extra minute.
Contact Clerk Samantha Pew right away to get where she sits in responsibility in terms of enforcing the Code of Good Governance.
Be ready for anything from IC that is bad faith.
Thanks Tom from our own experience we know this is good advice. The only thing we have going for us is we believe the Mayor is over confident on the strength of her powers and her spin expertise vs public opinion. We believe apathy in terms of the issues here will be set aside and the public take a stand. They will not see a mockery made of the democratic principles so many gave so much to have in place. We can almost visualize the tears flowing from the Cenotaph soldier’s eyes that stands on City Hall ground as did Anne’s at the delegation lectern a few meetings ago when she publicly wept at the Mayor’s antics. We and many others have vowed we will not let this pass until appropriately addressed.
Well done Anne and David. You prove that persistence can be rewarded.
Thanks Penny it was a hard slog at least 50 hrs work but those who reviewed and will likely submit complaints of their own believe like us it is a very strong well evidenced by signed valid transcript of the April 16 meeting complaint. We believe the petition signers will insist on an appropriate investigation particularly when we have a Engagement Charter to back what we have a right to expect as taxpayers.