Editor’s note: This Letter to the Editor was written and submitted by a reader. The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or beliefs of Hometown News or its staff.
Dear Editor,
It is time for some illumination on the events that led to the spectacle at Monday’s Rideau Lakes council meeting. Everyone knows about the “back turning” action at the Nov. 4 2024 council meeting. The group of 5 decided to shun a delegation by turning their chairs to face away from Wendy Alford.
This action was met by wide spread condemnation in Rideau Lakes and the wider area. Complaints went in to the new Integrity Commissioner, Ellen Fry of ADR Dispute Resolution.
Ms. Fry investigated the complaints and recommended apologies only, despite being bound by statutory requirements to recommend a reprimand or suspension of pay for a breach of the Code of Conduct.
Ms. Fry also bundled three separate complaints made against Paula Banks and decided that one apology would suffice. All three complaints had a finding of a breach of the Code of Conduct as can be seen on the township website (March 3 council meeting agenda).
Previous duplicate complaints had each received a penalty of a suspension of pay as determined by Ms. Fry’s predecessor. The councillor named in the complaints received a penalty of 8 days for each. The 5 voted to increase the penalty to 21 days suspension for each.
I believe that is where the retribution started. The breach involved distributing a fact sheet, not the inappropriate treatment of a member of the public!
Ms. Fry should have treated each one on its own merits and followed the protocol of a reprimand or suspension of pay. So, Paula was NOT found innocent on two of the complaints.
Her husband, Jeff was not found in breach as he claimed that he felt threatened by Ms. Alford and turned his back to protect himself.
The other four female members of the 5 did not make that claim. Why Jeff was afraid of Wendy is puzzling. The last woman he encountered was not Wendy and Laura Redman was blamed for something that was never investigated or proven and she has never been a member of the Grassroots group RLGG. Jeff refuses to change seats to get out of the “spit zone”.
The three councillors and mayor not in the group of 5 (or Simple Majority) were trying to level the playing field to be fair to all. Apologies for disrespecting the public vs severe monetary penalties for distributing a fact sheet?
So, on Monday Oct. 6 seven more IC reports were produced BUT WITH THE SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL ACT 223.4(5) INCLUDED. Check it out.
Ms. Fry decided to not select apologies this time but to dole out recommendations for a reprimand and monetary penalties which the 5 immediately increased way past the recommended amount. When the CAO wisely shut down the melee, numbers were being thrown about like an auction!
Joan Delaney
Former Ward 3 Councillor
Rideau Lakes
Oct. 6 Rideau Lakes council coverage: Township of Rideau Lakes Council and Committee of the Whole meetings to be held virtually until further notice.
Hear more from your fellow community members—Read the latest Letter to the Editor.
