Smiths Falls council unanimously opposed the pending strong mayoral powers they and 168 other municipalities are set to receive in May which allows mayors to hire and fire senior staff, veto certain council decisions, craft the budget and more.
Mayor Shawn Pankow says this power in the wrong person’s hands could be dangerous.
McKenna thinks this is government overreach from the province.
Councillor Dawn Quinn says these changes aren’t democratic.
While council agreed to make their feelings known to the province, the general consensus is the additional powers will be implemented anyways.
The Town of Perth voiced their opposition during a special meeting Monday.
Story by Grant Deme