Deputy Mayor in Rideau Lakes Paula Banks thinks strong mayoral powers is a dangerous precedent to set.
Speaking to myFM, Banks said it would be particularly bad in their township.
Banks was referring to Mayor Arie Hoogenboom and other members of council voting to impose a 15-day pay suspension on her and Councillor Jeff Banks, going beyond the scope of punishment recommended by Integrity Commissioner Ellen Fry after their investigation.
The pay suspensions were later unanimously repealed.
Hoogenboom later refused to apologize for the initial vote, stating he was unaware they exceeded their scope as council and considered the unanimous vote to remove the pay suspensions apology enough.
Banks has the opinion that strong mayoral powers shouldn’t go to anyone.
Banks went further.
The provincial government introduced the powers on May 1st, which among other things allow mayors to hire and fire senior staff, push through a budget, and veto certain council decisions, to 169 additional municipalities including Rideau Lakes, Smiths Falls, Perth, Lanark Highlands, and Carleton Place.
Story by Grant Deme