Integrity Commissioner William R. Hunter found Rideau Lakes Councillors Paula Banks and Marcia Maxwell in violation of the Code of Conduct while clearing Councillor Jeff Banks of any wrongdoing.
Hunter found Paula Banks in violation for referring to the Rideau Lakes Grassroots Group, a community-led organization that’s been openly critical of council decisions, as a “hate group,” at a May 6th meeting, and recommended a pay suspension of 16 days.
This is the second time in her 16 month tenure that Banks has been found in breach of the code of conduct. Council voted against reprimanding Banks following the first report.
Hunter cleared her husband Jeff, finding his behaviour and language used did not breach the code of conduct in support of his wife.
He said in the same May meeting he feels RLGG spreads “misinformation,” and it “makes (him) want to throw up.”
Maxwell meanwhile was investigated and found to be in breach of the conduct for helping the Group distribute its “Blue Flyer,” which looked negatively at certain township decisions. He recommended a pay suspension of eight days.
The reports are on Monday’s council agenda.
Rideau Lakes council unanimously voted to dismiss Hunter as their Integrity Commissioner on September 23rd, with his 90-day notice beginning following the meeting Monday.
A fourth integrity commission investigation, conducted by the IC before Hunter, into the actions of Councillor Linda Carr created a stir this summer after council voted against making it public twice, before sending it for a third-party review.
Story by Grant Deme