Vaughan deputy mayor resigns amid scandal

iheartradio.ca
By DAVE BRADLEY
May 18, 2017

The political pressure just got to be too much:

Vaughan's embattled deputy mayor turned in his resignation on Thursday.

It comes on the heels of damning ethics watchdog report on Councillor Michael Di Biase's behaviour.

Vaughan's integrity commissioner started the investigation on allegations he sexually harassed a female colleague over the course of several months.

The Deputy Mayor denied any wrongdoing and maintained his innocence.

It’s the second time in about a year that that Di Biase was found to have broken code of conduct rules.

The Councillor has also been accused of intimidating city staff for the benefit of a construction company Di Biase has links to.

He announced his resignation in a letter sent to NEWSTALK1010:

Michael Di Blase, B.A., B.Ed. Regional and Local Councillor Deputy Mayor

"It has been my great honour to serve the City of Vaughan for 29 years as Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Regional Councillor and Local Councillor. My commitment has always been for the residents of the City of Vaughan who love this City as much as I do. While I have throughout maintained my innocence, I do not wish to be a distraction from the important work that is ahead for our Council in protecting the interests of this City.

I look forward to spending time with my loved ones and I know that the City of Vaughan will continue to be in good hands. I thank you, the residents of the City of Vaughan, for allowing me to serve you. It has been one of my greatest privileges."