Costs for Stouffville Mayor Justin Atltmann investigations growing
The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has paid more than $205,000 for the various integrity commissioner investigations into the conduct of Mayor Justin Altmann.
Yorkregion.com
June 25, 2018
Simon Martin
The cost of the integrity commissioner investigations continues to mount in Whitchurch-Stouffville. The first integrity commissioner investigation that involved Mayor Justin Altmann’s bathroom wall, and the independent investigator that was part of it, cost the town $111,210.
The town has now released the cost of subsequent integrity commissioner reports in March and June that related to Altmann’s refusal to apologize for breaching the code of conduct, Altmann’s disclosure of in-camera information on a local radio show, Altmann’s public boycott of the town’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and public criticism of staff administration, and Altmann’s assertion at a chamber of commerce dinner that named staff broke into his office (when according to the integrity commissioner they did not) thus impugning their personal, professional and ethical reputations.
According to the town, they made a $73,705.17 payment to Suzanne Craig and a $20,518.14 payment to principles of integrity for the March and June reports. In total, that brings the integrity commissioner, plus independent investigator bills, to $205,433.31.
Those costs aren’t slowing down. In court documents filed in Newmarket earlier this month, Altmann’s lawyer asked the court to lift sanctions imposed on him by council and recommended by the integrity commissioner because they are not within council purview and violate the Charter of Rights and Freedom. Altmann is also asking the court to hear the matter on an urgent basis. His lawyer is seeking costs from the town on a substantial indemnity basis.
Stouffville Mayor Justin Altmann takes town to court to lift sanctions
The town is being represented by outside law firm Ritchie Ketcheson Hart and Biggart in that case.
Ward 3 Coun. said it is very disappointing that the town has been forced to go through this process but said the integrity of council needs to be protected. "It is an expensive process but it is necessary," he said.
In March, council approved several sanctions against the mayor, including:
- Loss of 120 days pay
- Removing Altmann as a member of one committee and chair of another
- Limiting communication with municipal staff by email to an email address to be provided
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- Asking the mayor to immediately return his key and access card to the municipal offices
- Barring Altmann access to the municipal offices and facilities except to attend at the front desk to pick up council packages or make bill payments and to attend council chambers for council meetings.
The sanctions were in response to recommendations from integrity commissioner Suzanne Craig regarding two code of conduct complaints: One in relation to Altmann's refusal to apologize for multiple violations of the town’s code of conduct, including harassment in relation to the now infamous mind map on his bathroom wall; and the second in relation to the mayor's disclosure of confidential information during a radio interview.
“I see the benefit in reducing and eliminating issues of workplace harassment involving Altmann, by limiting Altmann’s contact with town staff,” town chief administrative officer Roman Martiuk said in an affidavit that is part of the new court case.
Altmann's tune was much different in his affidavit. “Not only do I believe these restrictions are unlawful, but I believe they are undemocratic and are harmful to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and its citizens,” he said.
