Scope expands on Newmarket code of conduct review


Yorkregion.com
March 5, 2015
By Chris Simon

A new code of conduct could be ready for council’s review in May.

About a month after a code complaint against Regional Councillor John Taylor was dismissed, Newmarket council took the first steps to better define appropriate uses for town email addresses during a meeting Monday night. Staff have also been asked to look at what other governments are doing to support community events and non-profit organizations.

The findings could be incorporated into the new code, which is currently under review and should be presented to council in the spring.

As part of the recommendation, any complaints made against related sections of the code will be temporarily suspended until council sees the proposed document.

“When these complaints come, you can’t always tell what category they fit into,” Regional Councillor John Taylor said, expressing concern over the suspension. “We’re delaying the process for certain aspects, even though the whole code is under review. Suspending a portion of the code is not a small step to take; the logic just isn’t there for me.”

The decision comes weeks after a code complaint filed by former council candidate John Blommesteyn against Taylor was dismissed by independent integrity commissioner Suzanne Craig.

“It was investigated by an independent third party,” Councillor Tom Vegh said. “There wasn’t even enough evidence to initiate an investigation.”

Blommesteyn accused Taylor and Taylor’s executive assistant of using town resources to aid a charitable organization, the Newmarket Children’s Dream Foundation. Taylor is one of the founders of the charity.

While Craig found no evidence Taylor knowingly misused town resources, she did recommend less “blurry” wording and clarification on acceptable uses of municipal email.

“It’s about being open and honest with the public,” Blommesteyn said, in a deputation to council. “A good cause is no excuse for not obeying the rules of council. I’m hoping you go far enough with the new code to make sure that when you are going out and seeking donations, you’re not crossing lines. In my mind (Taylor) crossed the line; we’re talking about misuse of influence.”

He recommends a citizens’ committee be established to help develop a new code and suggests councillors voluntarily agree to avoid soliciting donations from corporations and individuals that do business with the town.

Blommesteyn also dismissed Taylor’s accusations the complaint was launched for political gain.

“I’m not out to get council; I want council to do better,” he said. “The individual council member (should) come forward to say ‘I want to make amends… and move on from this.’”

Mayor Tony Van Bynen said Taylor’s intentions were noble. “We need to be awfully careful we don’t suffocate the community leadership we need to go forward,” he said. “It’s disappointing to see some of those good efforts cast in the shadow of doubt and misrepresented by misinformation.”