A full scale investigation by the Ontario Ombudsman’s office into the operations of South Bruce Peninsula Council has ruffled a few feathers on the Bruce.
As you heard here first on Bayshore Broadcasting News — several members of council are seething mad after learning of the investigation.
The issue came to a head in open council Tuesday night, when Mayor Gwen Gilbert was questioned about whether she had called the Ombudsman in to investigate the workings of council.
Councillor Dan Kerr says she avoided answering the question.
Kerr was contacted by the Ombudsman’s office and asked to appear for an interview on Wednesday.
He was told the interview would be taped, and Kerr told them that was fine as long as he could also tape the interview.
Councillor Kerr was told he couldn’t and if he didn’t agree to be interviewed he would be subpoenaed and face a 500 dollar fine.
He contacted Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch who tells Bayshore Broadcasting News he doubts the Ombudsman has the power to subpoena or fine anyone.
In an interview with Bayshore Broadcasting News, Mayor Gilbert would not confirm or deny allegations she called in the Ombudsman.
Gilbert said recently she hoped Council could move forward — and she doesn’t think this investigation will set them back.
Councillors and municipal staff are being questioned by Ombudsman staff about a closed door meeting held in June.
You may remember in late July — South Bruce Peninsula Council voted to censure Mayor Gilbert over her comments about possible corruption by council.
The Mayor made the comments after a decision by council in June to override hiring policies and appoint Annette Robson as the new financial services manager.
After her censure, Mayor Gilbert threatened legal action and the censure was rescinded in mid-August.