A NEW COLUMN THAT PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON COUNCIL

Welcome to my new column in The Central entitled News From City Hall, a weekly look at all that does and doesn’t make sense from the Oshawa Council chamber, a place where decisions are made, personalities collide, and uninspiring theatrics often dominate. I have watched and recorded all aspects of city hall for 40 years, spanning six mayors and an ever-revolving door of councillors too numerous to mention. I have witnessed true statesmen dominate local politics, all the while having to tolerate some who seemed destined to be remembered as nothing more than an opportunistic interference in an otherwise valuable institution. Heroes like Ed Kolodzie and his brother Joe, long-time statesmen like Brian Nicholson, Jim Potticary and John Aker, and of course one or two local embarrassments most people would like to forget, such as Amy England who undoubtedly tops the list. As council returns from their summer recess, some of the issues I hope to be highlighting in future columns include the challenges that surround the downtown such as the struggles being faced by businesses who, on the one hand have seen much of their on-street parking simply disappear, and on the other have witnessed recent violence that is turning the heart of the city into a veritable war zone. Affordable housing initiatives come a close second with major projects such as the Fittings land redevelopment and the Oshawa Clinic transformation into a massive residential complex. Added to the list is the homeless problem, the use of Strong Mayor Powers, and the never ending struggle of Oshawa taxpayers trying to meet the demands of inflation and a voracious city hall always looking for more of your money. The next 12 months will surely be significant for the city and the region as these and other issues play out. COUNCILLOR GIBERSON IN BREACH OF CODE OF CONDUCT Readers will recall last week’s exclusive front page story where The Central was the first news outlet to publish the results of an Integrity Commissioner’s report that found Ward 4 councillor Derek Giberson in breach of the municipal Code of Conduct. This was based on a complaint that I filed earlier this year. The I.C. report found that Giberson, by commenting publicly regarding an issue that will be before the courts, contravened the obligation of elected officials to refrain from remarking on such matters. As such, his post on social media was considered contrary to the Code of Conduct. The report will be made public once Oshawa councillors have had a chance to review it and take action. To that end, I would like to share the following open letter to council that I prepared. “To Mayor Carter and Members of Council – You will soon be giving consideration to a report by the Integrity Commissioner as to one of your members having been found in breach of the Code of Conduct. The decision by councillor Giberson to allow himself the liberty of bringing into question the reputation and character of a private citizen by seeking to cast doubt on that person’s past activities, without any supporting evidence, was an abuse of his office and a total disregard as to the damage it could cause the individual affected. Councillor Giberson assumed far too much in deciding what was or was not “newsworthy” in a matter that will be before the courts. Further, it was not within councillor Giberson’s scope of office to try to affect the public’s opinion of a private individual in the first place. Based on the Integrity Commissioner’s decision, it would seem paramount for council to, not only demand councillor Giberson write a letter of apology to the individual concerned, but to ensure he is sanctioned in such a way as to show the citizens of Oshawa that council, as a whole, does not associate itself with such reckless activity on the part of councillor Giberson. The people of this city will be watching closely as council makes its decisions on this issue.” THIS WEEK IN COUNCIL HISTORY 1988 The Oshawa Times reported on Sept 21 that 300 homeowners were planning to gather at city hall to protest a proposed plaza at the NW corner of King St. and Harmony Rd. 11 Aldermen took turns shooting down the proposal, which was ultimately denied. Ward 3 Alderman Ed Kolodzie suggested a new library be built instead, however a five story Co-op building was eventually erected on the property, now known as the Harmony King Co-op. 1992 The Oshawa Times reported on Sept 17 that Durham Region councillors voted themselves a 4% pay hike over four years. Councillor Margaret Shaw said she was “appalled by the increase” and would refuse it, while councillor Brian Nicholson said “Don’t you realize we have to pay bills and taxes?” The raise would mean an extra $840 per year for councillors. 2018 The Oshawa This Week reported on Sept 19 that 200 people attended an all-candidates meeting for the Durham Regional chair election to be held that year. Candidates included Tom Dingwall, Oshawa Mayor John Henry, John Mutton, Muhammad Ahsin Sahi, and Peter Neal. John Henry would eventually win the election with 55% of the vote.