Integrity Commissioner Rules On Scholten Vs Boushy

Sarnia's Integrity Commissioner has been called upon to make another ruling after one city councillor filed complaints against another. Robert Swayze has found that veteran councillor David Boushy contravened the Code of Conduct by disclosing personal information discussed during an in-camera meeting July 11. Swayze did not recommend any sanction, however, due to Boushy's confusion over earlier open discussions about possible changes to the job description of the mayor's executive assistant Janis Moore. A second complaint also filed by councillor Cindy Scholten, suggesting Boushy had made inappropriate comments to the media about council members and staff, was dismissed outright by Swayze. He ruled councillors have the right to make political comment in public as part of a democratic system and have the right to consult with the mayor. The Integrity Commissioner is paid $280-an-hour for services rendered, not including expenses. His bill for the report that found Mayor Mike Bradley broke council's code of conduct was $62,000. Boushy says councillors who file complaints that aren't upheld should be personally responsible for the costs involved.