A Sarnia city councillor says he's very concerned the integrity commissioner process is being "weaponized."
At a special meeting of council Thursday, Mike Stark told Sarnia's integrity commissioner, Chatham lawyer Paul Watson, that he believes the commissioner bears some responsibility in addressing frivolous, politically-motivated complaints.
"Repeat complaints from the same individuals or the same groups, sooner or later, it comes upon you to call them out -- not publicly -- but, call them out within the context of the complaint that this is out of bounds," said Stark. "You need to make a judgement call, in my opinion, where it limits the amount of weaponization of this process."
Sarnia integrity commissioner, Chatham lawyer Paul Watson.
Watson said the Integrity Commissioners of Ontario group discussed the topic at a recent meeting.
"Amongst integrity commissioners, our view is that you shouldn't put up barriers, you want people to feel free to come forward, but on the other hand if there's no fee or the fees are too low then you more likely get frivolous complaints," said Watson.
He said it costs around $100 to make a formal complaint in Windsor and Kingsville, while there is no cost in the City of Sarnia.
"It can be any number that council chooses," he said.
Watson told council complaints he's received in Sarnia since becoming commissioner March 1, 2019 have not warranted further investigation.
"I agree I have a responsibility to deal with those matters so that they don't get out of hand and I would think after the first few decisions, if there's complaints that I have dismissed, that hopefully, those complaints won't come forward again from that person or faction," said Watson.
Watson was in Sarnia to review changes to council's code of conduct and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, reiterating that his primary role is to educate them and be around to give advice.
"I think it's important that I say that because I know the integrity commissioner is sometimes seen as someone who comes in and brings down a hammer," said Watson. "Some of the newer councillors have been in touch with me more-so than some of the more experienced councillors that probably don't need advice as much, but I'm always open to your calls to answer any questions you have and provide advice and that's probably the safest course to go."
Thursday's meeting was just for information purposes, council will vote on any changes they decide to make at a future meeting.
