One man has already signed on as integrity commissioner for Essex and Amherstburg while two other municipalities may be next in line.
Kingsville council will discuss whether they should hire an integrity commissioner at tonight's meeting. Tecumseh council is also expected to vote Tuesday.
Robert Swayze says his job will be to investigate code of conduct complaints against members of council.
"I conduct investigations based on a complaint received from anybody -- from a member of staff, a member of council or a member of the public," he says.
Swayze works part-time on an as-needed basis for a fee of $280/hr. Municipalities can also charge a $125 per complaint, which will be reimbursed if it's found not to be frivolous.
Spending most of his career as a municipal lawyer in Ontario, he first became an integrity commissioner in Oakville in 2008. He currently works for 11 municipalities in the province.
"It's surprising how little activity there is," he says.
Under the Municipal Act, Swayze has the power to push for the suspension of a councillor up to 90 days or issue a reprimand. Council ultimately has the final decision.
Breach of confidentiality during in-camera meetings is a common complaint, Swayze says. He has also investigated cases involving inappropriate use of influence where a councillor may benefit.
"I'm independent, which is what's important," Swayze stresses. "I'm not on the side of council, I'm not on the side of staff, I'm not on the side of the public."
