It is not on the agenda, but there is a distinct possibility Essex Town Councillors will discuss tweets recently posted by one of their own.
Councillor Chris Vander Doelen found himself in the middle of a firestorm after tweeting on April 9 that he had tested positive for the "Chinese flu."
The backlash was instantaneous and angry. Some called on Vander Doelen to remove the tweets and apologize. Thousands of others have signed an online petition calling for his resignation. The Integrity Commissioner has launched an investigation, and council colleague Sherry Bondy plans to bring forth a Notice of Motion at Monday night's meeting calling for his removal from paid committees.
Vander Doelen sits on committees for Union Water, Elk Energy, and the Essex Region Conservation Authority.
Mayor Larry Snively did not want to comment before consulting with councillors but reminded residents Vander Doelen has apologized once already.
"He said his wording wasn't right," Snively said to BlackburnNews.com. "He's apologized once, and I'll see what he's going to say tonight."
However, Deputy Mayor Richard Meloche was not satisfied the apology was sincere.
"He still thinks the 'China flu' comment was okay," explained Meloche. "I don't know if he intends on apologizing. I don't want to pretend to read his mind, but right now he's saying no. He won't apologize."
Council will not discuss removing Vander Doelen from his seat. Meloche said that is not within the council's power.
"We can ask for his resignation, but we can't actually remove him from his seat," Meloche explained. "He's elected by the people, and the people are the ones that have to remove him."
BlackburnNews.com has repeatedly reached out to Vander Doelen for comment, but he has not responded. He has told other media it is not his responsibility how others interpret his comments. Should he offer a comment, BlackburnNews.com will update this story. However, Meloche believes councillors should be held to a higher standard.
"There were a couple of letters that said it very well that a lot of people hide behind the idea of free speech to spread hatred," said Meloche. "The thing is that when you're in the position that he's in, you are in a position where you have to be more sensitive to what you're saying. If he was a regular guy on the street, it may not mean as much."
