An Espanola councillor will have their pay suspended for 90 days following the findings of the Integrity Commissioner and a vote by council.
At last night’s Zoom virtual meeting, Commissioner Robert Swayze stated he reviewed a previous council meeting providing the evidence in recommending the maximum 90-day in pay suspension to Councillor Maureen Van Alstine.
He stated ambushing a member of staff is just wrong and if there was to be a discussion, it should have been in-camera, not out in public, especially when calling the competence of the CAO Cynthia Townsend into question.
He added Townsend is a certified public accountant and had done nothing wrong.
Van Alstine, who was provided with the opportunity to speak, says it was a learning experience for her, and she will work at improving her manner in asking questions.
She also thanked Swayze for the report.
A recorded vote was held, with Van Alstine not allowed to take part, and council unanimously voted in favour of the suspension.