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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1983-04-27, Page 13Declaring is not a sin, lust obeying law, expert sags Revisions to conflict of interest apt explained at county meeting A county -wide meeting dealing with recent revisions to the municipal conflict of in- terest act drew elected, ap- pointed and paid employees of most Huron county municipalities to the auditorium at Huronview, Tuesday evening. Charles Godkin, manager of the field services branch, municipal operations division of the ministry of municipal affairs and housing cone of a number of ministry officials attending from London and Toronto) introduced London lawyer John Judson, present to clear up any misconcep- tions and answer questions in the third of seven such meetings being held across the province. . Judson, a former London councillor, is a specialist on municipal law: he writes on thesubject, teaches it at the ` University of Western On- tario, and was chairman of the committee that drafted Bill 14. Judson explained that the conflict of interest act, originally passed by the On- tario legislature in 1972, was not designed to punish people, to disqualify anyone from running for office, or to force someone to expose himself to attack. Far too often it has been viewed as a springboard for criticism when the intent is just the o . 6. ite, therexpert stated. Declaring is not some awful confession, he con- tinued. The person making the declaration is not doing something embarrassing, but is simply obeying the law. After a. slide presentation delineating the act's condi- tions and provisions, Judson offered further guidance. He advised municipal clerks to structure the agenda to call for conflict of interest declarations at the beginning of meetings, and to avoid becoming embroiled in deter- mining if a conflict exists or the nature of the disclosure. If a rnember of council fails to declare, "that's their pro- blem, not yours", he said. When someone does disclose a conflict of interest, the clerk must ensure it is recorded in the minutes. ' The new act states that when a member of a council or board, his/her spouse or child has a pecuniary interest in a matter brought before a council or committee at a public meeting, the member discloses the conflict and its nature at the first opportuni- ty. and takes no further part in discussion or voting on that particular matter. (Judson referred to the exclusion of in- laws, sisters and brothers as "a tragic ommission." One questioner wanted to knew the proper procedure in the case of Huron county council, where all committee meetings are closed. He was told the conflict is declared at the meeting, the person in- volved leaves the room while the matter is discussed, and is required to disclose the con- flict of interest at the first op- portunity at the next open meeting. Another questioner said that in rural communities citizens often serve on various boards and organizations. Judson explained that coun- cillors appointed to boards have no conflict if, for exam- ple, their child played hockey and they were deciding ice rental fees as an appointed member of a recreation board. On the other hand, if, someone who sits on a coun- cil is also on the rec commit- tee of the Optimist club, which wants a grant for a hockey team, "ludicrous as it may seem", Judson said the member would have to declare a conflict of inti _gest. "I would say in a small community almost every hoard member at sometime will have a conflict," he commented. Fortunately, the required number for a quorum has been reduced to two. Judson said he does not think carrying insurance for legal costs in case a conflict of interest situation ended up in court was worthwhile, although allowed by the act. He pointed out that the possibility was very slight - only one case in Middlesex, and 25 in all of Ontario, had actually gone that far in the 11 years the act has been in effect. The new act relieves coun- cillors of conflict of interest problems when dealing with drains. Judson explained that provisions concerning drains are so complete, with so many steps taken in public, that this topic could be safely excluded from the act. The matter of voting themselves pay increases is also exempted for councillors and board members. Another questioner wanted to know who polices the act, if someone does not declare a conflict of interest and is not challenged. Judson replied "the citizens". He added that the drafting committee originally proposed that the Attorney General be permit- ted to initiate court action and follow through in cases of ob- vious conflict, but that sug- gestion was not incorporated into the act. There are three penalties for councillors who do not mention their conflicts. They are removed from office and either disqualified`frorn run- ning for office for seven years or required to pay restitution if they received personal gain. However, if the judge determines that the council member made an error in judgement, was ignorant of the law, or received bad legal advice, the penalty could be waived. "The odds 9f you being caught in a conflict of interest are the same odds of being hit by a car tonight when you leave," said Mr. Judson. Most of Judson's remarks were elaborations of twc basic tenets. Concerned par- ties should ask themselves "Is this a matter in which I or someone in my family has a monetary interest?" If the answer is affirmative, disclose the conflict of interest. If you are being honest and frank, people can't con- demn you", Judson said. Exeter Town clerk Liz Bell said after the meeting she had been impressed with John Judson's interpretation of various sections of the Act, and with his advice in answer to participants' questions. She is certain everyone who at- tended now has a much clearer idea of what con- stitutes conflict of interest. The Mayor of Exeter always asks for any declara- tions of conflict of interest directly after approval of the minutes and payroll at regular meetings of town FURTHER DISCUSSION — Stanley Reeve Paul Steckle mors ..,tormally with London lawyer John Judson (left) after an information meeting on the new municipal con- flict of interest act. Two ,,badminton_.-,. players go on rely two members of South Huron's Badminton team ad - winced. to WOSSA last Satur- day in St. Thomas. Other members also played well in Listowel at last Tuesday's liuron:Perth tournament. Cheryl Cann and Patti Willis, both in grade thirteen were third at Huron -Perth. earning themselves a WOSSA berth. Coach Pat Rowe felt they could have been second as they improved every time they play together. Their performance at WOSSA proved their coach right. as they placed fifth out of sixteen teams. It was remarked that their play had Unproved -considerably and Rowe fell that with a little more work the pair could have been third in. the girls double. In boys singles first year senior fete Janssen beat a strong Stratford Central player but lost to the eventual winner from Listowel. ile played well in the consolation side considering his limited experience. Lovekesh Malik and Brian Blackburn were unable to win WAS week This week at South Huron District High school has been named WAS week (We Ap- preciate Staff). Teachers, secretaries• and custodians are being honoured for their work. Secret pals have anonymously been giving small gifts to a favourite staff member. Their identity will be revealed at Friday's breakfast where the students will dine with their teacher. Today teachers can have their car washed at noon by students. Tomorrow a dress - up day is planned for teachers to dress as their favourite stu- dent and vice versa. The student council plans a movie night for Friday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. The' hilarious movies 'Airplane Ii' and '1941' will both be shown for the admission price of $2.99. Advance notice of a school picnic for May 27 has been an- nounced. The hand that won last week's talent show will hold an outdoor concert. Bar- rel races, stilt races, water fights and tug of war have liken planned for the noon - hour activity. . Student Council and in- tramural Elections opened up this Monday. interested can- didates must register by May 5 for the May 12 election. April 27, 1983 council. Proceedings can be halted at any time during the session for such disclosures. Reeve Bill Mickle termed the meeting very helpful in in- creasing people's understan- ding of the ramifications of the new Act. He said that though he is not in business, and has no children who would directly benefit from the bodies like the rec board, there had been some grey areas in his mind that were cleared up by the information he gained from the meeting. Stanley Reeve Paul Steckle said conflict of interest had never been a conflict in his municipality, but he was now more aware of the potential. The request to declare a con- flict had not been on the agen- da of township meetings, but will be from now on. He can not envision serious conflicts of interest in Stanley, but add- ed that if local people are elected to serve in their com- munity, there may be cases with businesses, membership on municipal boardsand • • dvoca Serving South Huron, North Middlesex M. & North Lambton Since 1873 PagelA WI reso l uchildtreni aond ncorrupotion ato spreosng. e$ violence, lence obscenity Increased showing -of violence and obscenity on TV and availability of por- nographic video cassettes prompted the Provincial Board of the Federated Women's Institute of Ontario to pass an emergency resolu- tion opposing it. The alarming exploitation of women and young viewers is contrary to the moral principles and ideals of this organization. The 34 Board Directors representing the 27,000 Members in the Province held its Semi -Annual meeting in Toronto this week with the President Mrs. Janet Hiepleh Five SH champs at track meet Track and field athletes at South Huron started off their season with a busy three days • of competition. South fjuron had flyJr�<< pions a4'Tl`rursday's a r day's Westminster meet in London. Brenda Wilson's jump of 1.48 m. won the junior girls high jump. In junior boys discus Dave Woodfine won with a throw of 38.37 m. Susan McClure won both the senior 100 and 400 m sprints with times of 12.9 and 63.0 respectively. On her final throw FaYe Gaiser achieved 30m to win the senior girls Juniors Expect to Win H -P discus. • With senior competition Gaiser was also third in the over, Rowe is concentrating javelin but finds discus to be on her strong , junior team. her event as she qualified for She hoped her players would OFSSA last season. be ahte to win the junior team Alice Dietrich was second title at lfuron-Perth which behind McClure in the 400 m. was held yesterday in Both girls struck a win for Winghamfeminism as they entered the The juniors won last Fri- senior . boys 200 m. day's medway doubles tour- steeplechase. McClure was nament. As at Huron -Perth also . second in the 200 m. each player is only allowed to sprint while Dietrich threw play in one division. Scott her javelin to sixth place. Bogart and George Pratt Also in the javelin, Jeff were boys doubles champions Rowe was third in senior boys while teammates Kendra Ar- competition. Other field wins thur and Angelina Malik won were fourth for Paulette the girls doubles crown. Rauthbauer's high jump and Jeff Francis and Murray Woodfine was fifth in shot put. Rundle added needed_ points Mary Lou Rundle and Ed for the overall team title at Thuss both had third place. Medway. finishes at Westminster in the With the addition of Mike 3000 m. and 800 m. Berg and Sarah Patterson in respectively. singles' competition and Saturday at the prestigious Brian Topp and Pam Cottrell Forest City Prep meet, South in the mixed, South Iluron Huron's athletes felt the should have excellent chances fatigue of a third day of com- to bring home the team petition. Ribbons were championship. awarded not by placing but by Kendra Arthur and achieving a certain standard Angelina Malik who have in the specific event. paired for many doubles' By jumping 1.50 metres wins are confident of their Paulette Rauthbauer earned ability to win 'Huron -Perth a silver. Brenda Wilson and place high at WOSSA. discovered that she will have The top two finishers at to sacrifice jumping in her Iluron-Perth juniors qualify stocking feet to compete at a for WOSSA on Friday May 6 high school level but she still also in Wingham. Wingham is had several good jumps. known to have the best bad- . Long distance runners Ed minton courts in Thuss and. Glenn Durie both Southwestern Ontario. over the very tough competi- tion in boys' doubles. South Huron also had trouble in min ed competition. Not yet used to be playing together Dean Watt and Margi Chaffe had trouble in the strong Huron -Perth field. • in the midget division. Susan McClure received a silver for her 400 m. hurdles race and a bronze in the 100 in. sprint. Both Susa Arid he!; brotliir—Matt ure had hurdle records at the Forest City meet last year which were broken in Saturday's fair conditions. South Huron's athletes will compete again this Thursday at the Wingham relays. Dif- ferent relay combinations will be run as well as a full slate of field events. Only field competitors will go to Seaforth's Nielson Classic this Saturday. Track and field athletes have little time to prepare for Huron -Perth on May 1.8. Goderich who has completed its new track will host the meet. Joyce Canning, Co- ordinator for Rural Organiza- tions and Service Branch of Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food expand- ed on suggested topics for programs under "Women - Unlimited Potential" which the Branch Members are ask- ed to study this year, thus becoming better informed and better equipped to meet today's concerns. Excitement was evident as delegates werebriefed on the World Conference to be held in Vancouver in June. Canada is prowl to host this special evert when _ over 1700 Dele rom11 aroun4 tlte. world 91E million Mern Excellent speakers and programs will carry out the theme "Living in today's world." At this time the world president will be elected with Dr. Ellen McLean of Nova Scotia being nominated along with two from the United States. The National Convention in June 1985 will be at the University of Western On- tario, London and already plans are underway for the Members of Ontario to host it. Mary Hall and Elaine Wallace, Directors for the Junior Women's Institute of Ontario are enthusiastic Soccer teams need goal power. Both junior and senior South Huron soccer teams have good talent but both the coaches lament their inabili- ty to hit the goal. The soccer season has been busy with two league games played and one in St. Marys today. . The seniors were scoreless as South Huron met the Strat- ford Central Ramblers. The Panthers dominated the play, allowing few shots on their own net, but didn't manage to score for themselves. Coach Jin► Workman is try- ing a different system for his soccer players. They play 4-2-3 with a sweeper at the back to act like a second goalie. The set-up has been successful as Norwell was unable to get a shot ongoalie Rich Helm in Monday's league game. South Huron scored a 2-0 victory over the inferior team in Palmerston. John 1 HAMMING IT UP -- George Tomes, Graham Solomon; Mike Fleming and Jamie Chaffs are part of the Nine Neat Guys act in Friday's talent show at SHDHS. VanEsbroeck and Graham Solomon were the scorers. Solomon scored a possible se- cond goal but the referee rul- ed that it had not been scored. After their first exhibition game, against Wingham, which Exeter tied 2-2, Workman feels his team is starting to play good soccer. "They have a reasonable amount of talent and a lot of team spirit but it takes awhile to get used to a new coach and a new system." The juniors are also having trouble scoring. Coach Bruce Eccles realizes that despite his team's talent in passing and ball handling they nar- rowly miss the net on scoring opportunities. The juniors tied with Norwell 2-2 with Sean O'Rourke and Steve Gould scoring. Eccles believes the Panthers should have won as they outplayed the host team. They had also carried the play against Stratford Central last week but despite a'good defence the Ramblers scored on the few times they got into South Huron's end to win 3.1. Dave Skea scored Exeter's lone goal. Eccles is frustrated with this lack of scoring ability and feels his team will have to win the rest of their games to be one of the four playoff teams. Clarke Road carne to Ex- eter last night for an exhibi- tion game. The Trojans are known to be a very strong team. Wednesday South Huron's soccer teams travel to St. Marys for league. Next week the final road game is in Seaforth with the four re maining games played at home. about their organization with Scholarship as presented by 19 Branches. the Federated Women's In - Three spring conventions stitute of Canada. will be held with the Fall one With 1984 being Ontario's in Guelph in October. Linda Bicentennial members are Tottenham won the JWIO urged- to promote and take award. On May 3 -5th over 500 part in special celebrations in delegates will attend the Of- their communities. ficers Conference at Waterloo Special dates to note University for a learning ex- are...the Ontario Hall of perience, and resolve to Fame Unveiling at the become more aware of Agricultural Museum at necessary changes. Con- Milton June 12 when 11 will be gratulations to Margaret honoured including the W.I. Schaum of Emo Ontario on Nominee, the late Laura Rose winning the Hazel Stiles Stephen. sitnilar situations. "We are not going to avoid conflict, but removing the stigma is good. The new legislation doesn't make it wrong to have a conflict, just wrong not to declare it", he summarized. Zurich's lone represen- tative at the meeting, clerk Sharon Baker, found the meeting very informative. At present village councillors may declare a conflict of in- terest at any time during a meeting, but from now on the item will be near the top of the agenda for regular meetings of Zurich council, she said. An opportunity to declare conflict of interest has always been one of the first items of business for regular meetings of Hay township council. Gi!us.thisdy Please Red ShieldApp a1 Donations in Exeter may be sent to: Reg McDonald 235-0136 Annie Lawson 235-1320 Ted Pooley 235-2007 . Make Mom's Life Easier Choose from Canada's Loading Makers Guaranteed LOWEST PRICES on cell in stock appliances If you find the identical appliance advertised elsewhere for Tess than our low prices within 30 days of your purchase well refund the dif- ference in cash. ' SALE ENDS SATURDAY