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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1974-11-28, Page 13 (2)t�1 31 Dec. 1 0967654 Public Library, 52 Montreal St . ?A 2G4 Goderich, • Qx t obertrij SIG 1 27 YEAR 48, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974 THiRD SECTION o ur -c andida At, *JOAN VAN DEN BROECK CANDIDATE°FOR COUNCIL . 1. We've heard a good, deal about conflict ofinterest in the past two years. In your opinion:, a. What constitutes a con- flicO of interest? There are mord "conflicts of interest when an individual is representative of a certain pressure group and financial conflicts of interest ,when one .stands, to receive' financial ',benefit from decisions made by council. These are very serious problems and should receive the very careful consideration of the townspeople: We are not • irrin\une to problems (especially in the area of land speculation and development), which have in the past seriously injured other communities and I do not believe that Goderich can af- ford to allow its growth pattern to be linked with a developer. b. Should candidates declare a possible area of conflict of interest during an election campaign? Why? • Yes. It is a simple matter of ethics. • c. Can a man or woman, fun- ction' effectively on a public Council or board with a con- flict of interest? le JAv,ould be inclined to sayy no, - it would not be out of the question for a conscientious person. d. When an elected official declines .to take part . in a 'discussion or to vote a par- ticular issue because of a conflict of interest does it weaken the public body 'on which that official serves? Why? I will say yes but 'my reason • is only speculative as I have not worked with such a board. e. Do you have a conflict of interest.? No. a *** 2. The mayor is the head of Continued on* page 2B. tion so they can make their decision based on all the, facts rather than learn about them after the election. c. Can a man or woman fun- ction effectively on a public Council or board with a con- flict of Interest? Yes, I believe they can. Con, flict of interests are rare, not continuous. Once a subject. clears council . the personal in- volvement of any member goes with it. If a person had con- tinuous conflict •then there would be no point in running or, input into counciloperations would be jeopardized. d. .When an elected official ., declines to take part in a - RICi,.,ROBERTSON - discussion or to vote a par- CANDID*&& T 'FOR COUNCIL Ocular, issue because of a conflict of interest, does- it 1. We've heard a good .deal weaken • the public body on about conflict of interest in the which that official serves? past two years. In your opinion: Why? a.. What constitutes a con- • Yes, I feel it weakens it. All flirt of interest? council members have an im- A conflict of interest is laid portant 'part to play as elected ou'. specifically in the officials, they all have different Municipal Conflict *of Interest points of view and a different " Act 1972, Chapter 142. There is input into discussion. When , a movement afoot to make im- . one=- member -is-not eligible. to,„ provernents to., this Act. _l;nfor- offer input the final decision is mation is readily available at deteriorated because of the the Town Clerk's office about possible loss ofa valuable com this Act. • anent on the matter. I would state broadly that a e. Do you have a conflict of conflict of interest takes place interest? when an elected official takes No,- not to my knowledge. advantage or this position to * * * further his own, his family's or 2. The mayor is the head of his firm's pecuniary interest in 'council. In your opinion: affairs of Municipal concern. a. Is previous experience on b. .Should candidates municipal council necessary declare a possible Area of to become' mayor? . conflict • of interest during an Previous . experience is not election campaign? Why? mandatory, but is most This `question is rather am-. Continued on page 8B • biguoUs, but if a candidate has •k, h:,<y� r'#'sh? .-prior knowledge of future business facing the Council, and if he has, either on his own behalf, or his family or business interests, any pecuniary in- terest it• may well be advisable to declare these facts before election. Failure to_ do so may result in the public •becoming prejudiced when reviewing 'his/her Performance.during the term in office. c. Can a man or woman .fun- ction effectively on a public council or board with a con- flict of interest? Yes - providing that he/she conduct themselves under the provisions of the Conflict of In-. . 'terest Legislation. d. When an elected of- ficial *declines to take part in a discussion or to vote a "par-- ticular issue because'' sof la 'CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL conflict of interest, does it weaken the public body on which that official serves? Why?. Yes it does - to the. extent that a vote is denied and the' public is deprived of support or opposition to the problem un- der discussion. Continued on.. page 313 showing up at all. I do not feel a ,full time mayor is necessary as it 'would certainly affect competent and 'professional persons who would be reluctant to take their valuable time to participate in public affairs when someone is being paid full time. I think participation by the public is the key to a lot of our communicati'in 'problems. :It is an ad- ministrator's; job to carry out the decisions once they are made and see that they are en- - forced. You mention, ate town representatives well enough i DAVE GOWER ' CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL 1. We've heard 4 good deal about conflict of' interest in the past two years. In your opinion: - a. What con$titutes a. con- flicft of Interest? Many people have over reac- ted to conflict of interest. In my years as council member all the members have declared a con- flict of interest before' any discussion on matters took place and have declined to vote on that particular item. In my estimation a conflict of interest " constitutes any situation where a councillor can benefit finan- cialiy from a council decision or any area where a council mem- ber's personal involvement will - determine his or her position in the discussion. Yes, I feel it is very impar,•„, tant to' give the electorate all the necessary facts regarding the candidate before the elec- JOHN P. DOHERTY n • local -issues. flict (of interest? In my ,o1 -inion a conflict of interest /nay arise in.a situation • where monet,.orry or personal in- terest may conflict with the public good. b. Should candidates deciareup a possible area of conflict of Interest during an election campaign? Why? Yes - In my opinion this would' allow the voters to be aware of a candidate's potential ability and areas of weakness. c: Can a man or woman fun- ction effectively on a public council or board with a con- flict of interest ?. county happenings and affairs. It is important that they a'i!e well informed and have a good working relationship with the - Continued on page 4B 1. We've heard a good deal about conflict of interest in the past two years. 'In your Opinion: a. What constitutes a con- flict of interest? Where a person or, persons will benefit either directly or indirectly by _voting on an issue at hand. b. Should •candidates declare a possible area of conflict of interest during an election campaign? 'Why? Yes, so that the person can readily decline voting on "an issue where a -conflict may arise. c. Can a man woman, fun- ction effectively on a public council or board with a con- " flict of interest? No, if . you feel you have a conflict of interest. d. When an elected official declines to take part in . a discussion or to vote a par- ticular issue because of 'a conflict of interest does it weaken the public body on which that official serves? Why? No. He is strengthening the body because he is not taking part in the discussion or voting. e. Do you have a conflict of interest? No. 2. The mayor is* the head of council -In your opinion: a. le previous experience on municipal council necessary to become mayor?' Yes, DEFINITELY. b. Should the people expect the 'mayor of a municipality such as Goiferich to attend all meetings, public functions and convention* on their behalf, or should the mayor be free to delegate alternatives Continued'an page 3B a BOB ALLEN CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL May I take this opportunity to thank you for the privilege of expressing my views. You ask about conflict of iti- terest. It is covered •by the On.,, tari,o Municipal Act anything other than that is strictly opinion. I feel it is a question of conscience. I per- 'sonally have no conflict of in- terest, I am a free agent. Whether a new mayor should have previous experience cer- tainly depe;nds on .,his background, positions held and previous experience. I feel he should attend as many func- tions as 'his time will allow, as what better way for the town's Public Relations. 'There is nothing wrong in delegating someone else on his behalf as this is better than no one aY ELSA'HAVDON CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL 1. We've heard a good deal about conflict of interest in the past two years, In your opinion: a. What constitutes a con- flict of interest? May I respectfully suggest that this question is slightly misleading. "Conflict of in-' terest" is not left to individual opinion- and interpretation, but - is covered by The Municipal conflict of, _Interest. Act, . 1972. In broad terms, if a council member (or his/her. family member living ,in the—same household) has a pecuniary in- terest in a matter • with which - the council is dealing, he or she must disclose the interest' ant 'refrain from the discussion's° this 'subject as well ,as from voting on it. Failure to ly FRANK WALKOM would be 'tconflict of intent",' CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL punishable as provided by the Act and ` leading to. 1. We've heard a good deal disqualification. The legislation about conflict of interest in the puts emphasis on "disclosure of past two years. In your opinion: interest": a. What constitutes a con- , b. Should candidates' flirt ot, interest's a -• °�` declare Ka ` possible area of To my way of thinking, a con- conflict` of interest during an flirt' of interest exists when -a- election campaign?' Why? member of council or.his com- pany will in all probability I find that in' view of the benefit either . directly or in- above I cannot answer this directly by the passing of a question sensibly.. Perhaps a motion or bylaw *which may candidate should declare a benefit the person in question. possible area of "interest" if he b. Should . candidates or she can predict it during an' declare a possible area of election campaign. conflict of interest during an ' c. Can`a,man or woman fun - election campaign? Why? ction effectively on a public Yes. If a member of council is 'council or board with a con - elected and it is suspected that' Mgt of interest?, a conflict of interest exists and Again I presume you mean this can be proven the person "interest" when you say "con - can be disqualified. In the •oath flirt of interest". It would taken at the inaugural meeting depend entirely on how the he states that he nor his corn- matter is dealt with. Honest pany has any interest in inside disclosure and complying' with , activities. all the requirements of the Act issue of possible conflict comes up, he pr she would declare himself, and` absent himself from the discussions ° and decisions of that particular issue. d. When an elected official declines to take part in a discussion' or to vote a par- ticular issue because of a conflict of , interest, does 'it weaken the public body on which that official serves? Why? I do not believe so. e. Do you have a conflict of interest..? p • None of which I am aware. * * * ?. The mayor is the. head of council. In your opinion: a. Is previous expetrience on municipal council necessary to become mayor? No. • ' b. Should the people expect the mayor of a municipality such as Goderich to attend all nmeetirigs, public functions and conventions on their behalf, or should the mayor be free to delegate alternatives from his council on occasion? In rny = opinion tl'te mayor Continued on page 88 , of my family were to apply for a job offered by the Town, they would make 'it on their own merits, and not with my in- fluence. *** 2. The_ mayor is the 'bead of council. In your opinion: a. Is previous experience on municipal council necessary to become mayor? _No -- remember Mayor Mills? b. Should thepeople expect the mayor of a municipality such as Goderich to attend all meetings, public functions before one finds out that there are certain things that do not fall into the' categories that come under Municipal control or that can only be done through or with the approval of other Provincial or Federal Agencies. You don't become a First Continued on page 713 AGNES BEDARD CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL 1, We've heard a good deal about conflict of interest in the past two years. In your opinion: - on Witte • .a. Co . . behalf, or should the mayor be free to delegate alternatives from his -council on occasion?' Council should be ready,, l' Continued on page 6B g : s c. Cana man or woman fun- seem to be sufficient. The, effec-• ction effectively oh a public tive functioning + seems to,s's council or board with a .con depend entirely on the person. flirt 'of interest? • A man' or woman with no I believe that no person can property and no possibility'of function effectively on a council • "interest"' does not necessarily or board because he is divided make ,a better council member between two loyalties, one for as opposed to one who owns a the• corporation. or town and ..great deal of property, does not one for himself or company. seek ' any special favours and d. When an .elected official openly discloses his interest declines to take part in a whenever the occasion arises: • discussion or to vote a 'par- d. When an elected official ticular issue ,because of a • declines to take part in a conflict,_ of interest, does it, -' discussion or to vote a par - weaken the public body on ' ticular issue because of a• which 'that •official .. serves? conflict of interest,' does it_ _ Why? weaken the public body on • When an elected official which that 'official serves? declines to discuss or vote en any matter brought before council, I feel it weakens the., power of the elected body. I have seen this happen frequen-; tly and it is not in the best in- terest of good government. With one councillor absent and one refraining from voting an unhappy situation could occur. e. Do you have a conflict of interest? Definitely not and thanks he never have had. - "* * *, 2. The mayor is the head of council. In your opinion: a. Is previous experience on municipal council necessary to become mayor? I feel that experience is necessary before a person step's into the mayor's chair. Dr. Mills was mayor of Goderich for two years and made ,a creditable showing but had he had two or more years ex- perience. on •cntincil, he would have achieved more success. b. Should the people expect the mayor of a .Muhicipality such as Goderich to attend sill meetings, . public functions and conventions on their behalf, or should the mayor be fry to delegate alternatives ;,Continued on page 413 Again substituting "interest" here you say "conflict of in- terest'' (one does not disclose an interest and have a conflict of interest at the' same time) - it would not seem to weaken the,. public body any more than an Continued on page 10B KAY LEAMEN CANDIDATE ,,FOR COUNCIL 1. We've heard a . good deal about conflict of_interest in the past two years. In your opinion: What constitutes a con- JIM PETERS CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL 1... We've heard a good deal about conflict of interest in the past two years. In your opinion: a. What constitutes a con- flict of interest? Where a candidate, or elec- • ted official, • dr his family, or public servant, by reason of property holdings or position, could use his/her position to in- fluence a decision whereby he/she stood, to gain.financially. ,Or where the same circumstan- ces' could be used to 'have him- self Rr a member of his family or friend obtain a position or job. b. •• Should candidates declare a possible area of conflict of interest during an election campaign? Why? Yes - to ensure' `that the public knows any -area` where, conflict of interest might develop in the future. c. Can a man or woman fun- ction effectively on a public Ceuncii or board with a con- flict of. interest? Not in the area of his interest as defined in 1.a. . d. When an elected official declines to take part in a discussion or to vote a par- ticular issue because of a conflict of interest, does it weaken the public body on— which that official serves? Why? It is honest to declare con- 'flict of interest at the outset, and remain silent' during the discussion and abstain from • voting. . e. Do you have, a conflict of interest? LEROY HARRISON CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL 1. We've beard a good deal about conflict of interest in the past two years. In'your opinion: a. What constitutes a con- flict of interest? flirt of interest? . Conflict, is often the result of. misunderstanding difference of ' opinion, and the ability of one or both parties concerned to master the basic principles of human relations. b. Should candidates declare a possible area of conflict of interest during an election campaign? Why? Services conflict usually, un- fortunately, uses up -a great 'deals of time- and energy that -undoubtedly could be put to better use. I feel is necessary to . get to know your candidate and their views of interestit~ig sub- jects tothe electors. However I see no need to waste time con- flicting with, our fellow ap- ponents. , c. Can a man or woman fun- ction effectively on a public council or board with a con- flict of interest? There should be no conflict man or woman as to why coun- cil is there "to attempt to make' the best decisions in the public interest. However human nature being what it is whoever is elected it will con- sist of a municipal body made up. :of , people with 'different backgrounds,"different sense of nature and different priorities, thus a certain element of con- flict is bound to exist, but yes I do believe the elected municipal body can still func- tion effectively it they are genuinely interested in other .people,. and attempt to grasp an understanding view :point of both sides of the conflict. Continued on page .61 What" constitutes a conflict oT` "interest is laid out in .t`The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, 1972". As long as the. in" terest is declared, whether direct or indirect, the person having the interest does not discuss it in Council or Com- mittee, . does not vote on the ' matter, and it is recorded in the minutes of Council 'or Commit- tee, according to the Act, there is no conflict of int6rest. b. Should candidates declare a 'possible area . of conflict of interest during an election campaign? Why? How can a candidate declare a possible conflict of interest, during an election' campaign,- when as long as the provisions of the Act are complied with, if and when the matter comes before the Council or Commit- tee? ' . c. Can a man or woman fun- ction effectively on a public .council or board with a con- flict ofinterest? d. When an elected, official declines to take part ,in a 'discussion or to vote a par- ticular issue. because of a conflict of ,:interest; does 11 weaken the public body on which that official serves? Why? •• c. and d. Yes, a man or woman can function effectively on a Council or . Public Board, because the Act provides for this situation. When an elected official declines to take part in a discussion' or a vote on a par- ticular issue because of a con- flict of interest, it does not weaken the public body. This' 'again is spelled out in ."The Municipal Conflict of .Interest Act, .1972". The balance of the Council makes the decision. e. Do you have a conflict of interest? According to the, legal inter- pretation of the Act, NO, I do net have a conflict of interest as long as the provisions of the Act are carried out. In the' past two years, in which I have been, on Council, I have not had to declare a conflict of interest: I do not know what may happen in the future. *~* * • 2. The mayor is the head of council. In your opinion: " a. Is previous experienceon munlcipal council necessary to become mayor? To become a Mayor of a Municipality, previous ex- perience on Council is not necessary; but, I do think it is advisable. When one is first elected to Council, one wants to do cer- tain things,, but it is not long Our family holds no property other than our residence and Tlace of business. If a member BY HAROLD • LEDDY CANDIDATE FOR COUNCIL As a candidate in the forth- coming election, I 7hav,e been requested to express my opinions cin a questionnaire issued by your office. Firstly, I have 'never served on a, council committee and I feel I am not qualified to sive my opinions until I have• had some experience on these issues. On the other hand, there are other candidates who are running in this election who will be capable of handlitlg this questionnaire properly as they are experienced' and 'have sat on council for as long as two years or more. Secondly, I am willing to ..learn the business of the town as a council member, if elected, and in a years time, I will hopefully be able and eager to answer `the majority of questions put forth to me at that time. My motto is "that , action' speaks, louder than words", and if given °the chance, I shall try and prove this to the public and the greatest town I know. I would like to express my thanks to the Signal -Star and the people for your interset in me as a candidate. Looking for your support at the Polis.