Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is apologizing for not “pushing” town’s integrity commissioner to research reviews of harassment of a former metropolis councillor by a fellow councillor.
On Thursday morning, Crombie commented on allegations that Ward 6 Coun. Ron Starr “repeatedly vandalized” former Ward 2 Coun. Karen Ras’ automotive in a safe parking storage at metropolis corridor.
“That is flagrant bullying and harassment and has no place on the Metropolis of Mississauga or in any office,” Crombie mentioned at a press briefing.
Town confirmed that workers obtained a report of vandalism/property harm that occurred in April 2021.
Town added that it couldn't launch particulars on safety incidents on account of privateness legal guidelines.
Crombie mentioned the incidents have been reported to Peel Regional Police however the case has since been closed.
"Metropolis of Mississauga safety workers adopted and proceed to comply with all procedures and cooperate with Peel Regional Police of their investigations when requested to take action. This consists of offering video footage if requested," metropolis workers mentioned in an announcement on Wednesday.
Peel police instructed CP24 that they can't affirm names of people concerned in an investigation until they've been charged, convicted or discovered responsible of an offence.
Town additionally confirmed that Ras complained in regards to the matter to town’s Integrity Commissioner Robert J. Swayze however he declined to research for unknown causes.
CP24 has reached out to Ras and Starr however has but to obtain a response.
Crombie’s remarks come after council unanimously handed a decision final night time requesting that Swayze conduct an investigation into the allegations.
Swayze can be liable for trying into whether or not Starr violated the Code of Conduct and/or town's respectful office coverage.
Council additionally requested Swayze to attend a Particular Council assembly on Feb. 9 to clarify his reasoning for not investigating former Ras’s criticism.
Crombie mentioned that she has “mirrored deeply” in regards to the incident and mentioned that she ought to have carried out extra to get the integrity commissioner concerned sooner.
“As a good friend and a colleague and as mayor, I ought to have pushed more durable for the Integrity Commissioner to research. I am a girl in politics, and I have been on the receiving finish of harassment myself,” Crombie mentioned.
“And because the chief of council I ought to have carried out every thing in my energy to guard my good friend and colleague. I ought to have pushed our Integrity Commissioner to open an investigation on this as soon as the felony investigation was closed by police,” she added.
Council has additionally requested Starr to take a go away of absence till the probe has concluded and the findings are reported to council.
Ras resigned from council final month. In an announcement posted on her web site on Jan. 17 to announce her resignation, Ras hinted about "office points" and mentioned councillors should not have the correct avenues to deal with them appropriately.
"Make no mistake – being an elected official and councillor is a troublesome job. As rewarding as it may be, we take care of some tough people who make us query 'is that this value it?' and at instances elevate considerations for our private security," Ras wrote.
"I sincerely hope that efforts to strengthen municipal codes of conduct are accelerated. These modifications are lengthy overdue," she added.
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