| An Epic Fumble Of Ethics |
Council sets terrible precedent by paying Augimeri's legal bills -- she was clearly in the wrong
| y SUE-ANN LEVY |
I'm convinced all the more today that the mayor's incessant harping about the multitude of measures in place to ensure his council behaves ethically is nothing more than a ridiculous show designed to dupe Toronto citizens.
This is not at all meant to criticize Integrity Commissioner David Mullan, a decent, hardworking chap who I believe endeavours to do the right thing. But after yesterday's executive committee meeting, I wonder why the devil Mayor David Miller and Co. even bother with the pretense of an integrity commissioner -- budgeted to the tune of $200,000 this year -- since they clearly don't care to listen to his advice or to follow it, but even go so far as to undermine the independence of his office.
On the executive committee agenda was a recommendation from city solicitor Anna Kinastowski that taxpayers foot the bill for $6,381.59 in legal expenses incurred by Coun. Maria Augimeri to defend a Code of Conduct complaint launched against her following the November 2006 election.
The complaint related to a voice-mail message Augimeri admitted leaving on MP Judy Sgro's machine advising her that then Coun. Peter Li Preti -- who was eventually defeated by Augimeri's long-time executive assistant Anthony Perruzza -- "was under active police investigation."
I was shocked that the Miller regime would even consider covering Augimeri's expenses, especially after Mullan found in a five-page report last March the councillor was in "serious violation" of the Code and proposed she make a "full and unconditional apology in writing" to Li Preti or failing that, council "reprimand her formally."
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