Brant County Mayor committed to “open dialogue and respectful debate.”

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Brant County Mayor David Bailey says he remains committed to open dialogue, has not and will not use strong mayor powers.

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“I have repeatedly and publicly stated that I will not exercise them (Strong Mayor powers), reaffirming that council will continue to govern collaboratively and by consensus,” Bailey said in an Oct. 20 statement. “To date, there have been no instances in which strong mayor powers have been used in the County of Brant.”

Bailey made the statement in response to the resignation of Christine Garneau. The former Ward 5 councillor announced her resignation in a social media post on Oct 17.

Garneau said that she had been “placed in a irreconcilable conflict” between her duty to the municipality and what was in the best interests of her business.

Garneau is the co-owner of Creek View Acres Nursery and Orchard.

In her post Garneau said expanded strong mayor powers destabilized long-established decision-making and administrative structures across Ontario. Garneau also said Brant council’s code of conduct prevents members from speaking out against council decisions after they are made adding that she is often among the dissenting voices.

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“This means that I must adopt and defend position statements that do not align with my personal convictions and I must also support the county event when I believe it is wrong,” Garneau said.

Bailey said Garneau’s statement implies the code of conduct restricts members from speaking freely.

“To clarify, council members speak through their votes and contributions during public meetings, where debate and differing opinions are not only permitted but encouraged,” Bailey said. “Members are expected to respect the decision making process and accurately communicate the decision of council.”

The mayor said the expectation is standard in municipal governance across Ontario. It ensures policy discussions occur transparently during official meetings and not through online or after the fact debate.

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“It protects both the integrity of council and the public’s trust in its processes,” Bailey said.

The mayor said he remains committed to open dialogue, respectful debate, and collaborative decision-making in service to our residents. The county’s work continues to be guided by teamwork, professionalism, and transparency, he said.

Bailey thanked Garneau for her service and wished her all the best in her future endeavors.

Garneau, after reviewing the mayor’s comments, provided a response.

“There is an observable difference between the statements prepared for the mayor and his unscripted remarks,” Garneau said, citing examples from two September committee meetings where the mayor was critical of comments from council members.

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“I’m having a hard time not finding this whole thing playing to the people for the election that’s coming up in over a year,” Bailey said at a Sept. 2 meeting. “This is the most political meeting I’ve been at in the last four years.

“I’m feeling uncomfortable. I’m feeling that people are playing to the camera saying things that will get them votes.”

The mayor went on to say that people were speaking out of turn and when they shouldn’t be speaking.

During a debate about strong mayor powers at a Sept. 16 meeting, Bailey cautioned councillors about their social media posts.

“There are some lies being told about the strong mayor’s powers and there’s people saying, people from around this table, (that) the mayor will wear the new budget and the new tax rate and councillors will get away unscathed.”

Bailey again advised councillors to be “very careful” and said the county’s integrity commissioner has already been contacted.

Garneau’s resignation will be officially declared when Brant County Council meets on Oct. 28. Following the declaration, council will have 60 days to determine whether to appoint a replacement or hold a by-election to fill the vacant seat.

Vball@postmedia.com

@EXPVBall

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