The municipal election is over, but one matter from the campaign deserves a clear public record.
On October 16, Jane Marie Mitchell wrote a letter to the editor published by StratfordToday alleging that Councillor Jo-Dee Burbach and I changed the rules governing the Energy and Environment Advisory Committee on our own and forced a resident off the committee.
Those are serious allegations about the conduct of elected officials. The City Clerk’s documented account does not support them.
As I explained in my response to the newspaper, the committee chair had requested a leave of absence for an uncertain period. Existing policies and bylaws did not address that particular circumstance. At an April 29, 2024 meeting, the Clerk asked whether either Councillor Burbach or I could serve as interim chair until the situation was resolved.
The Clerk’s account confirms that the committee’s terms of reference were not amended, the vice-chair was not removed from the committee, and City staff communicated the interim arrangement to committee members. The Council Committee Coordinator notified the committee on May 2, 2024, and Council subsequently approved the chair’s leave on May 13.
On October 21, StratfordToday published my response and an account of the supporting documentation. I appreciate the opportunity to put those facts on the record.
Residents have every right to question council procedures, debate whether communication could have been better, and disagree with decisions made by elected officials. I welcome that scrutiny. But there is a distinction between questioning a process and making a factual accusation about who changed rules or removed someone from a committee.
As we begin a new council term, I believe public discussion is best served by accurate records, open disagreement and a willingness to correct the facts when necessary.
Accountability has to include a commitment to the facts.
— Larry McCabe
Source documents: October 16 letter by Jane Marie Mitchell · October 21 correction and City Clerk account.