Mayor Lou Maieron is now finding fault with personal opinions held by other councillors.
On Dec. 3, Maieron spent 10 to 15 minutes voicing his objections to opinions raised by councillor John Brennan on Nov. 19.
Brennan stated there were opportunities missed as a result of the quality of, and errors within, an economic development brochure for the town handed out by Maieron during his May China trip.
Brennan’s primary concern, aside from property pricing errors in the brochure, was that until November councillors had not even seen the document – nor known of its existence.
At the time, Brennan had suggested that if council had known the brochure was being developed more could have been done to improve it.
Further, Brennan contended that it appeared the mayor had waited until the last minute to tell council about the trip.
Maieron agreed his trip to China might be considered as being different than going to another conference, “But generally a councillor decides which conference he goes to.”
“It was $2,500 for the trip, and there was a per diem request later in the meeting.”
In reference to comments regarding missed opportunities on the town’s economic development brochure, Maieron noted there was also a Wellington County economic development brochure as part the package taken to China.
Maieron said the brochure was just one portion of the materials and items taken to promote the municipality.
“It was a collaborative effort to put something together,” Maieron said, noting the brochure had been worked on by former CAO Frank Miele, but completed by then-clerk Kathryn Ironmonger.
The mayor said he had no input on the economic development package created for the town.
Maieron did not believe anyone from the county had headed on this particular type of trip before, and, “We did the best we could within the short time.
He added, “As far as missed opportunities … yes, the brochure could have been better with a few less errors.”
Maieron said he picked up other brochures which could be referenced should Erin’s economic development committee be reformed.
He then stated the town in now in its second year without an economic development committee.
Maieron said when the committee was disbanded two years ago, “we had to scramble to save the equine business retention and expansion program.”
He added “the mayor had to scramble to get the chamber of commerce involved to help save the home show.”
The mayor also suggested the town is also not completely working with Wellington County, which has committed considerable resources for promoting local economic development.
“To be fair Mr. Brennan, you’ve been on the committee for a year, and you haven’t moved it past step one,” Maieron said.
Brennan’s response was, “I made my comments. I stand by them.”
