Erin council has agreed to sanction Mayor Lou Maieron in response to an integrity commissioner’s report stating the mayor has repeatedly breached the town’s code of ethics, but there will be no such decision coming from the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) authority – at least for now.
CAO Deborah Martin-Downs said a CVC board decision on what to do about Maieron’s refusal to sign and adhere to its code of conduct is on hold “indefinitely.”
She told the Advertiser the board has left the decision “hanging” largely because Maieron has launched a lawsuit against the CVC (as well as seven other parties) regarding a property given to him in 2006 by the Ontario Municipal Board.
While the lawsuit itself represents a violation of the CVC code of conduct, the board has previously accused Maieron of violating the code in regards to his refusal to sign the document.
Board officials have also suggested Maieron violated the code through his handling of his opposition to the results of a 2012 board election that saw him defeated in his bid for a second term as vice-chairman.
Maieron has stated the code of conduct was created through a convoluted process and forcing him to sign the code hampers his “constitutional rights as a person.” He also said the process surrounding the 2012 board election was improper.
However, a subcommittee report this summer recommended Maieron face “escalating reprimands” for his actions, ranging from a request for an apology to suspension of remuneration to, finally, a written petition to Erin council to have him removed from the board.
Maieron was to be given one week to comply with each reprimand and agree to the code of conduct or face the next reprimand on the list. But when – or even if – that process begins is now up in the air.
Easing up on easement
When asked for an update on the CVC’s defence of Maieron’s lawsuit, Martin-Downs said the authority has turned the matter over to its insurance company, which is dealing with Maieron’s lawyer.
Martin-Downs said Maieron has stated he is not seeking any financial damages from the CVC and she noted the authority may be willing to relinquish its right to an easement on the property in question.
Maieron has stated the easement is not necessary and was not part of the original deal granting him the land. His lawsuit demands the easement be transferred to him (for the sum of $2).
