Post by peter on Jul 24, 2009 7:14:01 GMT -5
Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson remains on the South Simcoe Police Services Board despite being asked to step down while he faces assault and threatening charges.
During a meeting Monday night, resident Diane Sykes demanded Jackson withdraw himself from the board.
“In light of events at a recent town council meeting, which saw charges brought against you, ethics would dictate that you must step aside from your seat on the board until the charges against you have been resolved without question,” Sykes told Jackson.
Jackson did not comment and deferred to board chairperson Patti Vanderdonk, who told Sykes the board had already sought a legal opinion on the issue.
“Our legal advice says there is no obligation for Jackson to step down,” Vanderdonk said. “A presumption of innocence is the mainstay of the legal system. He is innocent until proven guilty.”
If Jackson is convicted of criminal charges, the board will seek another legal opinion, Vanderdonk said.
South Simcoe Police charged Jackson July 2 with assault and threatening, stemming from an occurrence at the town hall on June 24. In a now infamous incident, Jackson could be heard berating Coun. Bill Pring behind closed doors. The mayor had unknowingly left his lapel mic on so members of the public and press could hear him swearing and shouting at Pring. Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope, who was in same room, witnessed the incident.
Police allege Pring was assaulted and threatened at the time. Jackson’s first court date is in Bradford Aug. 6.
Sykes, who was the only member of the public at the meeting, prefaced her comments by complimenting Jackson’s overall performance as mayor.
“I think you have done a great job as mayor,” she said. “I don’t think anyone could do a better job.”
Following the meeting, Sykes told the Journal Jackson is placing the board in a precarious position if he continues to sit as a member while he faces charges laid by South Simcoe Police.
“He’s being investigated by the same force. It’s a conflict of interest,” she said. “It’s wrong, just plain wrong.”
No other members of the board, which includes Bradford Mayor Doug White, commented on the situation.
Meanwhile, a member of Barrie’s police services board who was charged with domestic assault has been suspended while he undergoes a provincial review.
Barrie Police charged Don MacNeil June 7 after a 44-year-old woman complained to Barrie Police officers that an object was thrown at her.
MacNeil had asked the board to allow a leave of absence while he faces the allegation.
But during a closed meeting, the Barrie police services board decided to ask the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCPS) to review the case.
Board chairperson Rick Jones said the decision was based on MacNeil’s conduct as a member of the board, even though MacNeil hasn’t been convicted of the offence.?
Under the Police Services Act, board members must act in a way that will “inspire public confidence in the abilities and integrity of the board”.
During a meeting Monday night, resident Diane Sykes demanded Jackson withdraw himself from the board.
“In light of events at a recent town council meeting, which saw charges brought against you, ethics would dictate that you must step aside from your seat on the board until the charges against you have been resolved without question,” Sykes told Jackson.
Jackson did not comment and deferred to board chairperson Patti Vanderdonk, who told Sykes the board had already sought a legal opinion on the issue.
“Our legal advice says there is no obligation for Jackson to step down,” Vanderdonk said. “A presumption of innocence is the mainstay of the legal system. He is innocent until proven guilty.”
If Jackson is convicted of criminal charges, the board will seek another legal opinion, Vanderdonk said.
South Simcoe Police charged Jackson July 2 with assault and threatening, stemming from an occurrence at the town hall on June 24. In a now infamous incident, Jackson could be heard berating Coun. Bill Pring behind closed doors. The mayor had unknowingly left his lapel mic on so members of the public and press could hear him swearing and shouting at Pring. Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope, who was in same room, witnessed the incident.
Police allege Pring was assaulted and threatened at the time. Jackson’s first court date is in Bradford Aug. 6.
Sykes, who was the only member of the public at the meeting, prefaced her comments by complimenting Jackson’s overall performance as mayor.
“I think you have done a great job as mayor,” she said. “I don’t think anyone could do a better job.”
Following the meeting, Sykes told the Journal Jackson is placing the board in a precarious position if he continues to sit as a member while he faces charges laid by South Simcoe Police.
“He’s being investigated by the same force. It’s a conflict of interest,” she said. “It’s wrong, just plain wrong.”
No other members of the board, which includes Bradford Mayor Doug White, commented on the situation.
Meanwhile, a member of Barrie’s police services board who was charged with domestic assault has been suspended while he undergoes a provincial review.
Barrie Police charged Don MacNeil June 7 after a 44-year-old woman complained to Barrie Police officers that an object was thrown at her.
MacNeil had asked the board to allow a leave of absence while he faces the allegation.
But during a closed meeting, the Barrie police services board decided to ask the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services (OCCPS) to review the case.
Board chairperson Rick Jones said the decision was based on MacNeil’s conduct as a member of the board, even though MacNeil hasn’t been convicted of the offence.?
Under the Police Services Act, board members must act in a way that will “inspire public confidence in the abilities and integrity of the board”.