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Council must focus

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In Barrie
Feb 12th, 2011
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Why is integrity consultant targeting volunteers rather than councillors and staff, former mayor asks
Letter to the Barrie Examiner February 11 2011
Every day brings a surprise — and that makes the day worthwhile.
I have been a member of the International Committee of the City of Barrie since its inception, and on city council for 27 years. I initiated the relationships with Germany, Japan and China. This volunteer committee assists with the exchange of students and adults.
Today, I have been summoned to a meeting to be chaired by the new ‘Integrity Commissioner’, a consultant hired to be sure that I ‘behave in accordance with a strict code of values’.
I don’t blame Mayor Jeff Lehman and the present council, who I think are trying to do a good job. But they need to undo some of the mistakes of the past council. Perhaps, if this process is necessary, I would feel better if it started with the staff and members of council rather than the longtime volunteers. I hope the focus of this council will not be on consultants but on decreasing the capital debt. I left the city almost debt free in 2000 and they are now close to exceeding their mandated limits.
Janice Laking Barrie

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