Orsi: Skit was inappropriate

By Frank Matys Simcoe.com Dec 16, 2010
ORILLIA – A staff skit that made light of single mothers, the homeless and people with mental illnesses had no place at a city Christmas party, Mayor Angelo Orsi says.
“The city has a responsibility to care for the marginalized community,” he told Orillia Today this week.
Orsi, who took office earlier this month, attended the Nov. 27 staff Christmas party as a guest.
He said he was not offended by portions of the skit related to himself and other political figures, “but rather the specific references to the vulnerable sector of our community.
“Specifically, the skit was discriminatory and demeaning to young, single pregnant females, the homeless, and those with addictions and mental-health illnesses.”
The skit additionally included a power-point presentation and narration, he noted.
Orsi said he was “disappointed that certain city employees found it necessary to include the marginalized community here in Orillia as part of the parody.
“I found their actions in this matter inappropriate and lacking in judgment,” he added.
Orsi’s comments follow a review of the incident by his office.
He stressed that the production was performed by a few staff, “and was in no way reflective of every city employee, nor is it representative of the city’s values.”
Coun. Michael Fogarty did not witness the skit, but counted himself offended after reading a transcript and hearing from others in attendance.
“We have an institution that is meant to protect the most vulnerable people in society, not judge them or make fun of them,” Fogarty said.
Portions of the skit may have contravened the municipality’s harassment policy and could prove damaging as the city seeks to sell itself as a place to invest, he suggested.
“Do we need this?” he added.
Orillia is home to numerous organizations serving marginalized youth, pregnant teens, the homeless, and individuals with addictions and mental health issues, Orsi noted.
“The City of Orillia has, and will continue to foster great working relationships with them,” he added.
Some of those groups – including the OPP, Orillia’s youth committee and Couchiching Jubilee House – “have come together in support of the mayor and council in rejecting the actions portrayed against those discriminated against,” Orsi said.