TimminsToday received the following letter from Councillor Rick Dubeau, regarding recent events at city council chambers:
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Having had time to reflect over the tumultuous last few weeks, something has come to mind. In its wisdom, the majority of council voted in favor of a resolution removing me from all committees of council and Deputy Mayor where I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Council to boards and staff members of other organizations. This was a very emotional meeting with very strong opinions from all. This very contentious issue should never have been brought to a vote that night.
As per the City’s procedural bylaw the public should have had an opportunity to participate in the discussion and provide feedback. Council should have had time to reflect and consider all of the information over a week or two and not voted after such a charged debate.
I was also removed from the committee to short list the applications for CAO. Why? This committee consists of the Mayor and four Councillors, I would only be speaking with other members of council and I would not be speaking publicly on behalf of council. So why was I removed from what is arguably Council’s most important committee?
Sincerely,
Councillor Rick Dubeau
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