The situation continues to deteriorate at Sarnia City Hall.
When Mayor Mike Bradley went to the building on Saturday to welcome a group of citizens and their guest, a teacher from Norway, to invite her to sign the guest book, he was unable to use his access card to enter City Hall.
"Subsequent to that, I find out that city council Thursday, in a closed door meeting, has said I can only be in the building Monday to Friday from 7am until 7pm and not on weekends," says Bradley.
"That's when I often go into the office to work on long-term writings, strategic directions, research and projects. The Mayor's position is a seven day a week job. I often go into the office in off hours to respond to a time sensitive issue or emergencies in the community where information is readily available. The Mayor's office has the setup, information and equipment to respond to the public and media in a timely manner. To restrict the publicly elected Mayor access to City Hall does not serve the public's interest. The restriction of access does not assist the public in getting the immediate citizen customer service they deserve and have received for many years from the Mayor’s office. Sarnia does not have part time challenges."
The Mayor says he, as have his predecessors, often meet with people and groups who cannot meet during regular weekday hours and to deny weekend access to the Mayor and the Mayor's Executive Assistant shows a lack of understanding of the demands placed on the Mayor's office.
A spokesperson with the law firm obtained by the city says he takes responsibility for not contacting the Mayor Friday afternoon following Thursday's in-camera decision by council.
Jamie Knight apologizes and said it was not his intention to cause the Mayor any embarrassment.
