Essex council's dysfunction continues even after the town brought in an integrity commissioner to try to sort out unwanted behaviour at council meetings.
Council was recessed for nearly 25 minutes on Monday night after Mayor Ron McDermott demanded Councillor Randy Voakes leave council chambers as the councillor made repeated snide remarks as the mayor was about to get a vote underway.
"The exchange that was there was nothing," says Voakes, speaking to BlackburnNews.com after the council meeting. "It was just questions at hand that weren't being answered."
Voakes was looking to get a letter sent off by a lawyer on behalf of the town to the County of Essex requesting the cost of the library strike in the county. The rest of council felt sending a formal letter through the access to information process was a better option.
Clearly frustrated by the council discussion, Voakes asked for the mayor to have a vote on his motion. The mayor asked the clerk for a recorded vote at which point Voakes interjected, "Oh yes, thanks."
Town of Essex Councillor Randy Voakes speaks with Legislative Services/Clerk Robert Auger and CAO Tracey Pillon-Abbs at the regular meeting of council on September 19, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
McDermott scolded Voakes.
"Councillor Voakes, respect the rest of the council chambers would you please?" said McDermott, continuing to address the councillor. "I haven't warned you yet. Next time it will be a warning and you know what that means."
Another comment from Voakes had McDermott shoot back, telling the councillor he had now been served his warning.
"I've been there before," said Voakes.
McDermott quickly countered.
"That's it," said McDermott. "You walk out of this meeting right now or I'll call a recess. Your choice."
McDermott would call a recess with Voakes staying seated in his chair while the rest of council spilled out into the area outside of the council chambers.
After a discussion with the town's clerk and CAO, Voakes apologized to council for any offense taken and the meeting resumed.
McDermott says council is fed up with the disruptions.
"Council members are now standing up to the man. They've had enough. That's the only way we'll stop this," says McDermott.
Council would approve using the access to information process to have the county inform the town the costs of the current library strike, which began on June 25.
Monday night's meeting was also slow to start as Voakes pushed for the mayor's daughter — Pam McDermott — to be removed from council chambers, claiming it was a recommendation of the town's integrity commissioner — Robert Swayze — in his report to council in August.
Swayze didn't make any formal recommendation Ms. McDermott not be allowed to attend council meetings, but did suggest to council it may be prudent if she proves to be a catalyst for disruption.
After a roughly 15 minute discussion, council was able to move on through its agenda.
Voakes was recently docked a month's pay by council after Swayze recommended the penalty against the councillor calling him the "prime cause of disruption" on council and the "uncomfortable work environment" at town hall.
