Police board and family

How is it that an experienced, second-term councillor did not feel it was necessary to recuse herself from police board compensation discussions when she has a son on the payroll? Three “advisory” notices later, exposed by a colleague, and now she decides to “follow the rules.”

There are two problems here, as I see it. The first; Ms. Paul’s failure to declare a conflict of interest knowing full well, and with warnings, that she should. The second; councillors with family members in police service should not be permitted to be members of the police board, despite a history to the contrary.

Kudos to the integrity commissioner for the reprimand. And to Coun. Cameron Kroetsch for his considered approach. But going forward, let us please see a change in policy. Robin McGinlay, Dundas