Mayor Advises On Code Of Conduct Position
The City of Hamilton restated its position on having the recently approved Code of Conduct enshrined in law.
Mayor of Hamilton Graeme Outerbridge stated, “The revised Code of Conduct, which can be found on the City of Hamilton’s website, must be enshrined in law to ensure each Council member who signs it is legally bound to uphold it.
“This will ensure the Code is advanced from an internal policy of consent to a legal document bound by legislation. Current and previous city administrations have identified this as mandatory in order for the Code to have teeth.”
Mayor Outerbridge added, “Looking back as far as 2007, this was asked of the Minister at the time. The opportunity was not taken in 2010 with the most recent changes to the Municipalities Act. However we remain encouraged that the Minister for Home Affairs Michael Fahy is supporting the Council’s request and has stated the Code will be mandated in law.
“The City of Hamilton together with the Corporation of St Georges will be making further substantive suggestions to the amendment of the Municipalities Act as invited by Minister Fahy. We look forward to seeing his final recommendations for amendments to the Municipalities Act.”
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Actually Graeme, I believe the Minister stated he was considering legislating a Code of Conduct BEFORE you mentioned it a week later when you signed your revised code. Just to set the timing straight.
I haven’t been into Hamilton in a while but was wondering where’s that new flag pole that was promised?
No our approach was before the Minister’s first statement on our code and again requested by me at the first Forum the Minister conducted on reform. The Flag pole is in the process of being shipped. Good News connected with the new poll too^^ Stay tuned ^..^
Mr. Mayor,
I appreciate your dedication to answer online questions. With that in mind please advise:
What is the Corporation’s Elected Members’ Substance Abuse Policy? Where is it posted online?
When and why would it be necessary for a member to need a Corporation car?
Why do the current members not feel it necessary to “treat any staff employed by the Corporation with courtesy and respect” (per language from the previous Code)?
If “Members should keep confidential information in a secure compartment or receptacle on a daily basis at the close of each business day” why was the lease permitted to leave the premises?
Why is there no requirement to keep an accurate record of all Corporation meetings, deliberations & decisions?
Why must the Mayor (or his sole delegate) be the only conduit for release and approval of information to taxpayers?
The code might have grown in pages but it appears short on best practices. Why?