Council denies Wordofa’s reimbursement again

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Stratford city council has again denied a request from Coun. Geza Wordofa to have the City of Stratford reimburse his legal fees.

At the most recent council meeting on July 27, Wordofa asked for a reimbursement of about $13,003.48 in fees, a similar petition he made in September 2025 when he asked for $14,571.10 to be reimbursed. According to the staff report, these costs were incurred by “investigations that have been conducted.” Although no specific information was given in the report, much of the conversation in council chambers in 2025 and July 2026 revolved around an Integrity Commissioner complaint – though chief administrative officer (CAO) André Morin clarified that there were multiple investigations beyond an Integrity Commissioner’s review.

As a matter pertaining to identifiable individuals, the information allowed to be made public was limited. Morin nevertheless gave the following statement ahead of the discussion:

“There were complaints filed. Investigations were conducted. No court proceedings have been commenced to the knowledge of the city. The city does have errors and omissions insurance, which covers council members' legal fees in certain circumstances. This policy does not apply to cover the fees in this particular case.”

“I like Coun. Wordofa, I’m glad he’s on our council,” Coun. Mark Hunter, who originally made the motion to deny the request back in September, said. “This is a tough situation because there's information we are required to keep confidential because it could identify individuals, and we have no permission to disclose that information. My obligation was to look at the taxpayers in the community, and I didn't feel that reimbursement was justified. So that's why I proposed it, and I've seen nothing new to change my mind on that.”

Hunter’s sentiment was shared around the horseshoe. Many councillors expressed a similar opinion and Coun. Larry McCabe and Coun. Bonnie Henderson both shared that they have been subject to an Integrity Commissioner’s investigation and neither felt it was necessary to go to a lawyer.

To date, no information about an investigation into Wordofa by the Integrity Commissioner or other body has been publicized – nor has any action or comment made by him been given as the reason for an investigation.

The Times attempted to reach Wordofa for comment, though didn’t hear back before publication.