Woodstock councillor called out over social media posts

Shown is a screenshot from a story on Woodstock Coun. Kate Leatherbarrow’s Facebook page following training conducted by the city’s integrity commissioner. Leatherbarrow points out which members of council were not in attendance. Coun. Two councillors have released statement condemning the post. Mark Schadenberg attended virtually. (Facebook Photo)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A pair of Woodstock councillors are not happy with the post-meeting behaviour of Coun. Kate Leatherbarrow.

The rookie politician took to Facebook to let her followers know three council members did not attend a public meeting where the city’s integrity commissioner spent over two hours schooling the rest of council on the rules surrounding conflict of interest.

“Coun. Leatherbarrow has no right to spread on social media that I did not attend the integrity commissioner's training course regarding conflict of interest that was requested by her,” said Coun. Connie Lauder in a statement given to the Echo. “The councillor has no idea why I did not attend. I have read the slides that were provided.”

She added she has been on council for almost 20 years and has never had an issue.

“If I have been in doubt, I rely on our excellent staff for guidance. Should I still have a doubt, I would contact the integrity commissioner, as we are able to do. All members of the council are given extensive training prior to being sworn in.”

Lauder said she was told the training came at a cost of $1,000 per hour, paid for by the taxpayer. The meeting was two and a half hours long.

Coun. Deb Tait was also less than impressed with Leatherbarrow’s post.

“I was made aware Coun. Leatherbarrow posted on social media as I was absent for a training seminar by the integrity commissioner. When I was notified, I sent a text asking for it to be removed, as no one should ever mention when a councillor is absent. It actually applies to every level of government.”

She added Leatherbarrow had no idea why she did not attend and brought up an incident involving a previous councillor.

“The reason I asked for it to be removed is because I was away. Former councillor Sandra Talbot had her house broken into once when it was made aware to the public she was away. I do not need anyone knowing my house is empty all day. It was extremely unprofessional and completely out of line. I noted in my message to the councillor the reason why I asked for (the post) to be removed.”

Tait also shared an email she sent to Leatherbarrow and the reply she received.

“Someone sent me this...I would like to point out you are not to comment when someone is absent. Mark was online and I was away. Sandy Talbot had her house broken into when it was mentioned she was away. Would appreciate you taking that down. There are all kinds of reasons why people miss meetings, and terrible for you to put that up,” said Tait’s email.

“Maybe start using social media - to engage with residents. You could benefit from doing that. Also, your absence is noted in the minutes. You may want to review those too!” was the reply from Leatherbarrow.

Leatherbarrow’s post also stated Coun. Mark Schadenberg was absent from the meeting. He attended virtually, something explicitly allowed in the city’s procedural by-law.

The Echo reached out to Leatherbarrow twice via email for comment but did not receive a response.

“There’s not much to say,” said Mayor Jerry Acchione. “It’s not a mandatory requirement to go to meetings. You have to go to so many of them, yes. Do I believe in training? Yes. Do I wish everyone would watch it? Yes.”

Despite having previous training in conflict of interest legislation, Acchione said he took notes on some aspects new to him.

“I’m 12 years on council and I took away a lot more than I expected from it.”

This isn’t the first time she has been criticized for social media posts on her Coun. Kate Leatherbarrow Facebook page. Former city staffer and councillor Paul Plant lodged a code of conduct complaint recently against her. She was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing by the city’s integrity commissioner.

Last week, the Ontario government re-introduced legislation that would, if passed, strengthen municipal governance and accountability.

Ontario is proposing changes through the Municipal Accountability Act that would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of conduct, an integrity commissioner inquiry process that would be consistent throughout the province and mandatory code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards.

“Strong local governance begins with accountability,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “People across Ontario trust their members of council to uphold high standards for how they conduct themselves and address the decisions before them. We have worked closely with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to provide municipal leaders with new tools and resources to deliver good government.”

If passed, the changes would include a penalty of removing and disqualifying a member from office if they are in serious violation of the code. Removal and disqualification could only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and a unanimous vote of council.

“Municipal councils in Ontario have asked for legislation that holds elected officials to a higher standard of accountability,” said Robin Jones, AMO President and Mayor of Westport. “If passed, this bill would deliver on ensuring that as members of council, we are living up to the trust that residents put in us. We commend Minister Flack for getting to this point.”