tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post8617159890327527464..comments2023-06-08T06:52:51.532-04:00Comments on Guelph Politico: Leanne Piper (Ward 5) - Candidate QuestionnaireAdam A. Donaldsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12212181549039679400noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-80255522900546733642014-10-19T20:42:38.801-04:002014-10-19T20:42:38.801-04:00Hello Anonymous, sorry for the delay, as I was jus...Hello Anonymous, sorry for the delay, as I was just notified that your comment was waiting here on the Guelph Politico site. <br /><br />All rules of order were followed and can be verified by the City Clerk. All Board appointments are made by Council, generally during the first meeting of December each year. Committee and Board appointments normally rotate each term so that different members of Council have an opportunity to sit on different organizations such as GRCA, Guelph Junction Railway, Police Board, etc. At the time, Cllr. Kovach had already served two terms on the PSB, during which time her daughter had become a full-time Constable within the organization. In December 2010, there were 4 members of Council who indicated interested in sitting on Police Board. However, they all stood down because Cllr. Kovach indicated the Board might need an interim Chair (the previous chair Dave Clark, had reached the maximum term and was retiring from the Board). Council voted her appointment (the motion was for one year) and an additional amendment was made to allow her to run for the Chair of the Board if no chair was appointed (a change in normal practice). The minutes were recorded and passed using a template by the Clerk's office for the standard four year appointment, even though the motion was one year. A video recording confirms the intent was one year. During that year, Board member Judy Sorbara was selected as the Board Chair.<br /><br />One year later, Council intended to appoint a replacement. However, at that time, Cllr. Kovach did not step down. Members of Council (including Cllr. Guthrie) clearly recollected that the original motion was for one year. Two other members of Council, as well as myself,who had previously intended to stand for nomination indicated they would be putting their names forward. <br /><br />Cllr. Kovach was contacted in writing in advance to advise of this, so there was no surprise or confusion about why or what motion was being made. At the time, I expected three councillors (including myself)to put their names forward for nomination. On the evening in question, after the appointment was re-opened by a majority vote, the other two interested candidates decided not to stand for nomination. This left me alone as the nominee, which I can tell you was very awkward. I acknowledged at the time that the optics of the situation were not ideal, and that the media really enjoyed making it look worse. <br /><br />I can assure you that process was followed to the letter, that Cllr. Kovach knew ahead of time in writing, and that there was no personal agenda or attack on her many years of service to the Board.<br /><br />Although there is an honourarium associated with the appointment, I want to note that I donate to several charities in lieu. I hope this helps to answer your question open and honestly. Please feel free to contact me at leanne@ward5.ca if you have additional questions.<br /><br />LeanneLCPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04606949562062175527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1476825681109011814.post-21607679422606502152014-10-04T20:36:09.942-04:002014-10-04T20:36:09.942-04:00Leanne, I know there are always two sides to every...Leanne, I know there are always two sides to every story, and I would like to hear your side to the story of when Gloria Kovach was dismissed from the police board and you took her place.It may be old history now, but, it is about character in my opinion. Please let readers know how that took place and if the rules were followed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com