Downer, chair of the service board, was asked about the potential for conflict following discussions on the issue at the Great Humber Joint Council.
A couple of meetings ago three joint council members — all elected municipal representatives — were asked to leave the room when waste management was discussed. During this past Saturday’s meeting the topic came up again with some members feeling it was a potential conflict and others thinking it should be up to the individuals to decide. It was suggested the members seek clarification from the service board on the issue.
Downer said the service board is in the process of drawing up a terms of reference that will outline its regulations in the area of conflict. He added that accusations board members are under a gag order are not true whatsoever. He said service board members have been told that the chair is the spokesperson with the media, but they can update their councils or joint councils on whatever issues that have been dealt with within the board. But there is a “however” attached when it comes to decisions of the board.
Downer said individual members may oppose a decision within the board, but cannot go outside and speak against it after.
“If they get in situations where they are contradicting, or maligning or bad mouthing any decision that is made by the board, obviously that is not condoned.”
Downer said the board would not expect any member to go to a council or joint council meeting and say they voted against a decision and that they strongly disagreed with it.
Twitter:@WS_DianeCrocker
