A Code of Conduct complaint filed against Gananoque councillor Dave Osmond has been dismissed following an investigation by the Town’s Integrity Commissioner.
The complaint stemmed from a series of emails exchanged in April regarding a request to update Gananoque’s animal control by-law to include cats. The complainant alleged Osmond breached sections of the Town’s Code of Conduct related to integrity, open-minded decision making, and respectful communication.
In the final report, the Integrity Commissioner found there was no evidence Osmond violated the Code of Conduct. The report stated the councillor remained open to discussion on the issue and did not use language that would reasonably be considered abusive, disrespectful, or intimidating.
The investigation concluded that while sarcasm was present in some responses, it did not rise to the level of a Code of Conduct breach.
Following the decision, Osmond posted a statement on social media saying this was the third Integrity Commissioner complaint against him in the past year to be dismissed. He also raised concerns about investigation costs to taxpayers and suggested council consider fees for filing complaints that are later dismissed.
(By: Tim Baltz)
