Lennon: In Support of an Independent Investigation

Serious allegations of wrongdoing by some council members, town employees and members of several boards and commissions have been made.  While Mayor Trinks and Deputy Mayor Simon are of the opinion that the ethics complaints can be investigated internally, I respectfully disagree, seeing as some of the allegations involve the deputy mayor himself. 

While Mr Simon’s remarks on social media sites are merely an issue of poor judgment on his part, other allegations such as violating the Windsor Town Charter, and the Windsor Code of Ethics, to name a few, are serious charges. To dismiss these and other charges with an “internal” investigation makes a mockery of the system. 

Though I do not question the integrity of any of our councilors or our town employees, a full and independent investigation into the charges, and the events giving raise to the allegations  is in the best interest of the town, the council, and in particular the individuals whose reputations are affected.  People need to have confidence in their public officials; anything short of a full and independent investigation will leave a cloud of suspicion over the people involved. Such is unfair to them and undermines the very essence of public service.

I appeal to the full council to look outside of the Town and our town government to carry out the investigation. I also submit that in the interest of maintaining the integrity of the process Mayor Trinks and Deputy Mayor Simon recuse themselves from any vote on whether the investigation will remain internal.