Mayor Kristal Chopp has been cleared of all wrongdoing in regards to the “shit sandwich” incident but the investigation into it has got her into hot water with Norfolk’s Integrity Commissioner.
It is well documented that Mayor Chopp presented a picture of a fecal sandwich to Municipal Affairs Minister Steven Clark during a meeting earlier this year to show the state of affairs that Norfolk was in.
She asked him if he knew what it was, he replied with a “shit sandwich”, and Mayor Chopp went on to explain that the picture represented the county’s current situation.
This matter was brought to the Integrity Commissioner with the person filing the complaint.
The complaint alleges that the Mayor contravened Sections 5.3 and 5.6 of the Code of Conduct and Sections 10.1(d), 10.2(a) and (c) of the Procedural By-Law.
We will have those written at the bottom of the story in full, but in general, it alleges she did not properly represent her role as Mayor and did not properly represent the county, with these actions.
Cowan said in her written report to council that while potentially dismaying to some, Mayor Chopp did not contravene the strict wording of the Code.
It was also noted that the Minister was not offended by the act.
She does note immediately after this that this decision should not be taken to be a general lowering of the bar with respect to matters relating to proper respect, civility and decorum.
Mayor Chopp did not escape without punishment though.
In the report, Cowan said she was contacted by Norfolk CAO Jason Burgess advising that he had reviewed the Notice and was knowledgeable of the issue.
Cowan says that he sought, amongst other things, to interject with us on behalf of the Mayor.
The issue here is that Mayor Chopp forwarded the initial complaint to Burgess, revealing confidential information in the process.
The by-law in place regarding complaints says that the Integrity Commissioner shall identify all complainants to the Member who is the subject of the complaint and require that they
maintain the identity of the complainant as confidential.
Mayor Chopp said in an email back to the Cowan that she believes this information was sent to all of council but admitted after the fact that she was mistaken.
For this action, Cowan recommends council reprimand Mayor Chopp for this violation.
It is on Tuesday’s agenda to be addressed.
While this was released late Friday on the agenda, CBC released an article revealing that Mayor Chopp had used the “shit sandwich” image at least one other time during a slideshow presentation after the fact.
During her speech at Norfolk’s Economic Development Symposium, Mayor Chopp did specifically mention the sandwich as well – being met by applause in the room.
Below, we’ve attached audio from Mayor Kristal Chopp responding the original CBC article that broke the news about the “shit sandwich” and the specific sections that the complainant believed Mayor Chopp violated.
The relevant provisions of the Code and the Procedural By-Law are set out below:
The Code
5.3 Members will conduct their dealings with each other in ways that maintain public confidence in the position to which they have been elected or appointed. Members will be open and honest, focus on issues rather than personalities, and avoid aggressive, offensive or abusive conduct.
5.6 In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, S.C. 2001, c. 25, and the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter M.50, every Member shall exercise his or her ower and discharge his or her official duties in accordance with the following guiding principles:
a) Seek to advance the common good of Norfolk County;
b) Exercise care, diligence and skill that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances;
c) Exercise his or her powers only for the purposes for which they were intended; and
d) Truly, faithfully and impartially exercise his or her office to the best of his or her knowledge and ability.
The Procedural By-Law
10.1 In accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, it is the Role of the Mayor as the Head of Council:
(d) To represent the municipality at official functions;
10.2 As Chief Executive Officer of the County, the Head of Council shall:
(a) Uphold and promote the purposes of the municipality;
(c) Act as the representative of the County both within and outside the municipality and promote the County locally, nationally and internationally;