After the 2018 election it became apparent that we needed to review and improve our election policies. Since that time this has been discussed at council several times and 2/4 reports have been passed in the Council Chambers. Here is a brief history:
Windsor Star- September 2019, ” Essex town council requests report on election bylaw improvements”
“We’re standing up for democracy,” said Coun. Sherry Bondy following the meeting. “All candidates need a level playing field.”
Councillor Bondy – Election Policy and By-Law Discussions
Moved by Councillor Bondy
Seconded by Councillor Bjorkman
(R19-09-376) That Council direct Administration to review and report
on election policies, including the use of corporate resources and the
sign by-law, but excluding the review and report on proxy voting. ( proxy voting was the topic of a police investigation so could not be discussed)
Recorded Vote : Support Opposed
Deputy Mayor Meloche X
Councillor Bjorkman X
Councillor Bondy X
Mayor Snively X
Councillor Verbeek X
Councillor Garon X
Morley Bowman X
Councillor Vander Doelen X
Results 8 in Support
Spring Ahead April 6th 2021, the Report on Use of Corporate Resources is here!
It took a long time but we are getting there and I am proud to be a part of the solution. Early on in the investigation I was told by the main investigator, “proxy voting has been going on in your municipality for a long time”. Well I hope we continue to allow for the legitimate use for proxy votes but stacking the deck with proxy votes from a campaign team needs to stop. At one point according to the emails from Town hall one candidate had 30 proxy forms signed with his/her name on it. Other candidates knew all about this, stay tuned for those emails.
We have also fixed the Use of Corportate Resourse policy by candidates in the election period. This mean no more sitting in the mayors chair for pictures, no use town Logo on flyers, no more town hall in the background of election signs and no more using town staff to help your campaign.
I have been told by local media the Essex Mayor has another Judicial Pre-Trail at the end of May.
https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/town-of-essex-adopts-new-policy-on-election-campaigning
https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/new-election-policy-going-before-essex-town-council-1.14922741
