Dryden’s Integrity Commissioner has released a report on one the city councillors.
The report deals two complaints made against councillor Ritch Noel on a social media post he made about a drag story time at the Dryden Public Library.
Noel says he’s not bigoted and actually financially supported the Pride parade in the past.
“I’m most certainly did, and I can go back into my business records and get that,” Noel told council at Monday night’s meeting.
“Not only that, but I also helped plan some of that event. Planning logistical things like parking…garbage collection.”
But councillor Catherine Kiewning says she has issues with the report and the City’s Code of Conduct.
“Amending our Code of Conduct to be more explicit. Because we cannot claim we are an inclusive city to live, work and play in, when language like this does not protect our most vulnerable citizens.”
The report says while he, the Integrity Commissioner, does not endorse Noel’s social media comments, they were not in violation of the Municipal Code of Conduct.
It adds that he also did not use his position on council to influence the Library Board.
He adds that a refresher course for all of council on the Code of Conduct would be useful.
The Integrity Commissioner’s report cost the City of Dryden, before taxes, about $4,530.
The full report can be read here
(Photo: City of Dryden’s Integrity Commissioner Guy Giorno)
