Support for Mayor Bradley unwarranted Sir: While reading the letters in your paper supporting Mayor Mike Bradley and decrying the actions of the six councilors for abiding by the recommendations of Integrity Commissioner Robert Swayze, I am in consta
Support for Mayor Bradley unwarranted
Sir: While reading the letters in your paper supporting Mayor Mike Bradley and decrying the actions of the six councilors for abiding by the recommendations of Integrity Commissioner Robert Swayze, I am in constant amazement that the mayor is forever supported.
The evidence is clear that he caused discomfort to former employees; to the extent they submitted affidavits to the Commissioner outlining their concerns about Bradley’s conduct. (The City Manager has retained legal counsel).
And there is currently another internal investigation under the Workplace Harassment Policy J-01. It, too, has been requested, apparently with the focus being on Mayor Bradley as well.
To condemn the six councilors for their decision to penalize Bradley (Councillors Kelch and Boushy declined) is unjustified. The appointment of an Integrity Commissioner was lauded by Bradley, and it is ironic that he would be the first to undergo scrutiny.
But it was justified. Two of our top city employees, with commendable records, educational qualifications and professional demeanor, were strong enough in their beliefs and feeling of mistreatment by the Mayor that they pursued an investigation, and Mr. Swayze, a man with 48 years of experience in the business, found the Mayor was guilty of violating the City’s Code of Conduct.
What should also be of major concern to the citizens of Sarnia is the conduct of the police and fire employees who filled the chambers at the time of the discussion and the decision to dock the mayor’s salary.
The behavior of the employees was a disgrace and the standing and clapping during Councillor Boushy’s defence of the mayor raucous. The comments made by the employees were unprofessional, unwarranted and insulted the ladies who felt justified in bringing their concerns forward.
The ladies who brought forth the complaints deserve more respect than has been afforded them. Not enough has been said about what they went through, nor enough acknowledgment of the damage they suffered at the hands of “iron-fisted Mike.”
John Vollmar
Sarnia
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Park deserves better caretaking
Sir: I find it very interesting that on a sign in Centennial Park the city has written, “Water your Trees.”
But whoever is trimming the grass at the bottom of the trees in the park is stressing them just as much. Cutting into the bark is really a stressor and will eventually kill the tree.
Come on folks – clean up your act.
Sharon Stewart
Sarnia
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Yes to Noelle Paquette Memorial School
Sir: I am responding to the July 21 letter from Mary Ettinger entitled “Noelle Paquette Memorial School?”
My response is “yes!” And here is why:
1) Noelle was a well-known and much loved teacher. Her students adored her and her co-workers enjoyed working with her.
2) She was dedicated to supporting and raising up children, and her family has continued Noelle’s inspiring belief in the potential of children with the foundation.
3) Noelle touched the lives of so many people in the Sarnia-Lambton area. I have yet to met someone in Sarnia who does not have some sort of “six degrees of separation” with Noelle.
4) Noelle’s young life was ended in a horrific way, but the renaming of the school in her memory would focus on the positive impact her life had on children
5) Renaming the school would be a reminder of how our community came together to support a family, which is what community is about.
6) The current debates of St. Clair vs. SCITS is limiting, an “us or them” debate of identity. Renaming the high school in memory of Noelle brings the debate beyond the limiting identities and reminds all Sarnians of something bigger, of looking beyond ones own identity.
For me, Noelle has become a reminder of community, of hope, of belief in a future through the nurturing of young minds. The Noelle Paquette Memorial School! Where is the petition so I can sign?
Stephanie Rea
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Bullying mayor should resign
Sir: Mayor Bradley has a great track record for the City of Sarnia, and lots of things have been well done during his tenure as mayor.
But that does not give him the right to harass, abuse and bully well-qualified city hall employees who are hired for their ability, expertise and qualifications (things Bradley doesn’t seem to have).
That the abuse has been going on for years (The Journal, July 7) makes city council also guilty by not doing anything about it.
The mayor should resign. There are too many accusations. And to be fair, Councillors Mike Kelch and Dave Boushy, who don’t seem to see much wrong with Bradley’s behavior, should also resign.
City council is now divided, with six for and three against the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendations. From now on there will be two parties within council. Mayor Bradley already showed that by accusing the Commissioner’s supporters of being accountable for the $60,000-plus cost of his report.
In my opinion, the mayor’s behavior is directly responsible for the spending of that tax money.
Being a mayor or council member for more than 10 years comes with the danger of losing the reason why you became a member of council in the first place.
T. Huizinga
Sarnia
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Kudos for great hospital care
Sir: I was recently a patient at Bluewater Health-Sarnia.
The installation of a pacemaker proved to be a much greater adventure than anticipated.
I wish to express my deepest thanks to the team in the operating room, and to the nurses of the I.C.U. ward. You are the best!
No one with whom I came in contact during my stay was any less than the tops. My grateful thanks to each and every one.
Don Paquette
Sarnia
