Backroom deals are never acceptable

In recent published comments by the CBC, Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Mayor Cecil Clarke suggested that because the Municipal Government Act (MCA) was ignored in the past it is perfectly acceptable for our current elected representatives to continue thumbing a collective nose at a statutory mandate to follow the rules.

What the mayor and council repeatedly did “in camera” (in secret) as opposed to “in public” was a breach of the governing legislation. The MCA is online - I read it. As a former union leader I can state absolutely that these types of backroom deals are never acceptable.

In defence of the breach(s), Mayor Clarke reportedly stated that it is a longstanding practice he inherited from previous CBRM councils and there is no desire to change anything so what’s to champion?

So, that vague political hyperbole makes it acceptable to breach, and continue to breach, statute-based law? Nope. Not much of a defence. That case for continuing the backroom sessions is not playing out well in the court of public opinion. Nor would it play out well in a court of law. It’s a statute which means it’s binding on everyone - including the mayor.

The jury is in. Clarke is a career politician and not a lawyer. Therefore, his opinion on the law should be given the weight it deserves. As an elected leader, no one should have to ask him to champion for change to an illegal precedent. He should just lead. Stephen J. W. Drake River Ryan