Disero violated NOTL code of conduct: Mazza
A Niagara-on-the-Lake councillor accused another council member of violating the municipality’s code of conduct for elected officials Monday and requested advice from town staff about what to do about it.
Coun. Martin Mazza said he overheard Coun. Betty Disero talking to Coun. John Wiens about an issue that she had declared a conflict of interest on at a public meeting earlier in the evening. He said her comments were made to Wiens while fire Chief Rob Grimwood was speaking to council about the aftermath of Sunday’s fire at the Niagara Lavender Festival.
“What gives this councillor the right to talk or try to influence another councillor … when I can clearly hear her talking about trees on the property at 427 Butler St.,” said Mazza.
At the public meeting, there was an application for a zoning bylaw amendment for the Butler Street property for the future severance of a lot for residential use. No one spoke against the application.
“I’m nervous, I’m shaking right now,” said Mazza, who was visibly emotional. “Rules were broken and I’m disgusted.”
He said when he asked Disero
about her comments, she told him to stop eavesdropping. Mazza, who sits beside Wiens, said he could clearly hear the conversation. Coun. Jamie King, who was chairing the committee-of-thewhole meeting, said he did not hear the conversation so he couldn’t comment or provide any clarity on it.
“I don’t want to put the councillor on the spot asking her to respond at this time,” King said.
When Mazza requested advice about what could be done about his complaint, town clerk Peter Todd advised him that they could speak privately later.
“I can outline the procedure to formally request an investigation from the integrity commissioner,” said Todd.
Contacted later for comment, Disero simply stated: “I cannot respond at this time but will send comments when appropriate.”