By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Town of Ingersoll’s integrity commissioner and closed meeting investigator has resigned due to workload issues
In a news release from the town, it acknowledges and appreciates the contributions Robert Swayze has made during his tenure. In the interim, John Mascarin has been appointed as acting integrity commissioner.
“The process of appointing a new integrity commissioner is underway, and the town is committed to ensuring investigations continue smoothly and without interruption. Under the Municipal Act, an integrity commissioner must be appointed to serve the town council, town staff, and the public with the respective parties' questions or concerns,” the release said.
The Gazette reached out to the town’s clerk, Danielle Richard, for more information regarding current investigations.
“Complaints are submitted to the attention of the integrity commissioner, who, upon receipt, determines if the matter has merit per the code of conduct which will determine if it will be investigated. The integrity commissioner will conduct their investigation and the outcome and recommendations will be considered at a council meeting.”
She added until the report is made public, the town will not comment on the status of any investigation, nor are staff typically aware of that status.
“Any investigation that was active at the time of Mr. Swayze's resignation would be assumed by the interim commissioner. To source a new integrity commissioner, staff will be bringing forward a report for Council consideration detailing options under the town's procurement policy.”
Swayze has been in the commissioner’s role for several Ontario municipalities including the City of Mississauga where he also resigned last year citing workload issues. A story in the Mississauga News from March 8, 2023, said “he’s the integrity commissioner in 30 other municipalities and the most active is Mississauga and has requested to be relieved of his duties.”
His tenure in Mississauga wasn’t without controversy. The story goes on to say his resignation followed controversy around his treatment of allegations that a councillor vandalized a colleague’s vehicle. Swayze initially declined to investigate the allegations and after one of the councillors went public, he eventually did and the offending elected official had their pay suspected for 60 days.
Swayze is or has been an integrity commissioner for Belleville, Stratford, Carleton Place and Oxford County, just to name a few.
Richard explained the town is committed to ensuring the public continues to have access to an accountability officer who acts as the town's commissioner.
“This obligation is taken very seriously which is why the Town moved swiftly to accept Mr. Swayze's resignation and appoint an interim accountability officer.”
Any questions from the public should be directed to Richard at danielle.richard@ingersoll.ca.
Comments