Sep 14, 2012- 10:37 AM
I can remember being a child and doing something that I knew was wrong, and as many children do, I did not want to admit to my wrongdoing in fear of shame and reprisal.
I can also remember looking for a scapegoat, or trying to use smoke and mirrors to deter from the wrongdoing. As I matured, though, I learned that accepting my fault was not just part of the growing process, but also was vital in order to stop making the same mistakes twice.
So when I read this article I was appalled (not shocked), that Ward 10 Coun. Frances Calderelli had the audacity to suggest that the ombudsman’s process violated her right to legal counsel.
In fact, she goes on to paint herself as a victim of the process, and suggests that the whole process be overhauled. Wow, she is an adult, right?
Have you even read Mr. Marin’s report Ms. Calderelli, or are you simply offended that anyone had the gumption to question your decisions as a councillor? Is this why you are reacting like a scolded child?
Mr. Marin states in his report that he found no wrongdoing. But this is based on the information that he was provided. By the admission of most councillors, you were mostly unco-operative.
The ombudsman was not leading a witch hunt. As the commissioner of fairness, he was looking for the truth. It would seem by the actions of almost all of council it is the truth that was/is being protected.
Furthermore, you claim that the whole process now, and during the “hands in the cookie jar,” Elton John fiasco, was intimidating.
Yes indeed, Ms. Calderelli, I can recall being intimidated by the process of having to own up to my wrongdoings. I can also recall being intimidated even when I was not in the wrong.
The difference between the two was there was no fear of reprisal when I was innocent. Typically, being honest, open, and not running from the inquisition would result in my being absolved.
You were entitled to legal counsel, and some of your colleagues followed the proper process of bringing in outside council. Your argument that you needed a specialized legal representative holds no water, as I am certain there are lawyers other than the city solicitor who could have ethically represented you.
Having the city solicitor, logically, derails the entire process.
Ms. Calderelli, and all of council, you are elected officials. You are also all human, prone to imperfection, influence, and error. You do, in fact, answer to the public.
You are not royalty that can dictate to the citizens. You are not supreme leaders that can scoff at public dissatisfaction. And you are not protected by some diplomatic immunity that detaches you from accountability.
Ms. Calderelli, in the 2010 election you held on to your seat with only five votes. In the 2006 election, your win was substantially higher with a 1,055 vote lead. Perhaps you should look at the black-and-white truth of these numbers. As a member of your ward who has, in the past, contacted your office and not received a response, I am wholly dissatisfied with your “leadership.”
I eagerly look forward to the next election. Keep up the good work. It would seem that the public is responding, and it is not in your favour.
Chris Nerpin
Greater Sudbury
