Councillor questions mayor on election ad

by Laura Walz [email protected] City of Powell River Mayor Stewart Alsgard is standing by an election ad published in a local monthly publication.

Councillor Chris McNaughton raised the issue during the November 3 committee-of-the-whole meeting. “I want to do this gently, because I think it really is important under the circumstances that all of the information we’re conveying is accurate, or as accurate as possible,” McNaughton said. “The ad in Powell River Living says, ‘If re-elected, I will make sure voters will make the decision on the issue of a partnering agreement for co-treatment.’”

Co-treatment is a proposal to treat the city’s sewage at Catalyst Paper Corporation’s Powell River mill. Alsgard attempted to bring forward a resolution at council that would have included a question about co-treatment on the civic election ballot, but a majority of councillors voted to remove his proposed motion from the agenda.

McNaughton said he looked at the Community Charter in light of Alsgard’s ad, because he believes using language like “make sure” means that there is a position of authority with the mayor that could in fact make sure that something happens. “Is there something that I might have missed—you’ve had 12 years at this, I’ve had three—that gives you an entitlement to make sure that something happens that goes beyond the role and responsibility of a council?” McNaughton asked Alsgard. “My understanding is that each of us has one vote and I think, at least my reading of the charter is, that collectively a council makes a decision on what happens within the community.”

Alsgard said he thinks the statement is quite clear. “Yes, I would bring it back and I would bring it back quite emphatically,” he said. “I would bring it back accurately when council does make decisions on these matters, but the mayor can state, as a councillor can state, any intention they so choose.”

The phrase “making sure” is definitive and confuses the power of the office, McNaughton replied.

Alsgard didn’t agree. “I don’t think so. I think it may confuse the concern of candidacy, but that’s your choice,” he said.

Marie Claxton, city clerk, read out the section from the Community Charter that describes powers the mayor has. McNaughton said he read that section the night before and didn’t see anything “that gave power to the mayor, entitled an assertion that the mayor could make sure that voters make the decision.”

Communication is an important issue, McNaughton continued. “I’m just worried that this gives the impression to people who are reading the ad that the mayor’s position has powers to make sure that something happens, because that’s what it says.”

Alsgard replied, “It’s an effective ad.”

McNaughton agreed. “It is very effective. It got my attention,” he said.

“Good,” Alsgard replied. “Thank you.”