[markbarbera]

A fresh case on the way?

Ex-Whitehead aide alleges harassment

Council may send case to new integrity boss
December 03, 2009
EMMA REILLY
THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR

A city staffer who worked as Councillor Terry Whitehead's assistant has filed a harassment complaint against her one-time boss.

The assistant, who now works in another city department, raised concerns about the Mountain councillor's conduct towards her.

Council will decide at next week's meeting whether Whitehead's behaviour should be examined by the incoming integrity commissioner. City sources characterized the complaint as bully-type behaviour.

Whitehead said news of the allegations came as a "complete shock" and he was unaware of yesterday's committee motion.

"I assure you that I'm fully prepared to co-operate with the process," he said last night.

"I'm sure it's going to be emotionally draining for myself and my family, but we need to allow this process to unfold."

The allegations were presented to the audit and administration committee at a closed-door meeting yesterday. The committee then voted to send the issue to council, which will determine whether Whitehead's conduct will be the new integrity commissioner's first investigation.

"What we heard today was disturbing and serious, and that's why we sent it to council for ultimate discussion," said committee chair Brad Clark yesterday.

If the complaint is investigated by the integrity commissioner, Whitehead could face a reprimand, and up to 90 days without pay.

Whitehead was first elected in 2003. Before sitting on city council, he worked for MP David Christopherson, former mayor Bob Morrow and former deputy prime minister Sheila Copps.

He is the fifth sitting council member to face internal allegations about code of conduct violations.

Clark, Mayor Fred Eisenberger and councillors David Mitchell and Bernie Morelli have faced investigations into their behaviour.

Eisenberger's office says the mayor is taking time off for personal reasons and won't be available to comment until later this week.