Councillor Mitchell - influence accusation

[markbarbera]

From today's online edition of chml.com:

City councillor comes under fire
Feb, 07 2008 - 6:00 AM


HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - There are suggestions that a Hamilton councillor may be kicked out of office.
That is a possibility, if allegations against Councillor David Mitchell are proven.

The Spectator says councillor Robert Pasuta revealed behind closed doors Tuesday Mitchell "lobbied" him to support a controversial land ruling on his farm.

Mitchell is trying to sever part of his Binbrook property.

But he insists he never had conversations about his application with his colleagues and he does not believe he is in conflict.

By law, councillors aren't allowed to influence a vote when they could be affected financially.

If guilty, a councillor is dismissed from office and can be barred from running again for several years.

The city's lawyer will report to council on its options for dealing with the allegation.