Page 4 - Dec. 14, 2017 Regular edition

Editorial
Petrolia Mayor John McCharles is adamant there is nothing more to for the public to see of the investiga- tion into properties owned by the former CAO.
But the facts released by the town are the proof the whole truth should come out. At an open council meeting Monday, the mayor read part of his year-end address reiterating the report into the former CAO’s conduct won’t be released.
He assured the people packing the chambers and in the hallway that the investigation, in his own words, had “been impressed with the commitment and profes- sionalism of town senior administrative sta and their focus on moving forward” and that he saw “no reason to believe that there were other problems within the administration of the town.”
If that is true - and it very well could be - why did the town black out the name of the employee who ap- proved supplies for 395 Fletcher St. before the former CAO owned the building?
Why has no one from council corrected the statement from the former CAO that he didn’t accept rent from the town, when the town’s own ledger clearly shows he did?
Several municipal o cials and experts have told e Independent information contained in the report shows whether government at the highest level in Petrolia is working and citizens are entitled to know that. Even the Information and Privacy Commissioners o ce stated “ ere may be legitimate reasons, such as public trans- parency and accountability, why an institution would choose to exercise its discretion in favour of disclosure.” If there was ever a case for transparency and account- ability this is it.
We call again on town councillors to release the inves- tigator’s report.
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CORRECTION In the Dec. 7, 2017 edition of The Independent on page 10, the photo credit beneath the Petrolia Flyers photo was incorrect. It should have read Courtney Holbrook Photography Photo.
Page 4
The Independent
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Citizens deserve
Our Story
An early picture of what is now Faith Trinity United Church in Shetland. The Dawn-Euphemia church was rst built in 1835 and remains much like this now. The stable to the right has been removed as have the chimneys. The building is
now home to three congrega ons, Shetland, Oakdale and Edys Mills.
Petrolia Heritage Photo
to hear the rest
of the story
Bilton and Williams are community institutions
I cannot remember a time when Bill Bilton and Leslea Williams were not around the Dawn-Euphemia council table.
When I began my career as a journalist, I was covering Lambton County council. at’s where I rst met Bilton. It was an interesting time as Sarnia had not rejoined the county yet.
ere were many politicians with a lot to say. Bilton wasn’t one of those people. But, when he did stand to speak, people took notice. Even then, he was a seasoned politician known for calling a spade a spade.
I would see Leslea Williams at the county o ces, too. She worked there at the time and would o en sit with the employees at the back of the room, absorbing all that went on. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was likely all
part of her constant learning curve to be an more e ective councillor.
Williams and Bilton have seen a
lot over the years; the formation of a re department, Sarnia returning to the county fold, the amalgamation of Dawn-Euphemia, the furor over wind turbines.
ey have served so long together, sometimes they are like an old married couple, nishing each other’s thoughts about things that happened years before.
ey have each handled life in politics and the struggles that go with it in their own unique style - both interested and opinionated but never seeking out the spotlight.
Williams and Bilton have always been there just to serve the community.
at’s likely why they have been in
o ce for 35 years. e people in their communities know them, and their faults, and know that through everything they have the best of Dawn-Euphemia in mind in every decision.
I don’t know if
you will see the
name Bilton and
Williams on the
2018 ballot, but I
wouldn’t be surprised if you do. e 83 year-old Bilton wouldn’t tip his hand about his election plans. Perhaps it was because his wife was beside him or maybe it’s the politician in him.
Heather Wright
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