Mayor apologizes for profanity

By Chris Simon

Mayor Brian Jackson has apologized for his use of profanity during a recess at a council meeting last month, but not for allegedly threatening and assaulting a fellow councillor.
"There was inappropriate language used," said Jackson. "I neglected to apologize at the time. This is the first public opportunity since that meeting. It's not language commonly used by myself in my private practice or home. Unfortunately, we all make mistakes."
The apology was issued at the beginning of the council meeting July 8, Jackson's first formal public opportunity since the alleged incident took place June 24. At that meeting, councillor Bill Pring introduced a motion calling for the establishment of a new provincial negotiating team — consisting of deputy mayor Gord Wauchope, councillor Dan Davidson, planning and development manager Rob McAuley and legal staff — with a main objective of ensuring the creation of 13,000 new jobs in the Innisfil Heights corridor, with servicing of the area provided through the town's municipal wastewater treatment plant. After the motion was deferred, Jackson called a five minute recess, and walked into a private meeting room with Pring.
Jackson's lapel microphone was inadvertently left on, and he proceeded to berate and swear at Pring, allowing residents, staff members and local media to hear the intendedly-private conversation.
When Pring, Jackson and deputy mayor Gord Wauchope emerged from the meeting room about 15 minutes later, the councillor immediately apologized for the motion. Jackson has since been charged with assault and uttering threats, with a court appearance scheduled for August.
Some say the town's image has been damaged by the recent outburst.
"As the town moves forward in dealing with (boundary change) over the coming months, it's important the public have confidence in our leaders," said resident John Hurd, addressing council. "In the best interest of Innisfil, and given the criminal charges, (Jackson) should resign. We're being put at a disadvantage."
Pring's motion was debated at Wednesday night's council meeting. Council unanimously passed an amended recommendation, which calls for Jackson, Wauchope, McAuley and the town's legal team to enter into discussions with County of Simcoe representatives, to determine the best course of action to ensure Innisfil Heights servicing and employment targets are met. The resolution also suggests the province must ensure the 'protection' of property owners transitioning to Barrie tax rates, and compensation for the town's potential land loss.
As part of the recommendation, staff will also be required to prepare a report on long-term population, growth management and employment projection concerns. Jackson and Wauchope will also be required to update council as the issue develops, and grant staff permission to hire legal support.
"This is a contentious issue ... this is middle of the road," said councillor Rod Boynton. "Hopefully, this will resolve the concerns of all councillors and help this town move forward."
Jackson agrees.
"There's a lot of work to be done," he said. "This will allow us to direct administration to attend meetings and get the regulations for (the proposed boundary changes)."