Kim Westad, Timescolonist.com September 1, 2010
VICTORIA — Two North Saanich councillors have resigned, saying they can no longer work with the current council that they say has marginalized them in decision-making. Councillors Bob Shaw and Sheilah Fea quit effective today, which will mean a by-election will have to be held in North Saanich. “I enjoyed my first term on council under Ted Daly as mayor, but have found it increasingly difficult to work with Mayor (Alice) Finall and the majority of council whose agendas and priorities differ from Sheilah’s and mine,” Shaw said today. “Sheilah and I have been effectively marginalized in council decision making and have limited roles as liaisons to our more significant commissions and other community and regional organizations.” Of particular concern to both councillors is a recent civil court case, where fellow councillor Peter Chandler was successfully sued in B.C. Supreme Court for defamation of a citizen. Chandler was ordered to pay $15,000 in damages. A council indemnification bylaw says that the municipality will pay legal costs if a politician or senior staff is sued in the course of doing their job. The municipality has an insurance company pays the fine and legal costs, but it means municipal insurance costs go up to the tune of $170,000 over the next few years. “My efforts to secure legal advice as to whether Chandler is entitled to full indemnification of his costs and the damages awarded have to date been frustrated by the mayor,” Shaw said. Council often splits 5-2 on issues, with Fea and Shaw the two. As well, the two councillors say that the mayor has made “unilateral decisions on the forced departure of key senior officers of the district.” One was paid almost $100,000 in severance, said Shaw, who wouldn’t identify the employees.
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