Conduct unbecoming

Jul 18, 2007

When town councillors are elected, with that comes responsibility and a certain amount of influence to make change.

While each councillor brings their own personal experiences to the table, which helps them to make decisions, trying to pull some weight by drawing on such personal experience to bash a local business in a public meeting is not acceptable.

At a recent Bracebridge administration and finance committee meeting, councillor Lori-Lynn Giaschi-Pacini took it upon herself to discuss a recent experience by some family friends at a Bracebridge business, which she described as less than pleasant.

Giaschi-Pacini then went on to suggest a link to the business’s website on the town-sponsored Heart of Muskoka website should be removed immediately, stating that it reflects badly on the town to have it listed.

As council’s liaison with the Bracebridge Business Improvement Area, Giaschi-Pacini is usually at the table fighting for downtown businesses, but in this ugly turn of events, she was actually advocating against one of the BIA’s members, on such a subjective topic as opinion. What one person considers acceptable may be under par for another.

Thank goodness the topic was brought under control before it got out of hand, and Giaschi-Pacini did any more damage.

Councillor Graydon Smith is correct, the town is not responsible for how business owners conduct business, and offers no guarantees for the products or services listed on its website. Giaschi-Pacini should understand that.
Why this topic was allowed to be brought up during an administration and finance meeting is a mystery in itself. These meetings are held to conduct town business, not to voice personal vendettas.

To say that Giaschi-Pacini’s conduct in this matter was unbecoming of a town councillor is an understatement.
KF