Metropolis/County Councillor Invoice Dennis was noticeably reserved throughout Sarnia council’s final common assembly in 2024.
Mayor Mike Bradley mentioned Dennis must apologize in an effort to be welcomed into future conferences after he was expelled from funds deliberations because of an offended profanity-laced tirade — that included insults to his colleagues.
Whereas a verbal apology was not given, Dennis supplied a written one, which was included on the backside of Monday’s agenda.
“I sincerely apologize and categorical remorse for any disappointment or misery my current actions might have brought about,” Dennis wrote. “It was not my intention to make my profound frustration private. I’m grateful to those that provided unwavering help and wish to prolong a heartfelt apology to the residents who elected me. Thanks.”
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley addressed the assertion earlier than shifting into the closed portion of the assembly to debate authorized points.
“There’s been a variety of questions raised by the general public in regards to the behaviour of a councillor on the final assembly and subsequent posts,” Bradley mentioned. “My very own view is that the apology obtained by council was not an apology. It didn’t withdraw the feedback, or apologize to the individuals who have been slandered and libeled.”
Bradley mentioned he thought-about delaying the assembly.
“After I seemed on the agenda, and I did have a look at suspending the assembly — which we have needed to do a number of instances within the final couple of years due to the behaviour of a councillor — I made a decision there was an excessive amount of optimistic metropolis enterprise on the agenda together with the event of recent housing and numerous different points that can carry worth to town,” he added.
Consequently, Bradley mentioned he determined to permit Dennis into the digital session.
“We’re now shifting right into a zero tolerance world,” Bradley warned. “There might be zero tolerance for any feedback about different people that aren’t applicable, and that’s a part of what our code of conduct says. That is what our guidelines of order say and I’ve not needed to implement them in 36 years. I am dissatisfied I’ve to try this, however that is the truth of what we’re coping with.”
Councillor Dennis’ unhinged rant went viral after the November 26 assembly.
His outburst was coated by information organizations throughout Ontario and mocked by announcers on a syndicated Detroit radio present that is broadcast to 6 different cities in america.
