A code-of-conduct complaint filed against Mayor Brad Henderson has been dismissed by council following an investigation by a third party
During a council meeting, Henderson recused himself as council was presented an investigative report by Jody Carr – the subject of which is not public.
The name of the complainant was not revealed, as that information is subject to closed session under legal and human rights. Any details about the complaint are also protected.
Paul Nopper, the town’s senior administrator and clerk, said in an email the review process and determination of the report took several months.
All code-of-conduct complaints are subject to Bylaw No. 22-02, A By-Law to Regulate the Code of Conduct of Council of the Town of Saint Andrews.
Any reported violations of that bylaw is subject to an investigation by council, which means council can retain a third party or panel with relevant experience to investigate.
During his mayoral comments, Henderson addressed the complaint.
“I just want the public to be aware that it was an unfounded complaint that came into the municipality,” he said, saying he couldn’t say much due to the confines of closed session rules. “Taxpayers of Saint Andrews have a right to know that it costs a significant amount of money to this municipality to investigate it.”
Nopper confirmed the investigation cost the town $5,000.
In a post on social media, though, Henderson said the process has been difficult for him and his family.
“The lack of details that are being provided, I find very frustrating,” he said in the post on Facebook. “While I was absolutely confident the investigation would confirm that the complaint was entirely unfounded because it was made up, going through this process has been incredibly difficult.”
Henderson said even though the complaint was unfounded and dismissed, the stress, reputational damage and emotional toll did not go away.
“My wife and I have both felt the weight of this situation, and the time and energy I spent defending myself could have been better used serving my kids, my day job, and my community,” he said in the post.
He said the experienced has tested his belief that he loves being on council and serving as mayor. He alleges the cost to tax payers was double, nearing $10,000.
“That said, I refuse to let this experience deter me from doing the work I was elected to do. I love Saint Andrews, and I truly appreciate the continued support. It means more than you will know,” he said.
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