by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION — Just because it’s a high-profile case, doesn’t mean it’s treated any differently.
For three of four all candidates meetings in Whitewater Region, the question has been asked how much did Mayor Hal Johnson receive in a lawsuit he filed against the township – and when the lawsuit was settled, why was it not reported to the residents.
Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay said it’s a human resources matter, recalling that Mr. Johnson was terminated without cause in 2010.
In news reports back then, it was noted that a tractor had been sold to Whitewater Region roads supervisor Mr. Johnson through Elliott Farm Equipment in Pembroke – who had purchased the tractor from the township on the recommendation from Mr. Johnson that it be sold to the company.
Following an investigation by council Mr. Johnson was terminated without cause from his position of road supervisor with Whitewater Region regarding the tractor incident. He was also cleared of any legal wrongdoings following an investigation by the OPP.
Mr. Johnson then launched a lawsuit against the township for wrongful dismissal.
When he was elected mayor in 2014, defeating incumbent Jim Labow and former councillor Joey Trimm, the law suit was not yet settled.
The question of the lawsuit has dogged Mayor Johnson since then.
Following last night’s all candidates meeting in Westmeath, CAO Tremblay said the matter was resolved in 2018.
Direction was provided by council at a closed session regarding the settlement. He did note that Mr. Johnson was not present when the issue was discussed in closed session.
“It was brought to council in closed session,” he said. “As part of the settlement, there’s a confidentiality agreement.”
As for not bringing the issue to a council meeting, and advising the public, CAO Tremblay said this human resources matter is no different than any other human resources matters that have occurred within the township and not reported. This matter was also settled prior to going to court, he noted.
“This is a very delicate human resources matter,” he said. “We’ve dealt with other human resources matters, and we’ve done so on our side, from the township’s perspective, with as much fairness. We’ve had other people leave the employment of the township. Human resources matters must be dealt with with the utmost respect for the person involved and also with regard to confidentiality.
“We’ve had other people leave,” he continued. “For instance, I have not publicly commented on whether or not some members of staff were fired or resigned. I have not commented on that, and it’s out of fairness for the people as well.”
At the first all candidates meeting in Beachburg, Mayor Johnson answered the question by stating the lawsuit was settled but the amount could not be disclosed due to confidentiality.
The lawsuit was not mentioned at the second all candidates meeting.
At the third all candidates meeting in Cobden last Thursday, Mayor Johnson was granted time by moderator Julie Keon to respond to the lawsuit question, but not as part of his two-minute response.
“I settled a lawsuit with the municipality of Whitewater Region. I went through the toughest, hardest time of my life.
“That is in the past. I learned from that. I guarantee that no employee that ever leaves this township in the future will go through what I went through. Policies will be followed and people will be given the proper answers and get respect.
“That is a promise.
“That was the hardest point of my life, it’s not fair to have it thrown in my face. That happened in 2010 and it has been thrown in my face as though I did something wrong for eight years.
“And I hope that tonight this can come to an end. This is totally, totally unacceptable to be putting someone through this.
“I, as your mayor, will not have it happen to anybody else. I learned from what I went through.”
At last night’s all candidates meeting in Westmeath, resident Gary Younghusband tried again to ask about the lawsuit via wanting to talk about ethics, but, before he could ask the full question, moderator Phil Cottrell advised he most likely wouldn’t get an answer because of legal issues.
However, Mayor Johnson was handed the microphone on stage and lost his cool with Mr. Younghusband.
“I will address ethics.
“We have a sewer plant that has been stalled at a cost of $600,000 by your organization Gary. Do you think that’s ethics?”
Mr. Younghusband shouted out, “Bullsh**” with Mayor Johnson responding, “Bullsh** to you. The people in Cobden will be paying $6,000 a piece because of that Part II Order.
“You ask about my morals! Sit down, be quiet and let the other people realize that bullsh** is bullsh**.”
There is a full report on last night’s meeting in this week’s issue of Whitewater News.
