Police Commission Vote Turns Nasty

By Robert Thomas

Usually the appointment to boards and committees by Council is a boring endeavour but Monday afternoon the convention was broken.

It was just another episode in what could be seen as one of Council’s nastiest meetings in a long time.

In calling for the vote for the two councillor representatives to the Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners Councillor Heather Eby decided to give a lecture about attendance.

“I just wanted to speak quickly to the Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners. It’s one of if not the most important boards that we can have as Council to sit on. And I think it’s important for everyone putting their name forward that attendance at the Board of Police Commissioners is imperative,” Councillor Eby said.

After her speech Council then voted for the two councillors who will serve as police commissioners.

The two councillors elected to the police commission will be present vice chair Councillor Doug Blanc and new comer Councillor Crystal Froese.

After the election was over Councillor Kim Robinson - who is presently on the Police Commission - asked if Councillor Eby’s comment prior to the vote was allowable.

“Is it OK for a councillor to make a comment about attendance as it alludes to Councillor Blanc, myself or the Mayor missing?” Councillor Robinson asked Administration about.

Robinson was told there was nothing in the legislation disallowing Councillor Eby’s speech.

Councillor Dawn Luhning - a close ally of Councillor Eby and who has been sparring with Councillor Robinson at Council on other issues - herself called a point of order.

“It’s unfair to put the Clerk on that hot seat…don’t put or Administration on the spot,” Councillor Luhning said.

Councillor Jamey Logan, who was chairing the Committee of the Whole, said he was if anything more at fault for allowing Councillor Eby’s speech. He apologized for the error.

The Board of Police Commissioners has seemingly been plagued with commissioners not being able to attend meetings due to other commitments this year.

The absences have been noticeable this year.

Councillor Robinson failed to attend the inaugural meeting leading to Mary Lee Booth being elected as police commission chair.

Following that there was two meetings missed largely because Commissioner Booth could not attend and when she could not stay for the entire meeting. These meetings were the lead up to the budget.