Cobourg council pledged to keep working to keep the town safe for everyone after a special meeting on July 3 was called to discuss an open letter released by Mayor Lucas Cleveland earlier in the week.
In the open letter, the mayor clarifies his position on 310 Division Street, responding to public criticism and laying out his views.
The public announcement regarding the meeting stated it would be a closed session. But Cleveland pre-empted efforts at the start when he read a prepared statement to councillors. He refused to participate in the closed session, arguing he wanted the discussion to be held in open session so the public could see what took place.
There was a discussion among the politicians. The mayor emphasized his commitment to transparency and his refusal to participate in a closed session. The council debated the necessity of a closed session, with some members supporting it for private discussions and others advocating for openness. A recorded vote resulted in a closed session, with only the mayor and Councillor Brian Darling voting in favor of an open one. The mayor left the meeting.
Upon resuming the open session, the council reaffirmed its commitment to a safe community and passed a confirmatory bylaw.
You can listen to the statement, the discussion, the recorded vote, and the motion coming out of the closed session.
In Their Words is a feature that allows people to listen to what is going on at the various councils within Northumberland. No spin. No opinions. No one is telling you what to think. Just what was said.
It is a chance you might not have otherwise to hear directly from your elected representatives. I hope you find it useful and informative.
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