Gananoque councillor denounces comments on mayor’s integrity probe

A Gananoque councillor is speaking out against what he considers are attempts to discredit critics of the town’s mayor.

In a recent social media post, Coun. David Osmond takes aim at what he considers attempts to undermine people who came forward to criticize Mayor John Beddows.

The mayor is seeking a judicial review of a recent integrity commissioner’s report that resulted in a formal reprimand. The report stems from numerous complaints about Beddows’ conduct. Beddows said the complaints were mishandled.

Amid growing community debate, particularly around the timing and number of complaints, Osmond posted comments in response to social media commentary, urging residents to consider the human impact of such criticism, especially in a small-town municipal setting.

Osmond’s full statement, which he confirmed to Postmedia, reads:

“I just read a post that suggests to discredit the claims from the complainant(s) as part of the recent Integrity Report because of the when/how they were submitted.

“I am not picking a side in this post or pro or con any party involved but…

“If we want to question or even worse discredit the complaints in any way because they were not filed independently or at a time of our preference or convenience, then what are we saying to our daughters, wives, granddaughters and friends?

“We trust you less because you didn’t contact the Integrity Commissioner about a person with power and influence over you immediately after the first and every offence? We don’t care about how you feel about your job security or maybe hoping things will change?

“We will trust you much more if you risk your job and reputation by filing a complaint immediately?

“We don’t trust their complaints and respect their rights to the Ontario Health and Safety Act unless we approve of when and how you complain, even though we don’t walk in your shoes?

“Apply this logic to your daughter or wife in their work environment. Go give them the head’s up you will wonder more and discredit their claims unless they meet your unlisted but now specific timeline and requirements.

“Complain immediately or be discredited? That’s a scary message to women (anyone) in the workplace. Set a higher standard for those making the complaint… nope.

“The post says 18 complaints is ‘unusually high.’ There were closer to 40 originally. If 18 is unusual, is 14 or seven or 54 more usual and then better in some way?

“I have no other word but sad for any angle that tries to weaken or discredit any claims because of when someone had the courage or possibly hit a breaking point to do something in any situation.

“A situation like this becomes exceptionally difficult for the complainant in a municipal setting because they know the Integrity Commissioner can really only recommend a slap on the wrist compared to the private sector.

“Imagine reading that post if it was you or your daughter making the complaint.

“This is about moving forward—creating a safe and fun environment.”