Longtime councillor George Baker admitted to using the “N” word last month at a local eating establishment, behaviour that caused resident Hal Davidson to launch an official complaint to council.
This complaint was the subject of a special session of council on Monday, Aug. 8, in which council decided it had no authority to discipline the councillor, but referred the matter to the Amherst Board of Police Commissioners, on which Baker also sits.
“It’s important to note that Councillor Baker’s comments are his alone and do not reflect the views, values and ethics of the Town of Amherst, mayor, council and staff,” said Mayor Robert Small, in an official statement released late Tuesday. “The Town of Amherst is very proud of our diverse community and will continue to support and work toward the elimination of racism and hatred which continues to exist in our society.”
The mayor also voiced frustration in the lack of legal authority in the Municipal Government Act to address the issue, and said he has written provincial municipal affairs minister Zach Churchill to request a meeting and ask for necessary amendments to the act.
Twitter: @ADNandrew