Hiring integrity commissioner overkill

Do we need a professional watchdog to keep an eye on our local politicians?
I say no.
Vaughan says yes.
York Region's most westerly municipality agreed yesterday to hire an integrity commissioner to investigate the conduct of members of council.
Since it's a part-time position, can we assume cheaters only cheat some of the time? Does this mean, the rest of the time, they're as pure as the driven snow?
Of course, on occasion, a sleaze makes it into the political arena. In my 30-year media career, I've covered stories about politicians being dead drunk behind the wheel, taking bribes, commiting assault, messing with minors, shoplifting, committing fraud, violating immigration laws and fishing out of season.
Make no mistake, greed and lust fed the rumour mill.
Many years ago in Bowmanville, the treasurer ran off with the public purse, while the new treasurer ran off with the doctor's wife.
With the exception of the story of a councillor being charged with sexual assault on a 15-year-old, the other sins added a bit of colour to my otherwise dull life.
That was then. This is now.
In recent years, the City of Vaughan has dealt with a flurry of lawsuits by former employees and a police investigation was launched into the city's fleet department.
To further muddy the waters, Vaughan's mayoral race continued for months after last fall's election. Even though Vaughan's troubles held some interest, the embarrassment went on far too long.
Sorry folks - when it comes to dirt, I like change.
In my not so humble opinion, hiring an integrity commissioner is overkill.   
Lets get real. Like members of the public, the great majority of local politicians are honest. And the few who aren't always seem to trip up and get caught. 
Let's hope the move to hire an integrity commissioner is not an emerging trend across the region.

Comments

[K.Allen]

I only discovered this blog. If the municipalities themselves hire the integrity commissioners, how do we really know they are appointing someone truly unbiased and not just one of their buddies?

If more people were asking questions of their local councils, the commissioners would not be needed in my opinion.

The people need to pay attention and watch what their councils are doing-- inbetween the elections.