Chatham-Kent Council Sanctions Councillor Allyson Story Over Code of Conduct Breach

Chatham-Kent Council has taken decisive action, voting to suspend Councillor Allyson Story's pay for 30 days following a comprehensive report by the municipality's integrity commissioner. The 13-3 vote highlights the council's commitment to upholding its code of conduct, even when it involves one of its own members.

The sanctions stem from an investigation by Integrity Commissioner Paul Watson, who concluded that Councillor Story breached the council's established code of conduct.

Watson's report detailed instances where Story was found to have directed municipal staff to disregard policy, specifically concerning an animal control matter involving a cat discovered at a pet store in Blenheim. The findings pinpointed "disrespectful and disruptive behaviour," alongside the "improper use of influence and information" as key violations.

The incident at the heart of the matter occurred at the Blenheim Pet and Market.

It involved a cat, and Councillor Story reportedly intervened, instructing municipal staff to bypass existing bylaws and animal control regulations related to the animal. This direct interference with staff duties and disregard for established procedures prompted the integrity commissioner's thorough review.

Commissioner Watson's recommendations to council included both the 30-day pay suspension and a requirement for Councillor Story to issue a public apology.

While the council moved forward with the recommendation for the pay suspension, the public apology was not adopted as part of the final sanction. Councillor Story herself did not participate in the vote concerning her sanction and has since declined to comment on the matter.

This is not the first time Councillor Story has faced disciplinary action.

She was previously sanctioned for remarks made in connection with a controversial flag-raising incident, underscoring a recurring pattern of conduct issues that have drawn the attention of the integrity commissioner and council.