Matt Maddocks.

Fred and Karen Pyziak Happily retired in Haliburton

The offending item was the Notice of Motion put forward by Councillor Michael Thompson that proposes that the town of Aurora should extend an apology to the three named bloggers central to the aborted lawsuit launched by former mayor, Phyllis Morris. This followed the judicial ruling that labelled the Morris action as SLAPP, a means of silencing political criticism.

The Thompson Notice of Motion goes further. It wishes the decision of Master Thomas Hawkins to be reproduced in full on the town’s website and requests that the Town Solicitor bring back a report in closed session to comment on the “financial implications” of the Hawkins decision. This is with respect to any potential recovery of part or all of the $55,000 paid by the town toward Morris’ legal bills until such further payment was terminated in December, 2010.

What is difficult to understand is Councillor Ballard’s statement that to proceed with this motion could place the town “in jeopardy” although he did not say why or how this might occur. The councillor talked at some length about having studied the case closely, having read much of the written materials, such as examination testimonies and affidavits. In addition, he was present in court on the last day of argument on the COI matter. All of this appears to give him a very clear perspective on the matter and its issues

It almost sounded as if the councillor was denying the decisions by two different judicial officers, both strongly against the former mayor

What are the councillor’s legal credentials?

If he is using the word “jeopardy” on the same scale as Morris’ use of “burden” he might find himself short-changed.

In a recorded vote he lost, 7 – 2, newly relocated Councillor Gaertner being his sole supporter.