Controversy has sparked in the Minnow Lake neighbourhood, with Ward 11 Coun. Bill Leduc actively campaigning for a candidate in Thursday’s Community Action Network election.
Leduc’s critics argue he should not be involved in the election, believing the city’s volunteer-run Community Action Networks should function more separately from city council.
In emailed correspondence with Sudbury.com, a City of Greater Sudbury spokesperson clarified, “There is no policy about city councillors supporting individuals running for community groups, including CANs, or boards and committees.”
In conversation with Sudbury.com, Leduc confirmed he has been knocking on doors in support of Minnow Lake CAN chair candidate Richard Charette, and said there’s nothing wrong with that.
“I don’t think there’s anything illegal about handing out flyers to make the residents aware there is an upcoming election,” Leduc said. “People want to be involved in their community, and the Community Action Network is a way to get involved in their community.”
The degree to which the city’s elected officials and staff participate in the CANs varies by organization, Leduc said, crediting his involvement in the Minnow Lake CAN as being integral to his success as a city council member.
“That’s where the residents can come and talk about projects, of what they see moving forward, and I’ve always said to my residents I would be visible in my community, and I am visible.”
Charette, Leduc told Sudbury.com, has “got his heart invested for the community, he wants to better the community. ... I’ve got to hand it out to the guy that he’s worked very hard going door-to-door talking to people and communicating with them, so kudos to him, and a good job.”
Charette is running against Christopher Duncanson-Hales, who was Leduc’s political opponent in last year’s civic election.
During last year’s campaign, Duncanson-Hales rented the BillLeduc.ca website domain, which he forwarded to his own campaign website. Leduc had let his domain name expire, although he continued to promote the site on his campaign signs.
Duncanson-Hales also called attention to a Grandparents’ Day event at Chartwell Westmount on William Retirement Residence last year, which he alleges Leduc used to promote his re-election campaign.
Leduc has denied the allegation, which has been forwarded to the April 27 Election Compliance Audit Committee meeting for review. Duncanson-Hales filed a complaint about the Grandparents’ Day event, and a separate but similar complaint was filed by resident Anastasia Rioux.
Duncanson-Hales told Sudbury.com this week that he’d recently caught wind of Leduc’s advocacy for Charette, which he said appears to be against the city’s Code of Conduct.
Section 13.(1) of the Code of Conduct for city council states, "No Member shall use the influence of their office for any purpose other than the performance of the Member's responsibilities as a Member, and other Official Duties."
A city spokesperson noted that complaints concerning alleged breaches can be submitted to the city’s integrity commissioner in writing within 60 days of an alleged contravention.
Although he lost last year’s civic election to Leduc in Ward 11, Duncanson-Hales said that by joining the Minnow Lake Community Action Network he can proceed with his campaign pledge to revitalize the organization.
“After the election, I haven’t changed that. I think they’re still a very good vehicle for citizen involvement,” he said, adding that his goal will be ensuring the organization works hand-in-hand with the community to advocate on their behalf with the city.
Community Action Networks “were originally intended as a community voice ... bringing community together to bettering the community and networking,” Duncanson-Hales said.
“I see the role of the councillors as stepping back and letting the CANs organize, and then hearing what the CANs have to say, responding to what the CANs have to say.”
In a write-up provided to the Minnow Lake CAN, Charette wrote that he is a “family man” with four children and seven grandchildren. He has been involved in the Lions Club and delivers food for the Holy Redeemer Food Bank.
He pledged to work toward keeping community gardens running, neighbourhood safety and supporting community events, including Grandparents.
Sudbury.com has reached out to Charette on social media for comment, and the Minnow Lake CAN for his contact information, but haven’t been successful in connecting.
Blaine Lachance and Dorothy “Dot” Klein are running for the vice-chair position with the Minnow Lake CAN.
The election is taking place both online and in-person on April 27 during a meeting at the Sudbury Curling Club (300 Wessex St.) beginning at 7 p.m. Eligible voters residing or owning a business or property in the Minnow Lake CAN’s boundaries can vote.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
