Matichuk accepts ombudsman’s offer to address council

Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk has accepted an offer from Ontario’s ombudsman to come to town and address city council.

In a release Sept. 6, Matichuk said she welcomes the opportunity to have Andre Marin address local politicians in the wake of his report last week that characterized Sudbury councillors as the least co-operative he has ever dealt with.

Since the report was released, some councillors have been critical of Marin’s flamboyant style.

Marin’s report cleared councillors of accusations they improperly held four closed-door meetings in late 2011.

However, 10 of 12 city councillors refused to co-operate, risking fines and jail time. One unnamed councillor cited Marin’s use of Twitter as a justification for not co-operating. Another termed his approach as “evangelical.”

Matichuk, Ward 3 Coun. Claude Berthiuame and Ward 9 Coun. Doug Craig were the only local politicians who co-operated with the ombudsman investigation. The rest refused because Marin wouldn’t allow the city’s legal team to be present.

In the release, the mayor said “arrangements will be made with the ombudsman through the clerk’s office to attend at the earliest convenience.”