The ongoing absence of Mayor Tom Sidney has left one pressing question inside Renfrew’s council chambers: “What happens with his strong mayor powers?”
Councillor John MacDonald posed that question to Town Clerk Carolyn Errett and Reeve Peter Emon at their Tuesday night meeting, hoping to get a better understanding of who holds the enhanced oversight and veto powers while Sidney remains away while tending to family matters.
Emon says the most recent legal opinion the town has is that those powers are still likely in the mayor’s hands.
Errett agreed with Emon’s assessment, adding that there is still some limited flexibility with the strong mayor powers should Sidney offer the chance.
The strong mayor powers have been a point of contention for many town councils across Ontario as legal experts continue to unpack just how much unchecked sway it gives municipal leaders.
(written by Kasey Egan)
