Wabana Mayor Gary Gosine says council plagued by infighting

Wabana Mayor Gary Gosine believes drastic action is needed in order to resolve the constant infighting that is plaguing the town council on Bell Island.

He says the only solution is to forcefully remove two members of council from office.

• Wabana workers launch strike in wake of rowdy bargaining session

"If there's any way we can get these two councillors out, that's what we're trying," Gosine said during an interview with the CBC Morning Show on Friday.

Gosine would not name the two councillors, but alleged their behaviour is "harassing in nature" and is interfering with the normal operations of the town of nearly 2,400 residents.

He said the behaviour of the two councillors is being investigated by a lawyer who has been retained by "a couple of staff members"and he is hoping that charges will be laid.

According to the town's website, other members of council include Deputy Mayor Carol Brown and councillors Ben Warford, Donovan Taplin, David Foley and Linda Skehans.

Under review

The mayor made the comments in the wake of news that the town's operations are now under review by officials with the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Gosine feels the review was prompted by a letter-writing campaign by the two councillors. He estimates that tenletters have been sent to the department.

"One letter was concerning me. Most letters concern different things that went on with the town's operations," said Gosine.

Municipal Affairs Minister Keith Hutchings confirmed Friday that a review is being carried out.

He would not provide details of what prompted the review, but acknowledged "concerns have been expressed."

'These two don't want to vote on anything. Not even on an agenda. That's not good enough for the town.We have two people on council that feels everything has to be their way.'- Gary Gosine

Hutchings said it will take several weeks to complete the review.

"We're not saying there are any irregularities. We want to go in and validate whether there is or is not," said Hutchings.

The department does have the authority to remove town councillors for inappropriate behaviour, but Hutchings said "our preference is to work through these issues with the municipality ... to find resolutions."

RCMP called to meeting

Gosine stressed that the problems are not related to the town's finances. He said Wabana recently underwent an audit by a financial institution, and completed a five-year capital budget on Oct. 15.

Politics in Wabana made headlines last month following a heated exchange during a bargaining meeting between municipal leaders and public works employees.

The RCMP was called to the meeting when councillors got into an argument between themselves about the negotiations.

Gosine described one councillor as "very unruly," adding "it's either his way or the highway."

Gosine said council is fractured, with four members in one camp, and two in another.

There is one vacancy on council, and nominations for that position are being accepted today. The town is also accepting applications for a new chief administrative officer/town clerk.

Council's next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 25 at 6 p.m., and Gosine is not hopeful that things will improve.

"These two don't want to vote on anything. Not even on an agenda. That's not good enough for the town," said Gosine.

"We have two people on council that feels everything has to be their way."

Gosine listed off a number of positive developments on Bell Island, including construction of a new fire hall and construction of a new ferry, but added "right now it's very trying times."