The mayor of Quesnel, British Columbia, has been censured and is facing a court petition after a series of controversial actions.
According to a statement released by the city council, Mayor Bob Simpson has been censured for “breaching the code of conduct for elected officials.” This comes after a series of incidents, including a heated exchange with a local business owner and a social media post that was deemed inappropriate.
The censure means that Simpson will be stripped of his committee assignments and will not be allowed to represent the city at any official events. It also serves as a formal reprimand and a warning for future behavior.
In addition to the censure, a petition has been filed in court by a group of concerned citizens, calling for Simpson’s removal from office. The petition alleges that the mayor has violated the Community Charter, which outlines the responsibilities and duties of elected officials.
Simpson has responded to the censure and petition, stating that he takes full responsibility for his actions and is willing to work towards a resolution. He also expressed his regret for any harm or offense caused by his behavior.
The city council has stated that they are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct for elected officials and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
This is not the first time that Simpson has faced controversy during his time as mayor. In 2019, he was censured for sharing confidential information on social media.
The court petition is set to be heard in the coming weeks, and the outcome will determine the future of Simpson’s role as mayor of Quesnel.