Investigator finds Titus‑McPhail violated conduct clauses after online posts about former mayor
Southern Victoria Mayor Tamara Titus-McPhail has been suspended three months into her term for violating the code of conduct during her campaign.
She is currently serving a 35-day suspension, which was voted on by the council at the Aug. 10 meeting. Deputy Mayor Tommy Dixon has taken over mayoral duties in the meantime.
An independent investigator found that Titus-McPhail neglected four clauses of the Southern Victoria council’s Code of Conduct: failing to treat others with respect and courtesy, failing to demonstrate integrity and honesty, not communicating openly and honestly, and not using communication tools and social media appropriately.
The investigation was prompted by complaints from former mayor Cindy McLaughlin and her cousin Chris McLaughlin.
The specifics of the complaints weren’t released; however, online posts from Chris show messages from Titus-McPhail accusing Cindy of being a bad landlord and criticizing her tenure as mayor.
According to the media section in the code of conduct, councillors are prohibited from using social media to criticize other councillors or staff, along with any comments that are derogatory, defamatory, discriminatory, indecent, obscene, or false.
Titus-McPhail is not receiving her remuneration during her suspension.
Southern Victoria CAO Dan Dionne believes the incident serves as a lesson for anyone serving or running for council.
“It’s hopefully a learning lesson for people that run for councils, whether they’re sitting councillors or new people running. Hopefully, this is a learning opportunity not only for people in our community, but in other parts of the province as well,” said Dionne.
Under the terms of her suspension, Titus-McPhail must write apology letters to both Cindy and Chris within 30 days. Dionne says the letters haven’t been delivered yet, but he believes they will be within the required time.
The mayor also has to complete training within 90 days focusing on code‑of‑conduct obligations for elected officials, UMNB mayor’s school training, respectful communication, and responsible social media use. Dionne said Titus-McPhail has begun the training.
The Southern Victoria council has also chosen to take part in the programs.
“We’re very fortunate that the entire council would also like to take the same course, see this as an educational opportunity, not just for Mayor McPhail, but for the entire council,” said Dionne.
