Mayor accuses City of hiring irregularities

Mayor John Rowswell is accusing his own City of improper conduct in the recent selection of Jerry Dolcetti as the Sault's new commissioner of engineering and planning.

"Something is very wrong," the Mayor said near the end of a lengthy City Council meeting last night.

"There were irregularities in the recruitment process. Council is very aware of my concerns and my request for independent legal advice," Rowswell said.

Rowswell asked Council to reconsider a bylaw brought forward last night formalizing Dolcetti's appointment.

But Council dismissed his complaint and passed the bylaw anyway.

"We will debate this today and for years to come what is the right decision to make if you were sitting in my chair," the mayor said.

"My decision is based on what I believe is morally, ethically and legally correct."

After the meeting, former Mayor and Ward 1 Councillor Steve Butland said it was inappropriate for Rowswell to raise his concerns at a public meeting.

Ward 6 Councillor Jason Collins said he'd investigated the Mayor's concerns thoroughly and was satisfied that no irregularities took place.

Collins accused the mayor, a professional engineer, of opposing the appointment because Dolcetti is not himself a professional engineer.

To read the City's April 27 announcement of Dolcetti's appointment, please click here.