Medicine Hat mayor pursuing judicial review after sanctions, wants to get back to work
The mayor of Medicine Hat, Alta., isn't backing down, after being stripped of her power and half of her pay by city council last week.
Linnsie Clark says she intends to fight the decision in court but that she wants to work with her council colleagues in the meantime.
In front of a crowd on Wednesday, Clark took to the steps of city hall to stand firm.
"I do not agree with the decision of council and I'm seeking judicial review," she said.
The council decision last week suspends the mayor's presiding duties, slashes her pay and limits her contact with city staff and the city manager to email only.
The sanctions come after an August exchange with city manager Ann Mitchell.
A third-party report released publicly late Tuesday concludes Clark breached the code of conduct by failing to treat Mitchell with courtesy, dignity and respect.
"Sure, there's been problems and concerns, but this seems like a very draconian kind of overreaction as to what the council has done," said Jim Groom, a political scientist.
The mayor is asking her council colleagues to overturn their decision, to avoid a lengthy and costly legal process.
"But regardless, my message to them today is let's get back to work together, for the betterment of this amazing community," Clark said.
Some members of the community, including one trying to get rid of the mayor, believe the sanctions are too harsh.
"Everybody knows I am the one who started the recall on the inspection petition here last year, but even with that, I think she's being treated unfairly based on what's been released in the report," said Nicole Frey, Medicine Hat resident.
"The people of Medicine Hat want her as mayor and I have no idea why the city manager is getting all the power," said Lorne Schaerer, also a Medicine Hat resident.
The city and city manager declined to comment.
Other councillors contacted did not respond to CTV News' requests for interviews.
"This is just unprecedented and we'd never seen anything quite so drastic," Groom said on Wednesday.
"It's going to take a while for the people of Medicine Hat to have faith in the council and mayor again."
Documents and emails the mayor released on social media show this dispute has been ongoing for months.
Lawyers for the city manager even threatened to sue the mayor for defamation last year.
Clark says she believes the judicial review could start as early as this summer, but it will take months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.