ALBERTON, P.E.I. — A P.E.I. mayor has a big bill to pay - to his own town.
Despite disputing the amount, David Gordon, mayor of Alberton, has signed an amended disclosure of liability form showing he owes the town $40,540.15. He confirmed to the Journal Pioneer the amount is for overdue sewer fees and staunchly argues he shouldn’t have to pay.
Gordon, who was elected mayor last November, was never hooked up to the town’s sewer line and he continues to rely on the septic tank system that was installed when his house was built more than 20 years ago. He said he started receiving sewer bills 13 years ago, after the town ran the sewer line past his house so a nearby warehouse could hook its washroom into the line.
All councillors are required to declare any liabilities to the town and he, like the members of his council, did so in December. He said he left the amount blank because he feels he should not have to pay for a service he is not receiving.
Last Wednesday, however, his sewer arrears were brought up for discussion during a private meeting council held with the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs. Department officials were there to discuss how the town will operate once the recent resignation of the town’s chief administrative officer and three councillors take effect.
The resignation of the councillor responsible for environment and sewer, David Cahill, is already effective. Two more councillors, Claudia Gallant and Donnie Bernard, have given notice they are resigning at the end of the month. CAO Susan Wallace-Flynn’s last day of work was Friday, but she is on vacation until her retirement takes effect.
“They didn’t come right out and advise me, but we talked about a lot of good stuff and I felt that it was in my best interest, and my council’s, for me to fill this out," Gordon said.
Samantha Murphy, manager of municipal affairs for the province, said owing debts to a municipality does not prevent one from serving on municipal council. The disclosure form relates to conflict of interest and transparency with the public.
“It is the same sort of principle that you would have with an elected official at the provincial level; it’s that transparency on where you might have a personal interest that another member of council might not. So, if a decision is being made on utility payments, utility bills and you have a debt, then everybody is clearer and transparent about how that might affect the people around the table,” said Murphy.
Gordon said he’s hoping, once byelections are held to fill three council seats, council can resolve the sewer arrears issue for him and any other residents who find themselves in a similar situation. He said he doesn’t know how much is currently owing to the town on overdue sewer charges.
Gordon said council had another closed meeting Monday night.
“Before we went in, I asked them, point-blank if I have the confidence of the councillors still active. They assured me 100 per cent, knowing full well we’re going to deal with the issue of me owing that kind of money.”
But he said he cannot understand why the amount is so high. At $200 a year for 13 years, that should work out to $2,600, he said.
“Somebody’s got some pretty good interest rates,” he said.
“I’ve been in the town hall many-a-time over this and nothing was ever being done,” he said.
“I’d get a bill from them and I’d just look at it and throw it in the garbage.”
