Westmount Mayor Michael Stern has been charged with multiple ethics violations alleging he conducted himself in a “disrespectful” or “uncivil” manner in meetings with other city employees.
The citation was filed with the Quebec Municipal Commission on July 13. In all, Stern faces seven charges before the administrative tribunal.
In an email response Friday, Stern said he takes the matter seriously and intends to contest the charges. He declined to comment any further, given the continuing proceedings.
“I am a passionate person,” Stern wrote. “City hall staff, our municipal council and I are working very hard to implement the change agenda I was elected on to improve the lives of Westmounters — and we will
continue to do that.”
The citation alleges Stern repeatedly breached articles 7 and 8 of the city’s code of ethics and conduct for elected officials by using disrespectful language during three work meetings in April and May.
The first article bars council members from disrespecting other elected officials, city employees, or residents. The second says council members can’t “engage in conduct that undermines the honor and dignity” of the role.
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According to the citation, some of those targeted by the language included the city’s directors of finance, legal services and human resources, in addition to the acting director general.
A commission spokesperson declined to comment on the case, citing the continuing proceedings. No dates have been set for hearings yet. Possible sanctions range from a reprimand to a fine or suspension.
The City of Westmount also declined to comment on the matter, but noted it will fully co-operate with the process.
“The administration’s priority remains to continue its work serving citizens and providing all of our officials and employees with a healthy and respectful workplace,” the city said.
Stern, an accountant, was elected as mayor in November’s municipal election.
During his first council meeting in the role, he was caught uttering an expletive under his breath after a resident asked about garbage collection and called on a city councillor to resign from a committee over the issue.
The sound system picked up Stern muttering the disparaging comment just before the next resident addressed the council.
.
“At our last meeting, an off-mic comment I made was audible in the room and online,” Stern said at the time. “It was inappropriate, I expect better of myself, and residents have the right to expect better from their mayor.”