The city of Montreal has suspended a St-Léonard city councillor for failing to submit a financial report on time.
According to a city spokesperson, city councillor Mauro Barone’s official representative failed to file the party’s annual financial report by the April 1 deadline. Barone is the sole elected official representing Équipe St-Léonard.
“It’s unfortunate, and it’s, I have to say, somewhat embarrassing,” Barone said in an interview.
Barone was notified by the city on April 11 that his rights are suspended to attend city council meetings, borough council meetings, and any committee events. The suspension will be lifted once the financial report is submitted, said city spokesperson Hugo Bourgoin in an email statement.
On Saturday, Barone was meant to hold public office hours where citizens could drop in and talk to him.
“I could not attend it,” he said.
He also had to miss an event with the Haitian community on Sunday, and several meetings at City Hall on Monday.
Barone said his administrative agents completed the report before the deadline, but his team was having trouble setting up a meeting with an auditor. He said an auditor was automatically required by the city because his campaign expenditures exceeded $5,000.
“Our agent had some health issues, and he was sort of in and out of the hospital,” Barone explained.
The party said Monday afternoon a new auditor will be in place Tuesday.
He added he doesn’t “blame anybody” for the administrative error and understands city staff “have to take action.”
“I’m paying that price. Which is fine. I guess it’ll be a little bit of a wake-up call for the others in the party,” he said. “I just bear it and grin.”
Leora Schertzer is a reporter at the Montreal Gazette who thrives on the chase. Whether it’s producing a documentary about sewage or investigating a Nazi gold scandal, it’s the novelty and adrenaline that keep her in this challenging industry. Send her tips at lschertzer@postmedia.com.
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