A current Centre Wellington councillor seeking reelection has clarified his decision to declare a conflict of interest after a local resident recently highlighted the issue.
In an Aug. 23 letter to the editor Elora resident Beverley Cairns noted Ward 1 councillor Don Fisher “has recused himself from all actions concerning the most pressing development in Elora” (the Elora Mill).
Cairns suggested the conflict, which impacts Fisher’s role as a councillor and member of the heritage committee, is “important to explore prior to voting” this fall.
However, in a response sent to the Advertiser, Fisher said the issue is pretty straightforward.
“As a property owner, with a business tenant, adjacent to the development, I am directly impacted,” Fisher wrote. “This triggers a conflict of interest, under the law, and I have followed the law in declaring conflicts when necessary.”
In his letter Fisher also stated it is important to remind residents “that under the zoning approved by the previous council, the project could not proceed without careful scrutiny and full review by the Heritage Advisory Committee.”
Fisher stressed that council “agreed with all of the committee’s recommendations,” and expressed his support for the project based on “the heritage and economic benefits it brings.”
He suggested he will not have a conflict when the focus of the project shifts to the south side of the river.
