Justin Altmann, mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville, has assembled a wall of photos in his office bathroom that features "past and present council members, political rivals, town employees, and even residents who take an interest in local government that was discovered in his office washroom." The photo of a woman who runs a Facebook page on local politics is also included, as is one of a Toronto Star reporter. The mayor says this is to help him "get to the bottom of what he describes as a nasty smear campaign against him." He says he's endured "very, very monstrous" harassment and bullying since his election in 2014. He's received multiple "nasty letters of hatred" and unflattering information about him has been circulated to businesses, residents, and other politicians. He also says he's been followed, he and his family and supporters receive harassing phone calls, and his tires were deflated.
In March a municipal employee discovered the photo wall. The mayor says he is shedding tears of relief that this is under investigation by the integrity commissioner "because I have had no means to tell my story.” (When will the cruel and terrible silencing of political leaders end?)
Interestingly, staff turnover has been high since Altmann's election, with 42 staffing changes (our of staff of 470). Four city managers and four human resource managers (including the one hired to find a solution to the staffing crisis) have left or been dismissed. Here's what one CAO wrote when he resigned: “I won’t accept aggressive behaviour or threats of being sued/harassment charges on the phone,” the letter reads. “It’s very disappointing that this is what staff have to endure at the municipal offices.”
Prior to this, Altmann received some media attention for inviting the entire town to his wedding.
http://www.cbc.ca/ne...hroom-1.4193731
https://www.thestar....-of-photos.html
https://www.yorkregi...-s-resignation/