Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson used profanity while shouting down a councillor behind closed doors Wednesday night as reporters, town staff and citizens listened in disbelief.
Jackson called an impromptu recess during the council meeting and went into a backroom with Coun. Bill Pring. A few seconds later, Jackson’s voice could be heard booming over the council chambers’ PA system because he had forgotten to turn off a remote microphone attached to his shirt.
“Just you stay in that f ….ing chair and shut up,” Jackson shouted at Pring. “Don’t you ever do that again.”
Jackson was angry because Pring had attempted to pass a surprise motion that would have ousted the mayor from a team that would negotiate boundary adjustment issues.
As Jackson’s tirade continued behind closed doors, town CAO Larry Allison leaped out of his seat and darted into the backroom to warn the mayor that his microphone was still on.
Town staff and about six citizens in the council chambers at the time looked at one another in wide-eyed shock.
Regular council watchers Charles Reid and his son Bruce were appalled but somewhat amused by the surprising outburst.
“There is no excuse for that kind of language from a person who is supposed to be responsible, who wants to be called his worship” Charles said. “As far as I’m concerned he is done — finished.”
Bruce Reid said he was “shocked” when he heard the mayor yelling and swearing over the loud speakers.
“I come here for a little entertainment,” he said. “But it’s usually not this entertaining.”
Jackson and Pring stayed behind closed doors for about 10 minutes as staff, reporters and the public milled about shaking their heads and commenting on the bizarre episode.
When Jackson and Pring returned, the mayor was still clearly agitated and noticeably red-faced.
After council reconvened, Pring calmly offered an apology.
“My apologies to everyone for the statement I previously made,” Pring said.
Bruce Reid said he was astounded Pring apologized over his attempt to change the town’s negotiating committee.
“I thought the fact that Pring apologized was absurd,” Reid said. “If anyone should have apologized it should have been the mayor.”
Before the recess, Pring’s move to create a new team to negotiate with the province over servicing for Innisfil Heights appeared to come as a surprise to other councillors as well.
Pring suggested the committee be made up of Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope, Coun. Dan Davidson, planning director Robert McAuley and legal staff.
“This is extremely inappropriate,” Coun. Lynn Dollin said. “It shows a lack of respect for the mayor and the rest of the negotiating team.”
Jackson added: “It does show disrespect to the current negotiating committee and I hope those people please accept my personal apology. This was not necessary. It was totally uncalled for.”
The mayor added it is still unclear whether Innisfil politicians will be involved in face-to-face negotiations with provincial representatives over lingering boundary adjustment issues such as possible compensation for lands given to Barrie.
“We’re not really sure how this is going to unfold,” he said prior to chastising Pring behind closed doors. “It appears our CAO will be talking with the province and he will be reporting back to council.”
After Pring apologized, the council meeting continued.
“The tone of the meeting changed immediately,” Bruce Reid said. “Jackson just seemed to keep his head down looking at his papers.”
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