The cost for Centre Wellington to have the integrity commissioner investigate Steven VanLeeuwen has come with an over $21,000 bill.
The investigation was done following VanLeeuwen joining the End the Lockdown caucus to see if he had violated the towns code of conduct which resulted in VanLeeuwen not violating the code.
Neil Dunsmore, who took over the role as Deputy Mayor says removing VanLeeuwen as Deputy Mayor was due to the role of Deputy Mayor should align the thinking of the Mayor.
Dunsmore adds there was no need for an investigation.
“I wasn’t concerned in anyway and I know the Mayor wasn’t concerned. I said to councilor VanLeeuwen after he would survive an integrity commissioners investigation because it’s his right.” said Dunsmore.
Councilor Bob Foster, satisfied with the report requested VanLeeuwen be returned to his role as Deputy Mayor.
“I second councilors Kitris’ motion that some members should apologize to VanLeeuwen. I think we need to do more than an apology. We need to right a wrong here. Steve should never should have been removed as Deputy Mayor.” said Foster.
Councilor Foster added it was money well spent in the name of fairness and justice.
Mayor Kelly Linton did not approve the return as VanLeeuwen as Deputy Mayor.
The decision to have VanLeeuwen removed as Deputy Mayor whilst investigation rather than waiting on the report came on a split decision from council back in February.
