Local official calls police on residents seeking public government records

An official of a rural municipality outside Fredericton is facing charges after she called the RCMP on residents asking for public documents they were legally entitled to. Marjorie Turner, the chief administrative officer for Sunbury-York South, was scheduled to appear in Fredericton provincial court on Wednesday on two charges of violating the Local Governance Act, which police officials called “extremely rare.”

Turner, who was not present in court, has not yet responded to interview requests. Sunbury-York South, created under the province’s 2023 municipal amalgamations, includes Nasonworth, Rusagonis, Waasis, and Charters Settlement.

Mac Burns, a long-time resident of the community, became interested in the new council after they proposed building an $8 million municipal complex. After a public outcry, the council backed down on the project. Burns began investigating the municipality’s expenditures, specifically focusing on the proposed building’s land purchase and rental expenses for a temporary office.

Burns, along with another resident, Melissa Gillis, sought public documents to understand the council’s decisions. However, Turner attempted to have both residents banned from the municipal office. The RCMP were called on two separate occasions for disturbances, resulting in trespass notices being issued.

The charges Turner faces are for failing to provide documents required for examination by members of the public. The RCMP, while confirming the incidents at the municipal office, stated that charges under the Local Governance Act are rare. Turner faces a maximum fine of $5,200 for the violations.

Aside from the charges, Burns’ investigation revealed questionable expenses made by the municipality, including purchases at Costco and Amazon. The receipts showed office supplies along with items like cheese, pickles, and food court meals. Some Amazon purchases were addressed to Turner, raising concerns about the lack of oversight in the municipality’s spending.

Mayor David Hayward stood by the staff and council, acknowledging the need for a new spending policy to prevent unauthorized expenses. While he emphasized that there were no nefarious intentions, he recognized the importance of accountability.

Retired RCMP staff sergeant Gilles Blinn, a resident of the community, expressed concerns about the lack of accountability and citizens’ rights to public information. Blinn highlighted the rarity of charges under the Local Governance Act and stressed the importance of providing requested information to residents.

In conclusion, the incident involving the rural municipality’s CAO has sparked discussions about transparency, accountability, and proper governance. As the legal proceedings continue, residents are hopeful for a resolution that ensures compliance with the Local Governance Act and upholds the principles of open government.