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09 | 13 | 2014 VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 37
GOING PLACES WHERE THE HELP IS NEEDED LIVING HERE PAGE 29
COMMENT PAGE 8
WOOLWICH MAYOR IS HIS OWN WORST ENEMY
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Police asked to investigate Cowan’s expense claims After review by township and region, Woolwich mayor admits to double reimbursement, repays $2,700 STEVE KANNON A police investigation is pending after a review found Woolwich Mayor Todd Cowan submitted expense claims resulting in a double reimbursement of more than $2,700.
Expenses related to conferences, mileage and meals charged on the mayor’s township credit card were also filed with the Region of Waterloo. Cowan serves as Woolwich’s representative on regional council.
Both municipalities have taken steps to prevent a doubling up of expense claims in the future. A review began in July when a citizen got Cowan’s expense records from the region at the end of June, submitted a request under
freedom of information legislation for the mayor’s township expenses and then supplied the township with the region’s records. An internal review by both municipalities was followed by an external investigation led by municipal
law expert John Mascarin of the firm of Aird & Berlis LLP. Cowan paid back a total of $2,770.68 in August, calling the issue a mistake based on his own poor accounting. At a special meeting
Monday night, Woolwich council voted to ask police to investigate the mayor’s expenses. Both Cowan and Coun. Bonnie Bryant, challenging Cowan in next month’s election, voted in COWAN | 6
Use of private driveways the latest school drop-off issue Park Manor neighbours see parents disobeying all kinds of rules as they drive their kids to the Elmira school WHITNEY NEILSON
The 161st Wellesley-North Easthope Fall Fair was filled with the screams of children on wild rides, exotic animals, prized livestock, scarecrows, and the parade on September 10. [WHITNEY NEILSON / THE OBSERVER]
It’s one thing to turn around in a driveway when you’re lost out in the country, but to make it part of your morning drop-off routine is a whole other story. Lauren Perfect’s mother lives across from Park Manor Public School and every morning without fail, parents will pull into her driveway and let their kids get out. Even when she’s
placed her garbage can in the middle of the driveway to deter people, they just drive over it. Park Manor has designated drop-off spots across the street from the school because parents aren’t allowed to drop them off in the parking lot anymore. Perfect said no-stopping signs and no U-turns go ignored. PARK MANOR | 2