Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland left a special council meeting Thursday after council voted to enter a closed session to discuss a letter he had written calling for stronger enforcement of trespassing laws.
The letter, sent in the early hours of June 27, called for aggressive action under new provincial legislation. During the meeting, Cleveland stated he would only take part in the discussion if it remained open to the public. He opposed the closed session, calling it unnecessary and saying the people of Cobourg deserved to hear the conversation.
Cleveland was joined by Councillor Brian Darling in voting against the closed session. Both their seats were vacant as council reconvened in open session about 90 minutes later; however, Darling has since confirmed he did participate in the closed session.
The rest of council passed a motion reaffirming its commitment to community safety, collaboration with the Cobourg Police Service, and support for the mayor’s initiatives through formal decisions of council. The statement noted the mayor did not participate in the closed session discussion.
Council says it remains committed to working with community partners and other levels of government to ensure safety for all residents in Cobourg.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
