A Chatham-Kent councillor who had her pay suspended for three months in 2023 but won her appeal could have her pay docked for two months if council decides to move forward with a recommendation from the municipality's former Integrity Commissioner.
Mary Ellen Bench is recommending that Rhonda Jubenville be docked two months' pay for breaching Section 15 of the Code of Conduct, failing to treat members of the public, other councillors, and staff in a civilized manner without abuse, bullying, and intimidation.
Bench said Jubenville continues to defend her conduct, adding that the findings of a breach were upheld by the Divisional Court and are final.
"It is apparent from Councillor Jubenville’s response that she continues to dispute the breach and does not appear to accept the findings of the Divisional Court," said Bench. "She defends her text exchange with a private citizen in which she lashed out at the individual. In her response to my request for her submissions on penalty, Councillor Jubenville is critical of this citizen calling her conduct “harsh, hurtful, and slanderous” and notes “we eventually resolved our differences and misunderstandings.”
A Judicial Review cleared Jubenville of all other findings stemming from public complaints about her controversial social media posts over her failed motion to only fly government flags at municipal buildings and drop the Pride Flag and others that don't meet the criteria. However, the Judicial Review still found that Jubenville may receive a new penalty for breaching Section 15 of the Code of Conduct.
Jubenville said she'll appeal the latest recommendation for pay suspension, adding that she doesn't know of any interactions with colleagues, staff, or members of the public where a breach of Section 15 can be perceived.
"I do not believe that I have breached Section 15 of Chatham-Kent’s previous Municipal Council Code of Conduct. I did not bully, abuse, or intimidate any of my colleagues, staff, or members of the public. I did not treat anyone in an uncivilized, discriminatory, or harassing manner," said Jubenville. "I have always and will always remain kind, open, and respectful to people whether I agree with them or not. As a member of a Municipal Council, I am not expected to always agree with all persons."
Jubenville also noted that her suspended pay still hasn't been reimbursed and she hasn't received the $20,000 in legal costs from the municipality awarded in the Judicial Review ruling in July.
A council decision is expected at the December 1 meeting.
