City councillors in Brantford voted Tuesday to suspend the pay of Ward 4 Coun. Richard Carpenter for 30 days after he was found to have violated the municipality’s code of conduct.
The sanction, approved in a 6-4 vote at a Dec. 17 meeting, stems from Carpenter’s disclosure of confidential information during a June 25 council session.
The breach occurred during a debate over the future of city-owned homes in the Park Road South–Lynnwood Drive area. Councillors were weighing whether to sell the homes over a two- to three-year period or as they became vacant. Residents had expressed fears of eviction if the homes were put on the market.
During the discussion, Carpenter revealed that city plans to sell the properties had been in place as early as April 2023. He also disclosed fellow councillor Rose Sicoli’s position on a resolution discussed during an in-camera session.
The council ultimately decided to sell the homes as they became vacant. Sicoli later filed a formal complaint, which was investigated by the city’s integrity commissioner, Jeffrey Shapiro. He concluded that Carpenter had violated the city’s confidentiality rules and recommended a formal reprimand.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Sicoli said her decision to file the complaint came after careful reflection. The council, however, opted for the stronger measure of a pay suspension, which will begin on Jan. 1, 2025, costing Carpenter roughly $3,000.
Mayor Davis supported the penalty, arguing that a reprimand alone would not serve as a sufficient deterrent.
Carpenter, who was barred from voting on the matter, addressed the council before the decision, apologizing for his actions and explaining his intentions. He said he had been motivated by concern for his constituents, some of whom he feared could face homelessness if evicted.
In his closing remarks, Carpenter reflected on the holiday season, calling for compassion and understanding and he did not return to the meeting following the vote.
Those voting in favor of the suspension included Davis, Sicoli, Caputo, John Sless, Dan McCreary, and Martin. Opposing the measure were Sullivan, Linda Hunt, Brian Van Tilborg, and Mandy Samwell.
