Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster expects allegations of threats made by a Clarington Councillor against a former – and perhaps prospective – mayoral candidate, will be properly investigated.
“I am aware of the serious allegations that have recently surfaced, and I trust that this matter will be appropriately investigated by the authorities,” said Mayor Foster in a statement issued yesterday.
“On August 28, I received a voicemail from Clarington councillor [full name]. [First name] directed me to stay out of next years mayoral race to allow her friend [full name] to run unencumbered. Miss [surname] made it clear that if I did not, she would come to my home, kill me, and sexually assault my wife, then sexually assault her again,” alleged the former mayoral candidate and a retired police officer.
“This matter has been reported to the police and I have every confidence that they will take appropriate action to protect my family and ensure accountability,” he said.
Foster said as mayor of Clarington, “I expect all members of council to act with the highest level of integrity, accountability and respect.
Concerning Trend of Toxic Behaviour: Foster
“There is a concerning trend of toxic behaviour in municipal politics happening in Clarington and across the province, undermining democracy and getting in the way of the important work we do to serve our communities,” he said.
Under Clarington’s Council Code of Conduct, members of Council are required to treat all members of the public appropriately and without abuse, bullying or intimidation. “As elected officials, we must all be committed to upholding the principles of good governance and respectful discourse – because our community demands it,” said Mayor Foster.
Disturbing — But Sadly, Not Surprising: Lisa
Controversial Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson, described the issue as “disturbing — but sadly, not surprising to me.
“Here in Pickering, I have endured violent threats from a member of council, sexual harassment, abuse of power, bullying, and relentless intimidation simply for doing my job. And now, even before the kickoff of the 2026 municipal elections, a candidate in Clarington has received threats of murder and sexual violence meant to silence him. This is not politics. This is criminal. And it’s time the public knows just how deep the rot has spread in our local councils,” she said.
Roy Backs Strengthened Municipal Accountability Act
Recently, Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, facing issues with some members of her council, issued a call to implement a provincial bill (Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act) that would allow a two-thirds majority council vote to sack councillor(s).
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name or identify the accused as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.