Another Pickering regional councillor – Bill McLean of Ward 2 – is under fire for being away in Costa Rica.
This follows the quitting of Kevin Ashe, as the city’s Deputy Mayor and chair of Durham Regional Police Service Board, following a visit to the Bahamas at a time Canadians are being urged to avoid non-essential travel.
In contrast, McLean claims his trip to Costa Rica is essential.
“While I personally deemed this trip essential, I can clearly see your concerns. I have heard from Durham residents, many of whom are supportive of me as your Councillor, but disappointed in my decision to travel,” he said in an open letter to residents of Durham Region and Pickering.
“You have been made aware that I am currently in Costa Rica. My intent was never to hide this fact and I want to take this opportunity to explain my decision to travel and express my apologies and regret for the unnecessary distractions to our council and the residents of Durham,” said McLean pointing out that “My career as an elected official of more than twenty years has been spent serving the public interest.
“On December 27th, my wife and I travelled to Costa Rica to finalize the construction of our eventual retirement home. Since the pandemic began last March, we postponed a couple of trips and managed to get things done from afar. In November, I found myself in a position where it was becoming critical to be on site to finalize our project. I made the decision to book our travel. This was prior to the province-wide shut down that was announced to take effect on December 26th,” he explained.
“I made sure to have the proper infrastructure in place so that I could continue to serve my constituents and actively participate in council meetings for the duration of my travel. I share these details not as an excuse, but instead to present the facts that led to my decision making.
“I take the concerns of my constituents and colleagues to heart and recognize their disappointment in my decision. I am committed to rebuilding your trust by continuing to serve our community as I have in the past,” said McLean.
David Pickles replaces Ashe as Deputy Mayor
On January 28, Kevin Ashe notified council and the City Clerk of his decision to step down as Deputy Mayor of Pickering. Ashe will continue in his role of Regional Councillor, Ward 1.
“On behalf of council, I thank Kevin for his contributions as Deputy Mayor, and for the outstanding job he did in filling in as mayor for an extended period in 2020. Council appreciates this was a difficult decision for Kevin and one he did not make lightly,” said Mayor Dave Ryan. “I am confident that Kevin will continue to serve the constituents of Pickering in his role as Regional Councillor with the unwavering commitment and dedication he has demonstrated since he was first elected to Council in 2003.”
As per Resolution 259/20, adopted by City Council on March 18, 2020, David Pickles, Regional Councillor, Ward 3, will assume the role of Deputy Mayor effective immediately.
Thanks for the support – Kevin Ashe
Earlier Kevin Ashe, while announcing his decision to step down as Deputy Mayor, thanked the people of Pickering for all of their support and understanding for my family over the last two and a half years following the loss of our incredible son Alex to suicide. It is a profound pain that will never go away for me, my wife Karen, and our daughter Keara.
“It is well known that over the Christmas break, Karen and I went overseas to visit Alex’s ashes and deal with our ongoing grief. In making this decision, I believed it was a necessary one for the mental well-being of our family. But I am also aware of how this appears, recognizing that we have all been urged to stay home in an effort to contain Covid-19.
“Last week I chose not to continue as Chair of the Police Services Board for Durham Region, because I did not want to be a distraction to the great and necessary work of the board. Today, my motivation is the same. There is much we need to achieve as a council and a city as we look to strengthen our battered economy and create much-needed jobs for our residents. I do not want questions about my trip to detract from this vital work. To the myor and my fellow councillors, you have my apology as well as my gratitude for your steadfast support of both my family and me.
“Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day, which brings the issue of mental health to the forefront. I know all too well the need for people to be able to speak up about their own challenges. I am open about mine and Karen’s, because I think people need to see it’s ok to be vulnerable; it’s ok to grieve; and it’s ok to need help. We certainly have, and do.
“I also recognize that the pandemic and resulting social isolation have negatively impacted the mental health of many in our community. And as such, I fully accept the criticism of myself and my efforts to heal abroad, because your struggles over the past year, as well as your efforts to stay safe at home are not lost on me. I have heard you. I acknowledge your feelings of frustration and anger; and I am truly sorry for my actions.
“I intend to continue to serve the people of Ward 1 as Regional Councillor. I will work hard to prove that my judgement and commitment to the betterment of Pickering and Durham Region remains strong and focused on the right things. I will work hard to regain and maintain your trust. Thank you to all those who have and continue to support my family and me. I will not let you down,” said Ashe.
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Pickering deputy mayor, Kevin Ashe steps down following Bahamas trip