The CSI-style wall created in an office washroom of the mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville was “vexatious” and “disturbing to staff” and amounted to a “serious incident of workplace harassment,” an ethics probe has found.In a highly anticipated report released Friday afternoon, integrity commissioner Suzanne Craig’s findings allege Justin Altmann’s “creepy” wall made up of photos of staff, colleagues and members of the public connected by black lines, impacted the work environment, and his behaviour toward staff interfered with their ability to do their jobs. “The respondent’s conduct in developing the wall created and contributed to an intimidating work environment for the complainant and other employees,” Craig wrote in her 30-page report. “I find that the respondent’s creation of the wall was discreditable conduct that fell below the decorum expected of his office,” she wrote. However, Craig also wrote that Altmann “demonstrated an error in judgment” and not a willful desire to cause harm or breach the town’s code of conduct. Moreover, Craig wrote that his conduct was misplaced but was not carried out in bad faith.Read more:Stouffville mayor asks for community support as investigation into his CSI-style wall nears its endHere’s who’s who on Stouffville mayor’s creepy washroom wall of photosStouffville residents raise alarm over ‘CSI-style’ wallCraig, who will present the report to council on Tuesday, has asked council to consider other penalties: asking Altmann for a formal apology; reprimanding Altmann; including an admonition to interact respectfully with staff; using town offices and facilities appropriately, and suspending his pay for 30 days. The maximum penalty under the Municipal Act is to dock an elected official three months’ pay. In the report, Altmann said the “purpose of photos and the display on ...
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